Unforgettable tribute to Guillermo Blanes

Guillermo Blanes experienced a deeply emotional and unforgettable evening at the UD Almería Stadium, where he was honoured by the Club’s veterans in front of around 7,000 fans, family members, friends, institutional representatives and legendary figures of Spanish football.

The tribute, organised by the UD Almería veterans, will live long in the memory not only of Blanes himself, founder of CF Almería and co-founder of UD Almería, but also of everyone who cherishes the history of football in Almería. It was a night filled with reunions, affection and recognition for a man whose legacy is inseparable from the city’s sporting identity.

Accompanied by his grandchildren, Guillermo Blanes stepped onto the pitch to perform the honorary kick-off of the friendly match between the UD Almería veterans and the FC Barcelona veterans, a symbolic moment that set the tone for an evening charged with emotion.

Prior to the match, Mr Blanes received tributes from numerous authorities, including Almería mayoress María del Mar Vázquez; the president of the Provincial Council, José Antonio García; the regional government delegate, Aránzazu Martín and the mayor of Roquetas de Mar, Gabriel Amat. He was also honoured by the city’s oldest fan clubs and of course by representatives of both teams.

FC Barcelona veterans, led by their president and club legend Juan Manuel Asensi, presented Mr Blanes with a commemorative plaque and a blue-and-red Barça shirt bearing his name. Among the former Barça players in attendance were Roberto, Urbano, Clotet and Esteban Vigo, the latter having coached UD Almería during both the CF and UD Almería eras.

From UD Almería veterans, former players signed a jersey that was presented to Guillermo Blanes by Luis Malpica, coordinator of the Almería veterans. On the pitch, CF Almería was represented by Gualda, Miranda, Raúl Sánchez, Álex Hita, Portillo, Manolo Sousa, Rubén Gallardo and Paco Luna. They were joined by UD Almería veterans such as Gorri, Kalu Uche, Jonathan Zongo, Chuli, Mané, Chico Flores, Aleix Vidal and Pablo Piatti. Jorge Peralta and Esteban Navarro were also present, both of whom, like Paco Luna, defended the colours of CF Almería and UD Almería.

Each name evoked memories of landmark moments in Almería football, perfectly in keeping with the spirit of the tribute. The former UD Almería president expressed his gratitude to the current Club directors 'for opening the doors of the UD Almería Stadium to us,' highlighting the venue as the ideal setting for such a special occasion. Club’s managing director Mohamed El Assy was also in attendance, showing his admiration and respect for Guillermo Blanes from the stands.

Beyond the sporting celebration, the event had a strong charitable focus. Proceeds from the tribute were donated to the Almería Association of Children with Cancer (ARGAR), the ASTEA Autism Association, Casa de Acogida Nazaret and the Poco Frecuente Foundation.

On the sporting side, the friendly ended in a 1–1 draw. Mané put the UD Almería veterans ahead in the first half, while Jordi equalised for FC Barcelona in the second period, bringing the match to a fitting close on a night where the result mattered far less than the emotion, memory and gratitude shared by all.