Manolo “El Del Bombo” is no longer. The famous supporter of Spain died at the age of 76 at the Vila-Real hospital this Thursday. He had been admitted a few days before for respiratory failure. Manolo was a legend among Spanish fans, recognized for his unwavering passion for the national team and for his emblematic role of supporting with his famous big drinking.
This faithful supporter had accompanied the Roja for almost five decades, assistant to each major international competition. Manolo was present at ten World Cups, from 1982 to 2018, as well as eight final phases of the Euro. He was one of the most recognizable faces of the stands, his big cash resonant at every key moment in the matches of Spain.
“One of our most loyal supporters”
Manolo's last match in the stands of Mestalla in Valence dates from March 23, during the victory of Spain against the Netherlands in the quarter-final return of the League of Nations. It was an unforgettable encounter, not only for the intensity of the game but also for the presence of Manolo, who had never stopped encouraging Roja, even after his absence from Qatar.
The news of his death caused a wave of emotion across Spain, especially among the former players, club leaders and members of the Spanish football federation (RFEF). On social networks, the RFEF praised its devotion and its unwavering loyalty to the national team:
“One of our most loyal supporters, who has always accompanied us in good and bad times, has just disappeared. We know that you will continue to make our hearts resonate. Rest in peace, Manolo “.
Manolo “El Del Bombo” will forever remain an emblematic figure of unfailing support for Roja, his passion and his enthusiasm having forever marked the history of Spanish football. His absence will leave an immense void in the hearts of supporters, but his heritage will live through the many generations of fans he has inspired.
