Argentine football manager Miguel Angel Russo has died at the age of 69, Boca Juniors announced on Wednesday, expressing “profound sadness” over his passing.
Russo, who had been battling prostate cancer since 2017, was forced to step away from his day-to-day coaching duties due to his illness. He was last seen attending a Boca Juniors match on September 21, when the club drew 2-2 with Central Córdoba in the Argentine Primera División.
 |
| Miguel Angel Russo |
In an official statement, Boca Juniors said Russo “leaves an indelible mark on our club and will always be an example of joy, warmth, and dedication.”
Boca and Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani also paid tribute to the late coach, writing on Instagram: “Thank you Miguel for showing us all such an important value that is called ‘courage.’”
Russo’s assistant, Claudio Ubeda, had been overseeing the team in his absence, though Russo reportedly maintained close contact with his staff and the club’s management.
During his distinguished managerial career, Russo had three spells with Boca Juniors, guiding them to several major honors. He led the club to Copa Libertadores glory in 2007 and secured the 2019–20 Argentine Superliga title before managing the team at the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year.
In June 2025, he agreed to return for a third stint as Boca’s head coach, four years after being dismissed just six games into a new season.
Before his coaching career, Russo was also an accomplished player, making over 400 appearances for Estudiantes de La Plata and earning 17 caps for Argentina as a midfielder.
His legacy as both a player and manager has left an enduring impact on Argentine football.
