Cesar Luis Menotti, the World Cup winning coach who led Argentina to victory in 1978, passed away at the age of 85, the Argentine Football Association announced on Sunday. Menotti, who had a successful playing career before transitioning into coaching, started his coaching journey with Newell’s Old Boys and won the Argentine championship with Huracan in 1973. He then took over as head coach of the Argentine national team in 1974 and went on to win the World Cup four years later.
The Argentine Football Association expressed their sorrow at the passing of Menotti, recognizing him as a former World Cup winning coach and the current director of the national teams. He was affectionately called “Flaco querido” by many in the football community. Menotti’s legacy extended beyond Argentina, as he also coached clubs like Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Boca Juniors, and River Plate, among others.
After leading Argentina to World Cup victory in 1978, Menotti left the national team following the 1982 World Cup. During his coaching career, he found success with various clubs in Argentina, Europe, and Mexico, leaving a lasting impact on the football world. Menotti’s passing marks the end of an era for Argentine football, as he will be remembered as one of the country’s most successful and influential coaches.