Villarreal and Real Zaragoza icon exits intensive care after stroke – Football España

Former Real Zaragoza, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna icon Cani has been hospitalised by a stroke. The 44-year-old former creative midfielder appears to be improving after a spell in intensive care though.

Growing up in Zaragoza, playing for Zaragoza and returning to Zaragoza after his career, Cani is currently under observation in hospital there following a stroke, as per Sport. The stroke occurred just under two weeks ago, but was kept out of the news while he was in the instensive care unit, which fortunately he was moved out of on Thursday. The hope is that he continues to improve, and that he suffers no more complications as a result.

The stroke caused haemorrhaging and brain trauma, but there is optimism that he will not suffer lasting effects from the incident.

Cani: A beloved playmaker

Over a 15-year career, Cani made 536 appearances, scoring 50 goals and giving 50 assists, which he spent mostly at Real Zaragoza and Villarreal, before brief spells at the Metropolitano and the Riazor. Cani became a local hero at La Romareda first, impressing with his technique and passing range as a playmaker, often from out wide, where he could provide crosses. After five years in the first team at Zaragoza, making 181 appearances (16 goals, 9 assists), he would move on to Villarreal in 2006. During his time at La Romareda, Cani lifted the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercup in 2004.

Diego Simeone, full of emotion last night.@SleeperFooty

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— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) September 25, 2025

Part of Villarreal’s golden era

Cani joined Manuel Pellegrini’s remarkable Villarreal side after their run to the semi-finals, and was part of the side that finished second in 2007-08. Cani would also remain part of the Villarreal side that were relegated and came back up, before joining Atletico on loan in 2015. In total, Cani made 327 appearances for the Yellow Submarine, scoring 33 goals and giving 40 assists over an eight-year period.