Boca Juniors Coach Miguel Ángel Russo Dies at 77
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Miguel Ángel Russo, the Argentine football coach who lead Boca Juniors to a Copa Libertadores title in 2007 and enjoyed a decades-long career managing clubs across South America, Spain, Mexico, and saudi Arabia, has died. He was 77. Estudiantes de La Plata, the club where Russo began his professional playing career, announced his death Wednesday.
Russo’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from clubs and fans across the continent. Estudiantes de La Plata described him as a “prodigal son and football glory,” while Rosario Central remembered him as “a warrior of life,a warrior of Central.” Colombian club Millonarios expressed “eternal thanks” and hailed him as a “legend and champion.”
Born in Buenos Aires, Russo’s managerial career spanned over 30 years. He coached Boca Juniors across three separate stints, most recently begining in June 2023. His most celebrated achievement came during his first tenure with Los Xeneizes, securing the 2007 Copa Libertadores with a team featuring a dominant Juan Román Riquelme. Riquelme’s talent flourished under russo’s guidance, with the coach later returning to Boca at Riquelme’s urging, the former Barcelona and Villarreal player becoming a key leader for the club.
While unable to replicate the 2007 success, Russo led Boca to the 2020 Liga Profesional title. His health had been a recurring concern, particularly around his most recent appointment.
Beyond Boca, Russo managed teams including Universidad de Chile, Monarcas Morelia of Mexico, salamanca in Spain, Millionarios of Colombia, Alianza Lima of Peru, Cerro porteño of Paraguay, and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia. he accumulated numerous first and second division titles throughout his career.
