Pain in Argentine football: Miguel Ángel Russo has died

Argentine football bids farewell to one of its most beloved figures. Miguel Ángel Russo passed away this Wednesday at the age of 69, at his home in the City of Buenos Aires, surrounded by his family. His death occurred around 7:00 p.m., after years of an unyielding battle against prostate and bladder cancer that had afflicted him since 2017.

Despite the diagnosis, Russo never abandoned his passion. He remained active until the last months, even in the midst of treatments and surgeries, with the same conviction he showed in every locker room. His last public appearance was on September 23, when Boca shared a photo in which he was seen smiling alongside Juan Román Riquelme during a training session at the Ezeiza complex.

Who was Miguel Ángel Russo

Born in Valentín Alsina on April 9, 1956, "Miguelo" was first an exemplary footballer before becoming a renowned coach. A central midfielder of great quality and a symbol of Estudiantes de La Plata, he was one of the few "one-club men" in Argentine football.

With Pincha, he played 435 matches between 1975 and 1988, scored 11 goals and lifted the Metropolitano 1982 and Nacional 1983 titles. Those achievements led him to the Argentina National Team, where he played 17 matches under Carlos Bilardo's management.

His coaching career began shortly after he hung up his boots. At Lanús and Estudiantes, he achieved historic promotions before embarking on a long journey that took him to clubs in Argentina, Chile, Spain, Mexico, Colombia, and Paraguay. In 2005, he won his first Primera championship with Vélez, and two years later reached the continental summit: the 2007 Copa Libertadores with Boca, alongside stars such as Riquelme and Palermo.

Russo also left his mark at Rosario Central, which he returned to Primera in 2013 and with which he was crowned champion of the 2023 Copa de la Liga, his last title. Abroad, he was a two-time champion with Millonarios of Colombia in 2017, while undergoing chemotherapy sessions.

His most recent spell at Boca, initiated at Riquelme's request, allowed him to add the 2019/20 Superliga and the Maradona Cup. His legacy, however, goes beyond the trophy cabinet: he was a man respected for his integrity, composure, and dedication to developing others.

With his passing, football loses a coach of immense career and a person admired for his courage both on and off the field. Miguel Ángel Russo leaves an indelible mark on every club he represented and every player he coached.