Pepe Corona


José 'Pepe' Llopis Corona was a Spanish footballer who played as a left-back.
Over the course of seven seasons he amassed La Liga totals of 150 games and 14 goals, namely with Real Madrid.

Career

Born in Alicante, Valencian Community, Corona made his La Liga debuts with local Hércules CF, being relegated in his first year as a professional. In 1943 he signed with Real Madrid, going on to remain in the Spanish capital for five seasons, where he appeared in a total of 143 official games; a renowned tough defender, he was also a penalty kick specialist.
Corona, the last survivor of the inaugural match at the Nuevo Chamartín on 14 December 1947, against C.F. Os Belenenses, won two Spanish Cups with the Merengues and left the club in 1948, going on to represent until his retirement three years later Gimnàstic de Tarragona, RCD Mallorca and CF Gandía.

Death

Corona died on 29 January 2011, in his hometown of Alicante. He was 92 years old.

Honours

Real Madrid