Grief for Manolo
Probably the most famous football fan in the world is dead
01.05.2025 – 3:39 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
When Spain played, Manolo was there as a twelfth man. But from now on the international matches have to take place without it.
With his drum, he accompanied Spain’s national team for decades – and not only shaped football in his home country. Now Manuel Cáceres, better known as Manolo, died at the age of 76.
As Spanish media report, the fan of the “Selección” was previously several days due to breathing problems in the hospital. His death in Valencia was confirmed on Thursday. Manolo has been an integral part of Spanish fan culture since the 1982 World Cup – and did not miss a single game of the national team until the 2010 World Cup.
“El del Bombo” – that’s what they called him in Spain: the man with the drum. For almost five decades, he was unmistakable and unmistakable at international matches. He began at the UD Huesca in 1972, followed by his first appearance with the national team in 1979. From 1982 at the latest, Manolo was there at every big tournament. He only wanted to withdraw after the 2026 World Cup.
His last big appearance was in March 2025 at the quarter-final second leg of the Nations League between Spain and the Netherlands. The “Selección” celebrated a 5: 4 success in the penalty shootout in the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia-Manolo was in the middle of it.
In addition to its drum, a huge basket cap was his trademark. Directly opposite the Mestalla, he operated his own bar called “El Bombo”, including fanshop. There he sold scarves, lighters and even wine – all under his name. Manolo had long since become a brand.
A special privilege: He was the only fan to travel regularly in the national team from the national team. The club from his hometown Valencia had deeply disappointed in 2001-with the decision not to give him a card for the Champions League final against FC Bayern. Then he turned his back on the club, but occasionally appeared at Real Madrid or Barça.
Manolo also left traces in Germany. The legendary drummer by Borussia Mönchengladbach, who created the mood on the Bökelberg between 1977 and 2002, was named after him. The man was actually called Ethem Özerenler and died in 2008.
“Rest in peace, Manolo,” wrote the Spanish national team in a farewell post. “We know that you will continue to make our hearts beat faster.”