César Luis Menotti, the World Cup winning coach who led Argentina to victory in 1978, has passed away at the age of 85, as announced by the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Menotti, who was a former player for Rosario Central, Boca Juniors, and Santos, started his coaching career at Newell’s Old Boys before winning the Argentinian championship with Huracán in 1973. He took over as head coach of the Argentinian national team in 1974.

After leaving the national team following the 1982 World Cup, Menotti went on to coach various clubs including Barcelona, where he guided the team to Copa del Rey success in 1983. He also had coaching spells with Atlético Madrid, Boca Juniors, Independiente, River Plate, Penarol, Rosario Central, Sampdoria, and Mexican clubs Puebla and Tecos.

The Argentine Football Association expressed their sadness at the passing of Menotti, who was serving as the current director of the national teams at the time of his death. Menotti’s legacy as a talented player and successful coach will always be remembered in the world of football.