Former Argentina star and World Cup winner Luis Galvan has died aged 77.
Galvan reportedly passed away around midday local time in the city of Cordoba, Argentina.
He played every game in Argentina’s maiden World Cup triumph in 1978, beating the Netherlands 3-1 in the final after extra-time. Galvan has been widely praised for his performance in the final.
However, the tournament was marred by controversy, with allegations of match-fixing and interference from the Argentine military dictatorship.
His death comes just two weeks after legendary Argentina goalkeeper Hugo Gatti – credited as the first goalie to ever wear gloves – died aged 80.
Galvan is the record appearance holder for Club Atletico Tallares, where he lifted six trophies and played 503 times over 17 years.
The club said: ‘We communicate with great sadness the passing of Luis Adolfo Galvan, emblem of the Club and World Champion with the Argentina National Team in 1978.
‘We accompany your family and loved ones at this time, and we raise our prayers for the eternal rest of their soul. We accompany your family and loved ones at this time, and we raise our prayers for the eternal rest of their soul.’
Ubaldo Fillol, the goalkeeper for Argentina in 1978, said: ‘An excellent defender and an even better person. It was a true pleasure to play alongside you. My heartfelt hug to all your family and close friends.’
Meanwhile, journalist Gustavo Farias wrote on X: ‘I regret to announce the passing of a great friend and a huge part of Argentine football’s glory. Farewell, Luis Galvan. Thank you for so much joy. We will never forget you. Farewell, Champion!’
Elsewhere, the Argentina Football association wrote: ‘The Argentine Football Association, through its President, Claudio Tapia, mourns the passing of Luis Galván, a defender who won a World Cup with the Argentine National Team in 1978, and expresses its condolences to his family and loved ones.’
The 1978 World Cup is one of the most controversial in history and there was even a movement in the Netherlands calling for a boycott in the build-up.
The Argentine military junta had killed thousands of opponents in what became known as the Dirty War between 1974 and 1983.
Needing a 4-0 win over Peru in the group stages, the Argentine authorities were alleged to have paid off their adversaries to secure their passage, with Argentina promptly winning 6-0.
Indeed, the final as the Estadio Mas Monumental was held just 700 metres from a concentration camp where opponents of president Jorge Videla were incarcerated.
The Netherlands boycotted the post-match trophy presentation on the grounds of unfair play.
Galvan’s passing is another sad moment for Argentine football, especially so soon after the death of Gatti, who was nicknamed El Loco or ‘The Madman’ because of his outspoken character and eccentric play style.
He made more than 350 appearances for Argentinian giants Boca Juniors and was part of the national team that competed at the 1966 World Cup in England.
Recent reports claimed that Gatti took ill after a recent hip surgery. According to the Sun, the former stopper was taken to intensive care after contracting pneumonia.
Gatti was operated on after injuring himself in a fall while walking his dog, the report claimed.
Gatti holds the record for the most appearances in the Argentine top flight, with 765 matches played. After hanging up his gloves he turned his attention to TV and caught the eye with his controversial takes, with Lionel Messi a frequent target of his barbs.
More to follow.
