The mother of Atlético de Madrid captain Koke Resurrección, Ana Merodio Borja, has died in Madrid at the age of 65. The club confirmed the news on Tuesday, October 13, announcing that the team will hold a minute of silence in her memory before the Champions League match against Manchester United.
Club tributes and match day arrangements
Following the announcement of Ana Merodio’s death, Atlético de Madrid requested authorization from UEFA to honor her memory during their upcoming European fixture. The club confirmed that the request was granted, allowing for a minute of silence to be observed both at the senior team’s match and the youth Champions League encounter involving the Juvenil A side, where Koke’s brother, Borja Resurrección, serves as the second coach, according to reports from elperiodico.com.
In addition to the moment of silence, players will wear black armbands throughout the match. At the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the club has lowered its flag to half-mast as a gesture of respect, as detailed by telecinco.es.
Koke’s departure from the team hotel
Koke Resurrección was at the team’s concentration hotel when he received the news. The captain, who holds the record for the most appearances in Atlético de Madrid’s history, left the facility on Tuesday morning to be with his family. telecinco.es reported that the player was visibly emotional as he departed the team’s headquarters in the hours leading up to the match against Manchester United.
The midfielder is currently supported by his wife, Beatriz Espejel, and his close circle of family and friends during this period.
Family influence and ties to Atlético de Madrid
Ana Merodio and her husband, Eugenio, were instrumental in the development of their sons’ careers. Koke has frequently credited his parents for the sacrifices they made during his childhood, including organizing transport to training sessions and matches on dirt fields across the Community of Madrid, such as those in Orcasitas and Cotorruelo.
The family’s connection to the club extended into their private life. In past interviews, Koke noted that his mother was a devoted supporter, even using cutlery bearing the club’s crest during family meals. This long-standing bond was highlighted in 2017 when Merodio joined her son on the pitch at the Vicente Calderón stadium during his contract renewal ceremony, an event where she was photographed alongside the player and his career trophies.
Frequently asked questions
Will Koke play in the match against Manchester United?
No, the captain was removed from the squad list following the death of his mother, as confirmed by official club communications.
Is there a connection between the club’s youth coaching staff and this event?
Yes, Borja Resurrección, the second coach of the Juvenil A team and Koke’s brother, is also mourning the loss of his mother, Ana Merodio Borja.
How are fans participating in the tribute?
The club has confirmed that a minute of silence will be held at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, where supporters are expected to join the team in honoring her memory.
The next official update regarding the team’s activities will follow the conclusion of the Champions League match, as the club continues to support the Resurrección family.
