 |
Vicente CalderonSpanish businessman, president of the football club Atletico Madrid
Date of Birth: 27.05.1913
Country:  Spain |
Content:
- Early Life
- Atlético Madrid Presidency
- Resignation and Reappointment
- Death and Legacy
- Four La Liga titles (1965/66, 1969/70, 1972/73, 1976/77)
Vicente Calderón: The Life and Legacy of the Atlético Madrid President
Early Life
Vicente Calderón was born in the Spanish town of Torrelavega, Cantabria. After being orphaned at the age of 20, he embarked on a series of odd jobs, never staying in one position for an extended period. Through sheer hard work, he eventually found success in business. His career primarily took place in Madrid, but he also had significant ties to the Valencian city of Gandia, where he ultimately requested to be buried.
Atlético Madrid Presidency
On January 21, 1964, Atlético Madrid's then-president, Javier Barroso, resigned, leaving the club in severe sporting and financial crisis. Vicente Calderón stepped into the role of caretaker president, and on March 17 of the same year, he was elected president.
The new president quickly rectified the economic woes that had halted the construction of the club's new stadium. Within two years, Atlético Madrid completed the stadium, which was named Manzanares and opened to fans in 1966. Shortly after, in gratitude to the president, the stadium was renamed in his honor to "Vicente Calderón".
Under President Calderón's leadership, Atlético Madrid entered an era of economic stability and athletic success.
Resignation and Reappointment
On June 16, 1980, Vicente Calderón resigned, and the club entered a period of turmoil, sparked by disputes between president Alfonso Cabeza and three vice presidents. In a turn of events, Atlético Madrid found themselves reappointing Vicente Calderón as their president on July 23, 1982.
Calderón's second term as president was not as successful as his first, but the club did manage to win the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España in 1985 and reach the final of the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1986.
Death and Legacy
In 1987, Calderón's health deteriorated, and he suffered a fatal heart attack while still serving as president.
During Calderón's tenure, Atlético Madrid achieved the following titles:
Four La Liga titles (1965/66, 1969/70, 1972/73, 1976/77)
Four Copa del Rey titles (1965, 1972, 1976, 1985)One Intercontinental Cup (1974)
