Boca Juniors Coach Miguel Angel Russo Dies at Age 69, Argentine Football Association Announces

Miguel Angel Russo, the head coach of Argentine football club Boca Juniors, passed away at 69, as confirmed by the Argentine Football Association on Wednesday.

His health condition worsened over the past several weeks.

Russo last attended a Boca Juniors match on September 21, during a 2-2 league draw against Central Cordoba at the club's home stadium.

While Boca Juniors did not disclose his medical condition, local media outlets indicated that the coach, who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017, recently developed a urinary tract infection.

In an official statement, Boca Juniors conveyed their deep sorrow regarding Russo's passing.

The statement continued, "Miguel has made an enduring impact on our club and will forever be remembered for his joy, warmth, and unwavering dedication."

Following his absence, his assistant Claudio Ubeda temporarily took charge of the team.

Known for his quiet nature, Russo dedicated over half his life to coaching and was once considered a candidate for the national team manager role following successful tenures at Boca Juniors, Rosario Central, and Estudiantes de la Plata.

During his playing days, Russo remained loyal to Estudiantes from 1975 to 1988, becoming a key member of one of Argentine football's most iconic midfield units, alongside Alejandro Sabella, Marcelo Trobbiani, and Jose Daniel "Bocha" Ponce.

Although he earned a place in the national squad, he was not included in the 1986 World Cup squad, where Diego Maradona led Argentina to championship glory.

Reflecting on the past, Russo admitted feeling frustrated at the time but recalled legendary coach Carlos Bilardo telling him, "You will comprehend this fully once you become a coach, more than ever before." He later acknowledged understanding this truth completely.

Though his list of trophies was modest, Russo possessed a remarkable ability to rejuvenate prominent football clubs.

Russo secured his first top-tier championship with Velez Sarsfield in 2005. Subsequently, he was appointed Boca Juniors manager following a request from Maradona, guiding the team to a 2007 Copa Libertadores triumph, which stood as his most significant managerial accomplishment.

He cemented his legendary status at Rosario Central by securing the League Cup in December 2023, having previously rescued the club from relegation on two occasions.

In 2017, he directed Colombian club Millonarios to a championship victory merely one day after receiving chemotherapy for cancer, winning the hearts of Bogota fans forever.

This June, he accepted a third managerial role at Boca Juniors, four years after his previous departure when the club parted ways with him just six matches into the campaign.