After battling illness for seven years, retired football player Javier Dorado passed away on Thursday, February 28.

 Dorado, a left-back who progressed through Real Madrid’s development system, was a member of the team that won the 1999–2000 UEFA Champions League.  Along the way, he played for Real Mallorca, Rayo Vallecano, Sporting Gijón, Salamanca, and Atlético Baleares, where he ended his career in 2012.

Dorado’s unrelenting battle with leukemia has consumed his life in recent years.  After being diagnosed with the condition about six years ago, he experienced multiple relapses.  He was admitted to Son Espases University Hospital in April 2024 while awaiting a bone marrow transplant, according to a source.  His sister’s donation of this transplant was a ray of hope that would put an end to his fourth relapse.

“Whether or not I know them, I always reach out to offer my support when I hear about someone in my circle who has leukemia.  I would have valued advice from someone who had experienced it firsthand, as I had no idea what lay ahead after receiving my diagnosis.  In remarks after his June 2024 operation, he said, “It would have helped clear some uncertainty and instilled confidence.”  Dorado, a father of three, continued, “I want to feel good, enjoy every moment, and take life one day at a time.”