Key Takeaways:
- Miguel Ángel Russo, head coach of Boca Juniors, died on Wednesday aged 69 following a prolonged struggle with cancer
- Russo guided Boca Juniors to Copa Libertadores success in 2007 and secured the Argentine championship in 2020
- He managed clubs across Argentina, Chile, Spain, Mexico, Peru, Paraguay, Colombia, and Saudi Arabia during his extensive career
A Storied Career Remembered
Miguel Ángel Russo, the head coach of Boca Juniors, passed away on Wednesday aged 69 after a long illness with cancer, as confirmed by the Argentine giants. Despite being forced to step back from daily coaching duties for medical reasons and undergoing several hospitalisations in recent months, Russo continued to provide guidance to the team, remaining in close contact with club staff and management as his health allowed.
El Club Atlético Boca Juniors comunica con profunda tristeza el fallecimiento de Miguel Ángel Russo.
Miguel deja una huella imborrable en nuestra institución y será siempre un ejemplo de alegría, calidez y esfuerzo.
Acompañamos a su familia y a sus seres queridos en este… pic.twitter.com/czsB6lmNnq
— Boca Juniors (@BocaJrsOficial) October 8, 2025
Achievements with Boca Juniors
Russo enjoyed three separate managerial stints with Boca Juniors. His tenure will be best remembered for leading the team to a Copa Libertadores title in 2007, as well as securing domestic silverware in the Argentine championship in 2020. Earlier this year, he returned to oversee Boca’s campaign at the FIFA Club World Cup, further demonstrating his enduring commitment to the club.
| Club | Tenure(s) | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|
| Boca Juniors | 3 | Copa Libertadores 2007, Argentine Championship 2020 |
Impact Beyond Argentina
In addition to his contributions in Argentina, Miguel Ángel Russo’s managerial career spanned clubs across the globe. He held roles at Universidad de Chile, Salamanca in Spain, Atlético Morelia in Mexico, Alianza Lima in Peru, Cerro Porteño in Paraguay, Millonarios in Colombia, and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia.
Legacy as Player and Manager
Russo’s football career began on the pitch, where he made over 400 appearances for Estudiantes. During his time as a player with the club, he won two national titles, laying the foundation for what would become one of South America’s most respected careers in football management.
