Mourning in Argentine football: Carlos Babington, one of Huracán's greatest idols, has passed away at the age of 77

Argentine football has lost one of its great protagonists from the past. This Wednesday, Carlos Babington, a historic player, coach, and director of Huracán, passed away at the age of 77

His story with the Globo began at a very young age, as he was a fan of the institution from Parque Patricios. His professional debut came in 1969, and he quickly became one of the team's stars. The highlight of his first stint was the Metropolitan Tournament of 1973, when he was part of the memorable team coached by César Luis Menotti, alongside stars like René Houseman, Miguel Brindisi, and Omar Larrosa. That squad is remembered in Argentine football history for its quality and footballing proposal.

His performances also allowed him to reach the Argentina National Team. Babington played 13 matches in the albiceleste jersey and was part of the squad that participated in the 1974 World Cup in Germany, where he scored one goal in five appearances. The national team reached the second round, where they finished last along with East Germany, behind Brazil and the legendary Clockwork Orange of the Netherlands.

After that first stint at Huracán, he continued his career abroad. He had a spell at Wattenscheid in Germany and returned to the Globo in 1978, where he stayed until 1982. He then played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the United States and Junior de Barranquilla in Colombia, where he earned the nickname "The Lord of Football" and ended his playing career in 1983.

His career as a coach

Three years later, he began his journey as a coach, with Platense as his first destination. His connection with Huracán became prominent again during this period: he had four stints in charge of the team and achieved two promotions to the First Division in the 1989/90 and 1999/00 seasons. Between these achievements, he also led Banfield to promotion in the 1992/93 season. In addition to these clubs, throughout his coaching career, he also managed Racing, River, León in Mexico, and Chacarita.

Later on, he returned to the institutional life of the Globo and took on the presidency in 2006, a position he held until 2011. During his tenure, Huracán achieved promotion to the First Division in 2007 and reached the runner-up position in the 2009 Clausura Tournament, with the memorable team coached by Ángel Cappa.

His tense relationship with Huracán fans

However, that period was also marked by a deep economic and institutional crisis. In 2011, the club lost its category amid a creditor's meeting and with judicially intervened income. After leaving the presidency, Babington became involved, along with his son, who served as general secretary, in a case for alleged fraudulent administration. Although he was initially dismissed, that resolution was overturned and the judicial process continued.

The conflict deteriorated his relationship with the fans and distanced him from the Tomás Adolfo Ducó stadium. In 2024, during an interview with TN, he explained the reasons why he did not return to the stadium: "It saddens me not to be able to go to the stadium to see the team, but fortunately, I often go through Parque Patricios because I visit my brother. Unfortunately, Huracán sued me, and it is still not over. I will return to the stadium when justice determines that I did not harm Huracán".

Huracán's farewell

After the news of his passing was announced, Huracán published a statement to bid farewell to one of the most important names in its history.

"The Club Atlético Huracán deeply regrets the passing of Carlos Babington, champion of 1973, coach, president of the Institution, and one of the greatest footballers that Argentine football has produced. We accompany his family, friends, and loved ones in this painful moment. Our embrace and condolences", expressed the institution.