He took Argentina to its first world championship title in 1978, at home. César Luis Menotti, coach of the Argentine national team from 1974 to 1982, died this Sunday, May 5, announced the National Football Federation (AFA) on its X account.
The man who had a playing career in the 1960s, notably playing for Pelé’s Santos FC in 1968 and playing for the national team twice, especially excelled as a coach. Before taking charge of the national team, he coached Newell’s Old Boys in 1970 and CA Huracan between 1971 and 1974.
With the Argentine selection, which competed in the World Cup at home in 1978, he allowed Kempes, Passarella and Alonso to win the competition after the final won in overtime against the Netherlands. Four years later, in Spain and despite Diego Maradona’s first goals in the World Cup, Monetti’s Argentina did not achieve the double, eliminated in the second round.
Trophies with FC Barcelona
After this failure, the coach leaves his post and continues to coach. First in Europe, where he won three trophies with FC Barcelona, before returning home to Boca Juniors and then working freelance on the other side of the Atlantic at Atlético de Madrid. César Luis Monetti will resume his cap as coach by coaching the Mexican national team between 1991 and 1992, then will coach the clubs with Sampdoria de Genoa but also Rosario in 2002 or even CA Independiente.
The CABJ deeply regrets the death of César Luis Menotti, former player and coach of our institution and the Argentine National Team.
We warmly greet your family and loved ones.
Goodbye, Skinny! 💙💛💙 pic.twitter.com/lLLSW1DC2k
— Boca Juniors (@BocaJrsOficial) May 5, 2024
At the time of his death at the age of 85, César Luis Menotti was the director of national teams in the Argentine Football Federation.
