Nico Hidalgo has passed away aged 32 (Image: Getty)
Former Juventus midfielder Nico Hidalgo has tragically passed away at the age of 32 after a brave fight against lung cancer. Hidalgo, a product of his local team in Motril, was snapped up by the Italian heavyweights as a promising youngster.
Despite never breaking into the Juventus first team, he left his mark on Spanish football with stints at Granada, Cadiz, Racing Santander, and Extremadura. His battle with the disease began in 2021, leading to bone metastasis, and ultimately saw him hang up his boots in 2022.
Tributes have poured in from his former clubs following the announcement of Hidalgo's death this morning (Saturday March 1). Cadiz released a heartfelt statement: "Nico Hidalgo has left us. We will never forget your smile and your joy. Your struggle is our example. Rest in peace."
The now-defunct Extremadura, which ceased operations due to financial woes last year, wrote: "This morning we woke up to the sad news of the death of Nico Hidalgo, former Extremadura UD footballer, at the age of 32 due to lung cancer which he had been fighting since 2021.
"From CD Extremadura, we would like to express our deepest condolences to his family and friends. We send them all our love and strength in these difficult times."
Nico Hidalgo (right) spent plenty of time playing in Spain (Image: Getty Images)
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Granada also released a statement, saying: "With Nico's departure, not only is an excellent footballer gone, but also a great person. But the affection of his teammates, coaches, workers, directors and fans will always be present."
Racing Santander will observe a minute's silence before their home game against Elche on Sunday evening, as the club mourns an "irreparable loss".
