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Hugo 'El Loco' Gatti, Argentine Football Legend, Dies at 80

The iconic goalkeeper and pioneering figure in modern goalkeeping passed away in Buenos Aires after complications from hip surgery led to pneumonia.

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El Loco Gatti en una imagen de archivo
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Overview

  • Hugo Gatti, known for his innovative 'sweeper-keeper' style, played for top Argentine clubs, including River Plate and Boca Juniors, where he won two Copa Libertadores and an Intercontinental Cup in the 1970s.
  • Gatti spent nearly two months in intensive care following postoperative complications from hip surgery after a fall in February 2025.
  • His family made the decision to withdraw mechanical ventilation after doctors deemed his condition irreversible.
  • Beyond his playing career, Gatti was a polarizing and charismatic television commentator on Spain's 'El Chiringuito,' known for his outspoken and controversial opinions.
  • Tributes have poured in from fans and football figures worldwide, honoring Gatti's legacy as a revolutionary goalkeeper and cultural icon in the sport.