By Naman Trivedi

Copyright timesnownews

Miguel Angel Russo, the legendary coach of Boca Juniors and a beloved figure in South American football, has died at the age of 69, the Argentine Football Association confirmed on Wednesday. Although the club did not release an official cause of death, Argentine media reported that Russo had contracted a urinary tract infection in recent weeks. He had also been battling long-term health issues, including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2017. His health had visibly deteriorated in recent weeks, and he had not been seen on the touchline since Boca’s 2-2 draw with Central Cordoba on September 21 at La Bombonera, the last game he attended. In a statement, Boca Juniors expressed “profound sadness” at his passing, saying, “Miguel leaves an indelible mark on our club and will always be an example of joy, warmth, and dedication.” During Russo’s recent absence, assistant coach Claudio Ubeda had taken over managerial duties. A quiet and respected figure, Russo was a coach for more than half of his life and was once considered a potential candidate to manage the Argentine national team. His coaching career included successful spells at clubs like Boca Juniors, Rosario Central, and Estudiantes de La Plata. He had a particularly deep connection with Rosario Central, twice saving them from relegation and famously leading the team to a League Cup title in December 2023. Russo’s legacy extended beyond Argentina. In 2017, he led Colombian giants Millonarios to a league championship, just one day after undergoing chemotherapy, cementing his place as a fan favorite in Bogotá. As a player, Russo spent his entire professional career at Estudiantes from 1975 to 1988, where he was part of one of the most celebrated midfields in Argentine football history, alongside Alejandro Sabella, Marcelo Trobbiani, and José Daniel “Bocha” Ponce. He had only recently returned to Boca Juniors for a third coaching stint in June, four years after being dismissed early in a previous season.