The formal presentation of the Gallardo Door will take place throughout 2017, 30 years following his death. The Club wishes to remember the Blue and Whites’ goalkeeper, so he will always remain in the memory of all Málaga CF fans.
José Antonio Gallardo Marín, born in Torremolinos (Málaga) on 31st December 1961, forms part of the history of the Malaguista team. He started playing football with Juventud de Torremolinos, and soon caught the attention of CD Málaga, where he signed in 1977.
In 1979 he made the leap to the Blue and Whites’ reserve team where he remained for three seasons, later being loaned out to CD Antequerano in the 1982/83 season in Second Division B. In 1983/84, he swapped the Malaguista reserve team for the first team.
His debut with CD Málaga in the League was in the 2nd match of the 1984/85 season, against Real Sociedad. Two seasons later, with the sale of Fernando Peralta to Sevilla FC, he became the starting goalkeeper for the Malaga team.
In 1986/87 he took part in 18 League games. On match day 19, on 21st December 1986 in a match against Celta de Vigo at Balaídos, local player, Baltazar hit Gallardo on the head during a collision. He was substituted and taken to hospital, where he remained under observation until 24th December, when he returned to Málaga.
On 7th January 1987, he was rushed into Carlos Haya hospital, and passed away eight days later from a cardiac arrest. Gallardo had taken part in 21 League matches with CD Málaga (1 in the First Division, and 20 in the Second Division), 14 Copa del Rey games and 4 Copa de La Liga matches. Diario Marca posthumously awarded him the Zamora Trophy for conceding the fewest goals, which he was leading at the time of his death.
The Club and the MCF Foundation have the clear objective of valuing the history of the Entity, and recognising those players who marked a before and after at Málaga. Look back to see where we came from, and build a future honouring the memory of those who passionately defended the Blue and Whites’ shirt.
