The “man with the drum” died at the age of 76, he inspired generations and was a namesake of a Gladbach legend.
In his Spanish homeland, they called him “El del Bombo”, the man with the drum, he was probably the most famous football fan in the world. Manuel Cáceres, better known as Manolo, died in Valencia at the age of 76.
Previously, the super fan was in the hospital for several days with breathing problems, as Spanish media reported on Thursday. Since 1982 he had accompanied his great love, the Spanish national team, to ten World Championships.
“One of our most loyal supporters who always accompanied us through thick and thinly died,” said the national team: “We know that you will continue to make our hearts beat faster. Quiet in peace, manolo.”
His last game was a spectacle: the 5: 4 IE of the Selección in the quarter-final second leg of the Nations League against the Netherlands on March 23 in the Mestalla Stadium of Valencia.
Already in 1972 Manolo started with the drum, at that time still at the undermate UD Huesca. In 1979 he was traveling with the national team for the first time, from 1982 to 2010 he did not miss a single international match. After the 2026 World Cup, he wanted to rest.
In addition to the drum, his trademark was an oversized basket cap, which he mostly wore in the Mestalla. Opposite the arena, he operated a pub (“El Bombo”) with a shop, the fan was himself a brand that sold lighters, scarves and even wine.
He renounced Valencia after the club in 2001 denied him a card for the Champions League final against FC Bayern. For this he occasionally appeared at Real Madrid or FC Barcelona. Cáceres was the only fan to be able to sit on the national team’s plane regularly.
Manolo was also the name sponsor of the legendary drummer, who created the mood on the Gladbacher Bökelberg from 1977 to 2002 and was actually called Ethem Özerenler. He died in 2008.