Former Barcelona and Inter Milan midfielder Luis Suarez (not to be confused with Uruguay’s Luiz Suarez), the only Spanish-born men’s footballer to have won the Ballon d’Or, has died at the age of 88, the two clubs said on Sunday.
Suarez, who joined Barca in 1955, won the Ballon d’Or, soccer’s most prestigious individual trophy, after claiming a league and cup double with the Catalan side in 1959.
He also won 32 caps for Spain and was part of the squad which won the European Championship in 1964.
“Luis Suarez Miramontes died this Sunday in Milan at the age of 88,” Barcelona said in a statement.
“Affectionately known as ‘Luisito’, he is considered by everyone to be one of the best players in the history of Spanish football, as well as being a key part of Barca in the second half of the 1950s.