Spanish footballer Nico Hidalgo has sadly passed away at the age of 32 after a courageous and prolonged battle with lung cancer, as confirmed by his former clubs on Saturday. Hidalgo, a talented midfielder known for his agility and technical skills, began his professional career at CD Motril, where he made his senior debut in 2010. In 2012, he transferred to Granada B, where he showcased his potential and caught the eyes of larger clubs.

In 2014, he signed with Serie A powerhouse Juventus, although he struggled to break into the first team and was soon loaned back to Granada, where he had previously developed his skills. Following this, he enjoyed a successful loan spell at Cádiz CF, which led to a permanent contract in 2017, further marking his presence in Spanish football. Over the course of his career, Hidalgo also played for Racing Santander and Extremadura, contributing significantly to each team’s efforts and leaving a lasting impact on his teammates and fans.

After being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021, Hidalgo made the difficult decision to retire from professional football in 2022. His former club, Granada, expressed profound sadness in a heartfelt statement, saying, “With Nico’s passing, we lose not just a remarkable footballer, but also a wonderful person whose spirit brightened our club. The love and admiration from his teammates, coaches, staff, directors, and fans will always endure.” Cádiz CF also paid tribute, stating, “We will forever cherish your smile and infectious joy. Your unwavering fight inspires us all. Rest in peace.”