Boca Juniors Coach Miguel Angel Russo Dies at 69
Argentine football has lost one of its most respected figures as Miguel Angel Russo, coach of Boca Juniors, has died at the age of 69. The Argentine Football Association confirmed his passing on Wednesday, describing him as a “man who left an indelible mark on the game.”
Russo’s health had reportedly deteriorated in recent weeks. His last public appearance came on September 21, when he attended Boca’s 2–2 home draw against Central Córdoba. While the club did not disclose details of his illness, local media reported that he had suffered complications from a urinary tract infection. Russo had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017.
In a statement, Boca Juniors expressed “profound sadness” over the loss, noting that “Miguel leaves an indelible mark on our club and will always be remembered for his warmth, joy, and unwavering dedication.” His assistant, Claudio Úbeda, had been overseeing team duties during his absence.
A man known for his humility and quiet strength, Russo devoted more than half his life to football. As a player, he spent his entire career at Estudiantes de La Plata (1975–1988), where he formed part of a celebrated midfield alongside Alejandro Sabella, Marcelo Trobbiani, and José Daniel “Bocha” Ponce. Though selected for the national team, he missed out on Argentina’s 1986 World Cup triumph — a decision he later accepted with grace, recalling that legendary coach Carlos Bilardo told him, “The day you become a coach, you’ll understand.”
Russo’s managerial career spanned decades and numerous clubs, including Estudiantes, Rosario Central, Vélez Sarsfield, and Millonarios of Colombia. His greatest triumph came in 2007, when he led Boca Juniors to victory in the Copa Libertadores — a title regarded as the pinnacle of South American club football.
He also guided Vélez Sarsfield to a league championship in 2005 and earned hero status at Rosario Central, where he twice saved the team from relegation before winning the League Cup in 2023. In a testament to his resilience, Russo famously led Millonarios to a Colombian league title in 2017 — just a day after undergoing chemotherapy.
In June 2025, Russo returned to Boca Juniors for a third stint as coach, hoping to restore the club’s domestic dominance. His passing marks the end of an era for Argentine football, and tributes continue to pour in from across Latin America in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the sport.
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