César Luis Menotti, the legendary coach who led Argentina to victory in the 1978 World Cup, has passed away at the age of 85. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) made the announcement of his passing. Menotti, who had a illustrious career as a player for Rosario Central, Boca Juniors and Santos before becoming a coach, started his coaching journey at Newell’s Old Boys before winning the Argentinian championship with Huracán in 1973.
In 1974, he took over as head coach of the Argentinian national team and led them to success in the World Cup. 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, Rosario Central and Sampdoria among others.
The AFA expressed their deep sadness at the passing of Menotti who was serving as current director of the national teams at the time of his death. His legacy as a talented player and successful coach will always be remembered in football circles around the world.