Sevilla's honorary president and former coach Joaquín Caparrós diagnosed with colon cancer
The 70-year-old, holder of the club record for matches managed, is already undergoing treatment and received an outpouring of support from across Spanish football.
Diagnosis announced
On Friday, Sevilla FC announced that its honorary president and former manager Joaquín Caparrós has been diagnosed with colon cancer. The club released a brief statement confirming the 70-year-old has begun medical treatment.
Sevilla FC wishes to convey its full support and affection to our Honorary President, Joaquín Caparrós, who has been diagnosed with colon cancer. The beloved former Sevilla coach, who has the full support of his family, friends and the entire Sevillismo, is already undergoing the relevant medical treatment.
The club closed its message with a resolute call: "Never give up, Joaquín!"
A storied coaching career
Caparrós is a revered figure in Spanish football. He took charge of Sevilla in 2000 when the club was in the second division, earning promotion to La Liga in his first season and steering them into European qualification by 2005. He later returned for interim spells in 2017-18, 2018-19 and most recently 2024-25. According to Reuters, he holds the club record for matches managed, at 248 across all competitions; Spanish press places the total at 241. Over his entire career he has led more than 500 games in Spain's top flight, having also coached Deportivo La Coruña, Athletic Bilbao, Mallorca, Levante, Osasuna and Getafe. Caparrós additionally served as head coach of Armenia's national team between 2020 and 2022. Sevilla FC named him honorary president in July 2025 in recognition of his contributions.
Football world rallies behind Caparrós
After Sevilla's announcement, an outpouring of support came from across the sport. Spain national coach Luis de la Fuente dedicated words to his friend after Spain's World Cup match against Uruguay on Friday.
I want to send a message to Joaquín Caparrós, my friend, who we have learned today is ill. A huge hug.
LaLiga, the Royal Spanish Football Federation, and clubs where Caparrós previously coached (including Deportivo, Levante, Mallorca, Athletic, Zaragoza, Espanyol, Getafe and Elche) all posted messages of encouragement. Even Real Betis, Sevilla's city rival, joined the show of solidarity through its delegate Curro Picchi, who wrote on social media: "From the bottom of my heart, without any hypocrisy and with the utmost respect, all my strength and wishes for a speedy recovery for Joaquín Caparrós."
Previous health battle
The diagnosis follows a prior health challenge. In 2019, Caparrós was diagnosed with leukemia, a condition he managed while continuing to coach and later fulfilling his duties as honorary president.
