Real Madrid have confirmed on Tuesday that club legend Paco Gente has passed away at the age of 88.

Gento, along with Marcelo, won more trophies with the club than any other player (23) and is fondly remembered as a staple of six European Cup-winning sides in the 1950s and 1960s.

Following the death of Alfredo di Stefano, Gento had been Madrid's honorary president.

In addition to a glittering career with Madrid, he also made 43 appearances of Spain and took part in the World Cups in Chile in 1962 and in England in 1966.

He was also part of the La Roja side which won the European Championships in 1964.

"Real Madrid C. F., the club's president and the Board of Directors are deeply saddened by the death of Francisco Gento, honorary president of Real Madrid and one of the greatest legends of our club and of world football," the club said in a statement.

"Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and send its love and sympathy to his wife Mari Luz, to his sons Francisco and Julio, to his granddaughters Aitana and Candela and to all his relatives, teammates and loved ones.

"Paco Gento is the only player in the history of football to have won the European Cup 6 times. He represented our club between 1953 and 1971, and in his 18 seasons at Real Madrid he won not only the 6 European Cups, but also 12 Leagues, 2 Spanish Cups, 1 Intercontinental Cup, 1 Mini World Cup and 2 Latin Cups. He played 600 games for Real Madrid, scoring 182 goals. Gento was also capped 43 times by the Spanish national team.

"Paco Gento truly represents all the values of Real Madrid, and has been and will continue to be a reference for Madridistas and for the sporting world. He will always be remembered by Madridistas and all football fans as one of their greatest."