Former Barcelona and Argentina manager Cesar Luis Menotti dies aged 85 as tributes pour in for the legendary coach who led his country to their first ever World Cup triumph
- Legendary Argentina manager Cesar Luis Menotti has died aged 85
- He won the country their first ever World Cup and also managed Barcelona
- Were Jude Bellingham’s Allianz antics out of order? Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off! podcast
Legendary Argentina manager Cesar Luis Menotti has died aged 85.
Menotti managed Barcelona during his career but became an Argentina legend for leading them to their first ever World Cup win.
His side lifted the trophy in their own country back in 1978 as a 3-1 victory over the Netherlands saw them win the World Cup.
His death was confirmed on Saturday as the Argentinian FA released a statement, paying tribute to their former manager.
It read: ‘The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed his death in a statement which read: ‘The Argentine Football Association regrets to report with great sadness the death of Cesar Luis Menotti, current Director of National Teams and former World Champion coach of Argentina.’
Last month, Menotti was admitted to hospital with severe anemia and underwent surgery for phlebitis.
During his playing days Menotti was a forward. He turned out for Argentinian sides Rosario Central, Racinc Club and the iconic Boca Juniors. He also played in Brazil with Santos and Juventus, as well as appearing for New York Generals.
After deciding to hang up his boots, the Argentine managed a total of 16 clubs – showing incredible skill during his coaching career.
Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Mexico are some of the most notable jobs of his career – with the pinnacle coming with Argentina.
Taking a team who were so underwhelming in the 1974 World Cup, Menotti transformed them into the best team in the world.
A year after his World Cup triumph, Menotti also took charge of the country’s under-20 side for the World Cup in Japan and managed a young Diego Maradona, winning the tournament.
He was replaced at Argentina after the 1982 World Cup in Spain but left a lasting legacy.
President of the AFA, Chiqui Tapia, paid his tributes on X, formerly Twitter, as he wrote:: ‘Dear Flaco, it is an immense pain to have to say goodbye to you. You left us a lot during your time in the national team and in football.
‘Without a doubt, your passage to immortality will be with the best memories of all of us who love the round. I send a warm hug on behalf of myself and all of Argentine Football to all of Cesar’s family at this moment. See you always dear friend!’
Argentina’s current president, Javier Milei, joinde in as he said: ‘RIP. Deep pain for the departure of the leader of a group that has given one of the greatest joys to the country. Although I adhere to another school, it would be foolish to deny the contribution of César Luis Menotti. Goodbye Flaco.’
A minutes silence was held in the Argentinian League Cup final played between Estudiantes and Velez Sarsfield as the country are mourning the loss of one of their greats.
