Madrid – The Federación de Baloncesto de Madrid (FBM) is mourning the loss of José Manuel ‘Moncho’ Monsalve, a historic figure in Spanish basketball, who passed away on Tuesday, April 28th, at the age of 81. Monsalve’s contributions as both a player and coach have left an indelible mark on the sport in the region and nationally.
Monsalve enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Real Madrid, where he secured three European Cups and three Spanish League titles, among other accolades. He also represented Spain on the international stage 61 times, solidifying his place as a key player for the national team. The FBM acknowledged his passing with a statement emphasizing the impact of the people who have come through the organization, rather than solely focusing on titles won.
The news of Monsalve’s death comes as the FBM is actively involved in various basketball activities. On April 29th, the federation highlighted its ongoing “Campus Urbano” program, offering development opportunities for young players. The final stages of the Liga Ahorramas cadete league are underway, showcasing emerging talent. The league also recently concluded a highly competitive season in the Liga VIPS masculina on April 27th.
Beyond these ongoing competitions, the FBM has been focused on coach development. A clinic held in December 2025 featured prominent coaches Toni Ten, Chus Mateo and Paco Redondo, who shared their expertise with over 100 coaches both in person at the Nuestra Señora del Buen Consejo school and online, with participants from several countries including Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, and Angola. This event underscored the importance of continuous learning and collaboration within the coaching community.
The Asociación Española de Entrenadores de Baloncesto (AEEB) also recently recognized Coro Domínguez with the Raimundo Saporta Award on December 31, 2025, celebrating her exceptional career as a player and coach. The award ceremony, held at the CDM San Blas, featured presentations from Anna Montañana and Olga González, highlighting the contributions of women to Spanish basketball. The AEEB’s recognition of Domínguez reflects a broader commitment to acknowledging the achievements of individuals who have shaped the sport.
The FBM’s commitment to development extends to actively seeking qualified coaches for the 2026/27 season. Several clubs, including FENIX BASKET CLUB BOADILLA and Club Baloncesto San Fernando, are currently advertising positions, seeking individuals with official coaching qualifications, commitment, and a team-oriented approach. FENIX BASKET CLUB BOADILLA is offering a labor contract with social security coverage, although Club Baloncesto San Fernando emphasizes the opportunity to contribute to a growing club.
The search for qualified coaches underscores the ongoing demand for dedicated individuals to nurture the next generation of basketball players in the Madrid region. The FBM’s initiatives, from youth leagues to coach training programs, demonstrate a comprehensive approach to fostering the growth of the sport. The federation’s emphasis on the people involved – players, coaches, and staff – reflects a commitment to building a strong and sustainable basketball community.
Looking ahead, the FBM will continue to oversee its various leagues and development programs. The next confirmed event is the continuation of the Liga Ahorramas cadete final stages. Fans can stay updated on all FBM activities through the federation’s official website, https://fbm.es/.
The passing of Moncho Monsalve serves as a reminder of the rich history and enduring legacy of basketball in Madrid. His contributions will continue to inspire future generations of players and coaches.
