Sanz was president of the Spanish side from 1995 to 2000, a period that saw Real Madrid end its 32-year wait for a seventh European Cup title in 1998. He also oversaw a league victory and a further European triumph in 2000.
Spain has been badly hit by the virus, with close to 30,000 confirmed cases and 1,720 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.
“I send them all my love, support and strength at this difficult time and I’d like them to know that madridismo is by their side.
“We are living through times we couldn’t have imagined even in our worst nightmares. Today, we remember Lorenzo Sanz, who has fallen victim to this tragedy.”
“A great father and a great grandfather has left us, a unique person who was able to achieve everything he set out to do, but his greatest achievement was his family.
“Dad, I love you and I know that you will always keep taking care of us.”