Liverpool have paid tribute to former goalkeeper coach Jose Manuel Ochotorena following his death.
It was announced in Spain on Monday morning that Ochotorena had passed away aged 64.
Ochotorena previously spent three years as Liverpool’s goalkeeping coach between 2004-07, during the Anfield reign of compatriot Rafael Benitez, winning the Champions League and FA Cup.
He returned to former club Valencia in 2007 after the Reds appointed Xavi Valero, who was re-hired on Merseyside this summer as head of first-team goalkeeper coaching.
In addition to Valencia, Ochotorena also previously served as a long-time goalkeeping coach for Spain and was part of the group that won three successive major tournaments in 2008, 2010 and 2012.
As a player, he began his career at Real Madrid and spent six seasons there, winning a glut of major silverware including three LaLiga titles and two UEFA Cups.
Ochotorena later spent four years as a goalkeeper at Valencia and also represented Tenerife, Logrones and Racing Santander before retiring in 1998. He also played for Spain and was part of the squad for the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
He joined Valencia’s coaching staff in 2001 under Benitez and remained there for more than two decades, aside from his stint at Liverpool.
Valencia held a minute’s silence for Ochotorena before their latest training session on Monday, with head coach Carlos Corberan holding a shirt with his name on the back before paying his own tribute during a press conference held before Tuesday’s Copa del Rey trip to UD Maracena.
Liverpool FC is saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper coach Jose Manuel Ochotorena.https://t.co/7KBgwkF6Aa pic.twitter.com/pqPSRBcQq0
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 27, 2025
“Liverpool FC is saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper coach Jose Manuel Ochotorena,” Liverpool said in a statement.
“It was announced today that Ochotorena has died at the age of 64.
“Ochotorena spent three years at Anfield after arriving with Rafael Benitez – with whom he had worked at Valencia – at the start of the Spaniard’s tenure as manager in the summer of 2004.
“During his time with the Reds, the club won the Champions League in 2005 and FA Cup in 2006, and also reached another Champions League final in 2007.
“After leaving Liverpool, Ochotorena rejoined the staff at Valencia, which he combined with duties as goalkeeper coach for the Spain national team.
“He was part of the backroom staff during an unprecedented era of success that saw Spain lift back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012, as well as the World Cup in 2010.
“He left his position with Spain in 2021 but continued to work at Valencia, for whom he also made more than 100 appearances as a player after joining from first club Real Madrid in 1988.
“Born in San Sebastian, Ochotorena came through the youth ranks at Real and was part of the senior squad between 1982 and 1988, winning three La Liga titles, two UEFA Cups and one Copa de la Liga.
“During his playing career, Ochotorena was also a goalkeeper for Tenerife, Racing Santander and Logrones, and won one senior international cap with Spain.
“The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool FC are with Jose Manuel’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
🎥 This is how the respectful minute of silence was held by players, coaching staff, and Club employees in memory of José Manuel Ochotorena before the Valencia CF first team training session.
— Valencia CF (@valenciacf_en) October 27, 2025
➡️ @VCF_Femenino and VCF Mestalla also joined in the minute of silence
Valencia wrote: “From Valencia CF, we deeply regret the passing of José Manuel Ochotorena, a Legend of our Club and a reference in Spanish football.
“An iconic VCF goalkeeper, where he won the Zamora Trophy. As a goalkeeping coach, he continued to build his legacy and leave an everlasting mark. In this role, he also became European and World Champion with the Spanish national team.
“Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. We are going to miss you so much.”
Valencia captain Jose Gaya said: “It’s a very sad and hard day for everyone. Ochotorena has always been with us, especially in my case - since I joined the first team I have been with him and he has always helped me a lot, both me and Valencia CF in general.
“He has always been very involved and wanting the best for everyone. He has worked a lot in silence. He has always tried to help both the coaching staff and the players.
“I have no words. We are very sad. He was always attentive to Valencia CF, to his team, and that says a lot about him. That in such complicated moments he was focused on football is something that makes us all reflect.
“We will fight for him. I want to send a very big hug to all his family, friends, and the Valencian community. We also have Andoni - his son - who joined a few years ago, and I also want to send him a big hug because he is here with us every day, and he is an amazing guy.”
La @rfef desea mostrar su más sentido pésame a los familiares y amigos de José Manuel Ochotorena.
— RFEF (@rfef) October 27, 2025
El mítico guardameta, muy querido por la familia de la @SEFutbol, fue campeón del mundo y de Europa como preparador de porteros con Luis Aragonés y Vicente del Bosque.
Descansa en… pic.twitter.com/JROy7LOHGA
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also paid tribute to Ochotorena, writing on social media: “The @rfef wishes to express its deepest condolences to the family and friends of José Manuel Ochotorena.
“The legendary goalkeeper, greatly beloved by the @SEFutbol family, was a world and European champion as a goalkeeping coach with Luis Aragonés and Vicente del Bosque. Rest in peace, "Ochoto".
Official Announcement: José Manuel Ochotorena passes away.
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) October 27, 2025
🔗 https://t.co/qoGCiz5rfh pic.twitter.com/MWhuJhYcI3
Real Madrid’s statement read: “Real Madrid C. F., its president and Board of Directors are deeply saddened by the death of José Manuel Ochotorena, one of our club's legendary goalkeepers.
“Real Madrid extends its condolences and affection to his family, his teammates and all his loved ones, as well as to all clubs where he played.
“Ochotorena wore the Real Madrid jersey for 6 seasons, from 1982 until 1988, during which time he won 2 UEFA Cups, 3 LaLiga titles and 1 Copa de la Liga.
“As well as his time at Real Madrid, he played for Valencia, Tenerife, Logroñés and Racing de Santander. While at Valencia, he won the Zamora Trophy in the 1989-1990 campaign.
“He was also part of the Spanish National Team at the Italia 1990 World Cup.
“Ochotorena later enjoyed a successful spell as a goalkeeper coach, at clubs including Valencia and Liverpool, as well as for the Spanish National Team (2004-2021), when he won 1 World Cup and 2 European Cups.
“José Manuel Ochotorena has passed away at 64 years of age. Real Madrid extends its condolences to all madridismo. May he rest in peace.”
