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Rafael Rullán, Real Madrid and Spanish Basketball Legend, Dies at 73

The trailblazing Mallorcan player, who set records at Real Madrid and earned 161 caps for Spain, leaves behind a legacy of excellence and influence in basketball.

Minuto de silencio por Rafa Rullán previo al Real Madrid-Valencia.
El que fuera pívot del Real Madrid Felipe Reyes recibe una camiseta de manos del exjugador Rafael Rullán con motivo del homenaje recibido por convertirse en el jugador con más partidos disputados en la historia de la Liga, antes del inicio del partido ante el Kirolbet Baskonia en febrero de 2019.
Muere a los 73 años Rafa Rullán, el histórico jugador del Real Madrid
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Overview

  • Rafael Rullán passed away on May 4, 2025, at the age of 73, prompting widespread tributes from Real Madrid, Liga Endesa, and the basketball community.
  • He played 18 seasons with Real Madrid (1969–1987), winning 14 Spanish League titles, 9 Copa del Rey trophies, 3 European Cups, and other major honors.
  • Rullán represented Spain in 161 games from 1971 to 1982, earning a silver medal at EuroBasket 1973 and becoming the first Balearic player to compete in the Olympics in 1972.
  • After retiring as a player in 1988, he served as Real Madrid's team delegate and later contributed to the Real Madrid Foundation until 2016.
  • Recognized as a pioneer of Balearic basketball, Rullán inspired future stars like Rudy Fernández and Sergio Llull, leaving an enduring impact on the sport.