Tito Vilanova
Vilanova is renowned as a crucial figure in Barcelona's rise to greatness under Guardiola. Reuters

Barcelona stars including Leo Messi, Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique have gathered for a mass at the city's cathedral to remember their former coach Tito Vilanova, who died on Friday.

Vilanova, who died aged just 45, had been battling throat cancer for three years. He leaves behind a wife and two children.

During his time at Barcelona Villanova served as assistant and confidante to head coach Pep Guardiola, and helped to turn Barca into one of the greatest teams the world has ever seen.

His death has prompted tributes from across the Spanish football community, with fans of Real Madrid joining their Catalan rivals in paying tribute to one of the country's best-loved sporting figures.

Click on the video below to see footage from the mass ceremony.