Cesar Luis Menotti, the legendary former coach of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona who also led Argentina to World Cup victory, has sadly passed away at the age of 85. The iconic Argentinian died on Sunday after a long illness that had kept him out of the public eye in recent months. Reports indicate that he had been battling severe anemia and was hospitalized for a month before his death.
Menotti will always be remembered for his role in guiding the Argentina national team to victory in the 1978 World Cup, where they defeated the Netherlands in the final on their home soil. His impact on football was profound, with his innovative social and football philosophy challenging traditional views in Argentina and around the world.
The Argentine Football Association, where Menotti served as the director of national teams until recently, officially announced his passing with deep sorrow. In both his home country and in Spain, Menotti was revered as one of the greatest heroes in the history of football. His coaching career included stints at top clubs like Barcelona, where he led them to several domestic titles before stepping down in 1984.
Despite retiring from coaching, Menotti remained involved in football and was appointed as the director of the Argentina national teams in 2019. Unfortunately, his declining health forced him to resign from this position earlier this year. Menotti’s legacy will forever live on as a true pioneer in the world of football, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.