Javier Dorado Bielsa, the former Real Madrid player, has passed away at the young age of 48 after a long battle with leukemia. Born on February 17, 1977, in Talavera de la Reina, Spain, he played for several clubs during his football career, including Real Madrid, RCD Mallorca, Sporting Gijón, and Rayo Vallecano. His death came on February 27, 2025, as he succumbed to the illness he had been fighting since 2022.
Dorado is remembered for his time as a left-back at Real Madrid, where he made his debut under manager Vicente del Bosque. He was part of the squad when the team won the UEFA Champions League title against Valencia in 2000, marking one of the high points of his professional career. Over his career, he played 308 total matches, with 16 of those appearances being at the Primera División level.
His footballing roots trace back to Madrid's famed youth system. After debuting for Real, where he made 7 official appearances, he spent time on loan at Salamanca and Sporting before transferring to Rayo Vallecano. Eventually, he returned to the top flight, signing with RCD Mallorca, where he played for several seasons before retiring for good with Atlético Baleares in 2012.
Despite the sport's exhilarating highs, Dorado faced personal challenges after leaving professional football. Diagnosed with leukemia approximately three years ago, Dorado experienced multiple relapses and underwent extensive treatment. His sister donated bone marrow during this tough period, providing hope for his recovery. The procedure was one of his last efforts to overcome the disease.
Reflecting on his illness, Dorado stated, "My goal is to live day by day, feel good, and enjoy every moment." This perspective highlighted his desire to embrace life amid the uncertainty posed by his health challenges.
The football community has expressed deep condolences following the news of his passing. RCD Mallorca, one of his former clubs, tweeted, "We deeply regret the loss of Javier Dorado, former player of the club," sharing their heartfelt thoughts as fans mourn the loss of such a beloved figure. The Real Madrid C.F. also released a statement, saying, "The Real Madrid C.F. deeply regrets the passing of Javier Dorado, expressing condolences and affection to his family, friends, and all clubs he was part of during his career."
Javier Dorado's legacy extends beyond his playing days—his personal fight against leukemia has inspired many, demonstrating resilience and courage. He leaves behind three children, who now carry forward his spirit. His struggles with illness and ultimate passing remind us of the human fragility even among those who once graced the football fields with passion and great skill.
Football fans, especially those from Mallorca and Madrid, will continue to cherish the memories of Dorado’s contributions to their beloved sport. His dedication on and off the field, paired with his strong spirit during his battle, serves as both a poignant reminder of life's challenges and the community's power to come together and support one another.