Legendary Argentina Goalkeeper Hugo Gatti Has Died

Morocco World

21-04-2025

Former Boca Juniors and Argentina goalkeeper Hugo Gatti has died at the age of 80, following complications from a respiratory infection.
Gatti had been in hospital for two months in Buenos Aires. On Sunday, his family made the decision to remove him from a respirator, according to media sources. The former shot-stopper had suffered a public accident in February, which led to a severe infection that proved fatal.
Known as 'El Loco' for his flamboyant style both on and off the pitch, Gatti remains the most-capped player in Argentina's top flight, with 765 appearances across a 26-year career.
He played over 400 matches for Boca Juniors, winning three league titles and three major international trophies, including back-to-back Copa Libertadores wins in 1977 and 1978. He famously shared the dressing room with Diego Maradona during the club's 1981 title-winning campaign.
A pioneer of the 'sweeper-keeper' role, Gatti often played high up the pitch and was as comfortable with the ball at his feet as many outfielders — a rarity in his era.
He also represented Argentina 14 times between 1967 and 1977, and after retirement, he became a familiar face on Spanish television, known for his forthright opinions and larger-than-life presence.
Argentina's President Javier Milei, a Boca fan and former amateur goalkeeper himself, was among the first to pay tribute. Posting a photo of Gatti on social media, he wrote: 'Farewell, colleague (if I may say so).' Tags: ArgentinaGattiHugo Gatti