Real Betis Balompié has announced the death of José León Gómez, former club president, who passed away in the early hours of Friday July 10 at the age of 91. The verdiblanco entity expressed its deepest sorrow and recalled León's long-standing involvement with the club for nearly four decades.

Who was José León and what was his legacy?

Born in Dos Hermanas on February 26 1935, José León began his Betis career in the 1967‑68 season as vice‑treasurer under president Julio de la Puerta. After the president resigned in February 1969, he temporarily took charge until the July assembly, when José Núñez Naranjo assumed the role. León continued as first vice‑president until June 1973, a period during which he strengthened the club’s finances and supported its sporting progress.

What were his main positions and key moments?

León returned to the board in June 1979 thanks to Juan Mauduit’s electoral victory, remaining first vice‑president throughout the term, which ended in June 1983. He came back again in 1989, joining Hugo Galera’s executive and playing a part in the arrival of Manuel Ruiz de Lopera. When Betis became a public limited sports company in June 1992, León became the first chairman of the Board of Directors, a post he held until April 1996. A decade later, he reassumed the presidency, leading the club until 2010, a period marked by institutional crisis and judicial administration.

What happened after his retirement?

After stepping down in 2010, José León withdrew from public life, focusing on his family and olive‑oil business. He never lost his connection to Dos Hermanas and kept following club news closely, though without holding official roles. His death prompted tributes from former players, executives and fans who remember his contribution to Betis’s growth.

How is Betis performing this season?

Currently, Real Betis Balompié sits fifth in La Liga with 60 points after 38 games (15 wins, 15 draws, 8 losses) and a recent run of results WLWDW. The team has scored 59 goals and conceded 48, leaving a +11 goal difference, yet remains 34 points behind leaders Barcelona in the title race.

The club announced that official tributes will take place at the upcoming Sunday match, featuring a minute of silence and a banner bearing José León’s name. Fans dressed in green and white will have the chance to give their final homage to the man who defined an era in Betis history.