Share

Vilanova loses cancer battle

Barcelona - Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova died on Friday at the age of 45 after a long fight with cancer, the club announced, plunging the sporting world into mourning.

Vilanova lost his battle with a cancer of the salivary gland that was diagnosed more than two years ago, forcing him to step down as Barcelona boss last July.

"FC Barcelona is sad to inform that Francesc 'Tito' Vilanova Bayo has passed away today at the age of 45," Barcelona said in a statement.

"The death of our former coach came about this afternoon after he could not overcome the illness he had been fighting since 2011.

"The club wishes to express its deep condolences to his family, with whom we share this painful moment along with the club members, fans and the whole world of football and sport."

Barcelona said space will be opened at their Camp Nou stadium for those wanting to pay their respects over the next few days.

Vilanova leaves behind his wife Montse Chaure-Vilanova and two children.

Tributes poured in from around the world of football to the man that played a huge role in one of the most successful eras in Barcelona's history.

"Tito Vilanova was a wonderful person, and will never be forgotten at FC Barcelona. Thank you for everything you taught us. Rest in peace," Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu tweeted.

"On behalf of everybody at Chelsea Football Club I send my deepest condolences at this most difficult time," said Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

"Lots of support and strength to all the friends and family of Tito Vilanova. An example of fighting and strength for all of us. Rest in peace," tweeted Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.

As a player, Vilanova came through the ranks at Barcelona where he became close friends with former Barca boss and current Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola before leaving the Catalans to further his career at a lower level, most notably with Celta Vigo and Mallorca.

He began his coaching career at tiny Catalan club FC Palafrugell, but after a short stint as sporting director at Terrassa FC, he was called upon by his old friend Guardiola to be part of his coaching staff at Barcelona B in 2007.

When Guardiola graduated to first-team coach a year later he was joined by Vilanova and the pair would enjoy phenomenal success as Barca won 14 trophies in four seasons and are widely recognised as one of the greatest teams ever to play the game.

However, Vilanova was diagnosed with cancer in November 2011 and had to have tumour removed from his throat before returning to his coaching duties in March the following year.

Vilanova then succeeded Guardiola when he stepped down at the end of the 2011/12 season and presided over the best first half of a league season in the club's history.

The club was rocked again in December 2012, though, by the news that the cancer had reappeared and Vilanova spent two months in New York receiving chemotherapy treatment before returning to the sidelines towards the end of the season.

Having amassed a huge lead in La Liga, Barca comfortably sealed their 22nd Spanish title with a record 100 points tally.

Yet, they were not so successful in the Champions League where they were swept aside 7-0 by eventual champions Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.

Vilanova expressed his intention to stay in the job at the end of the season, but just two weeks before the start of the current campaign was forced to resign as he had to undergo further treatment.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE