César Luis Menotti, a legendary coach who led Argentina to victory in the 1978 World Cup, has passed away at the age of 85. The news was announced by the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Menotti, a former player for Rosario Central, Boca Juniors and Santos, began his coaching career at Newell’s Old Boys before winning the Argentinian championship with Huracán in 1973. He then took over as head coach of the national team in 1974.
After leaving the national team following the 1982 World Cup, Menotti went on to coach various clubs including Barcelona, where he guided the team to Copa del Rey success in 1983. He also had coaching spells with Atlético Madrid, Boca Juniors, Independiente, River Plate, Penarol and Rosario Central among others. His legacy as a talented player and successful coach will always be remembered in the world of football.
The AFA expressed their sadness at the passing of Menotti, who was serving as the current director of national teams at the time of his death. The association paid tribute to him as a man who had made an incredible contribution to Argentine football and would always be remembered for leading his country to its first World Cup win.