On a sad day for Spanish football, Atletico Madrid officially announced the death of their immortal legend Enrique Collar at the age of 91, bringing to a close the life of one of the most prominent players to have worn the "Rojiblancos" jersey throughout history.
Kolar's departure came after a long battle with illness, leaving behind an unforgettable sporting legacy and a golden career that helped shape the identity of the Madrid club during the middle of the last century.
Club statement and mourning period
The Madrid club issued a heartfelt statement mourning its legendary captain, which read: “Atlético de Madrid is in deep mourning following the passing of one of our greatest legends, Enrique Collar. The Atlético de Madrid family has lost a great icon who gave his all to lead the club to the pinnacle of Spanish and European football.” The club confirmed that the CEO, the board of directors, and all employees stand with the family of the deceased during this difficult time.
The golden era of the sixties and "The Hellish Wing"
Enrique Collar was more than just a fleeting player in Atlético Madrid's history; he was a cornerstone of the club's golden era during the 1950s and 60s. Known for his blistering pace and skill on the left wing, Collar formed a formidable partnership with Joaquín Berru, nicknamed "Ala Infernal" (The Infernal). This generation led Atlético Madrid to challenge the dominance of their city rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona, winning one La Liga title and three Copa del Rey trophies (then known as the General's Cup).
First European Glory
Kolar's career holds particular international significance, as he captained the team that secured Atlético Madrid's first ever continental title, winning the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1962 after defeating Italian side Fiorentina in the final. This achievement put the club on the European map and paved the way for subsequent generations to compete on the international stage.
Record-breaking numbers and an international career
Kolar holds a record that will be difficult to break, having worn the captain's armband for 10 consecutive years (1960-1969), reflecting his strong leadership qualities and influence in the dressing room. The "Great Captain" made 470 official appearances for the club, scoring 105 goals, placing him fifth on the list of players with the most appearances in the club's history, tied with the modern French star Antoine Griezmann, thus linking the greatness of the past with the brilliance of the present.
On the international level, Collar represented the Spanish national team in 16 international matches, and was part of the "La Roja" squad in the 1962 World Cup in Chile. During his international career, he scored 4 goals, immortalizing his name as one of the most prominent wingers in the history of Spanish football.
