Julen Guerrero is mourning the loss of his wife Elsa Landabaso, who has died at the age of 52 in what has been described as a devastating blow for one of Spanish football’s most respected figures.
The news was confirmed by the Biscayan Football Federation, which paid tribute in a statement on social media.
‘We send our love and condolences to his family and friends during these very difficult times,’ it wrote.
Guerrero and Landabaso were seen as one of the most solid and private couples in Basque football.
They married 26 years ago on New Year’s Day in a small church in Derio, just outside Bilbao, in an intimate ceremony attended only by close family – so discreet that even his teammates were unaware at the time.
‘It was the best way to start the year,’ the former Athletic Club star said of the wedding.
The couple had two children together – Karla, 25, an industrial engineer, and Julen Jon, 22, who has followed in his father’s footsteps in football.
He has come through the youth systems at Alaves and Real Madrid and now plays for Getafe’s reserve side.
Guerrero, one of the most iconic figures in Athletic Club’s history, spent his entire professional career at the Bilbao side between 1992 and 2006, becoming one of Spain’s brightest stars during the 1990s.
He retired at the age of 32 on July 11, 2006, and has since remained closely linked to the game.
He currently works with the Biscayan Football Federation and serves as general manager of CD Estepona in Spain’s Segunda Federacion.
Tributes have flooded in from leading figures across the Costa del Sol.
Alberto Morito, who owns La Bodega del Cantinero in Marbella, wrote: ‘Today we want to express our deepest condolences to Julen Guerrero, a valued customer and friend, and to his entire family on the loss of his wife, Elsa Landabaso.
‘In these difficult times, the entire team at La Bodega del Cantinero shares in your grief. Rest in peace.’
CD Estepona said: ‘We deeply regret the passing of Elsa Landabaso, wife of our general manager Julen Guerrero.
‘In these moments of profound sorrow, the president, the squad, the coaching staff, and all the employees who make up your CD Estepona family wish to extend our deepest condolences and all our love to Julen Guerrero Lopez, as well as to your children, family, and friends. Our hearts are with you. Rest in peace.’
Meanwhile, Getafe also released a statement expressing its ‘deepest condolences for the passing of Elsa Landabaso, mother of our reserve team player, Julen Jon Guerrero.’
‘We send all our support and affection to her family and loved ones. May she rest in peace,’ it added.
