Legendary Goalkeeper Villiam Vecchi Passes Away at 73: A Tribute to an AC Milan & Real Madrid Icon
Breaking News: Football mourns the loss of a true goalkeeping legend.
Villiam Vecchi, the former AC Milan shot-stopper and Real Madrid goalkeeping coach, sadly passed away at the age of 73 on Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022.
A Storied Career Between the Posts
Vecchi began his journey with AC Milan, where he debuted in 1967 after progressing through the club’s academy.
During his seven seasons with the Rossoneri, he helped secure:
1 Serie A title
1 Coppa Italia
2 Cup Winners’ Cups
1 Supercoppa Italiana
1 Intercontinental Cup
He earned the nickname ‘Hero of Thessaloniki’ following his outstanding performance in the 1973 Cup Winners’ Cup final against Leeds United — a match etched into Milan folklore.
From Player to Iconic Goalkeeping Coach
After retiring from playing, Vecchi transitioned into coaching, where he continued making history:
Worked with elite Italian clubs including AC Milan, Reggiana, Parma, and Juventus
Joined Real Madrid in 2013 as part of Carlo Ancelotti’s staff
At Madrid, Vecchi played a crucial role during the historic La Decima season (2013–2014), where he helped mediate the tense goalkeeping situation between Iker Casillas and Diego López.
Under his formula — López in LaLiga, Casillas in cup competitions — Real Madrid claimed both the Copa del Rey and their 10th UEFA Champions League title while narrowly missing out on the La Liga title.
He also worked closely with Keylor Navas in the 2014/15 campaign, earning deep respect from the locker room.
Real Madrid’s Official Statement
In tribute to Vecchi, Real Madrid C.F. released an emotional statement:
“Real Madrid C.F., its President, and the Board of Directors are deeply saddened by the passing of Villiam Vecchi, Real Madrid’s goalkeeper coach from 2013 to 2015.
We express our condolences and send love and sympathy to his family, teammates, and clubs.
During his two seasons with Carlo Ancelotti, Villiam Vecchi won:
🏆 1 UEFA Champions League
🏆 1 Club World Cup
🏆 1 European Super Cup
🏆 1 Copa del Rey”
Final Whistle for a Legend
Villiam Vecchi wasn’t just a great goalkeeper — he was a visionary coach and a stabilizing force during some of football’s most high-pressure moments.
Both AC Milan and Real Madrid owe parts of their legacy to him.
His influence will continue to echo through the players he coached and the fans who watched him perform with unwavering passion.
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