Boca Juniors boss Miguel Angel Russo, 69, dies weeks after last game | Football | Sport
Edinson Cavani has offered his condolences following the passing of former Boca Juniors boss Miguel Angel Russo, who has died aged 69. The Argentine tactician boasted an extensive managerial career that stretched across more than three decades.
However, he was compelled to withdraw from his regular responsibilities during his third spell at the helm this year due to his ongoing battle with prostate cancer, a condition he was first diagnosed with back in 2017. His final match in charge of the Buenos Aires outfit came in September, when Boca secured a 2-2 stalemate against Central Cordoba in the Argentine Primera Division. During his absence, Claudio Ubeda assumed control of the team, whilst Russo maintained regular communication with his coaching personnel and the club’s hierarchy.
The club confirmed on Wednesday, October 9, that Russo had tragically died at the age of 69. In an official statement, Boca Juniors wrote: “Until eternity. Miguel Angel Russo passed away, leaving an indelible mark. We are with his family and friends in this time of profound grief.
“Miguel Ángel Russo leaves behind much more at Boca than the fond memories of his triumphs as manager. What remains is his style and mannerisms, if he allows himself to use a discursive device he patented during his third and briefest stint at the club, to take on challenges, overcome limitations, and generate respect among both insiders and outsiders.
“He was passionate about his work, a tenacious fighter in all situations, a benchmark as a player first and a coach second. Until the very last day, he remained connected to his lifelong passion. His assistant, Claudio Úbeda, after the 5-0 win against Newell’s Old Boys, said that the head of the team was well aware of everything.
“This Wednesday, we learned of Miguel’s passing at the age of 69, after more than half a century of involvement in professional football. His immediate family will be particularly saddened, as will the extended family that became the Xeneize people.”
Elsewhere, former Manchester United star Cavani also took to social media to share a personal tribute to the late manager, writing: “Thank you Miguel for showing us all such an important value that is called ‘courage.'”
After making over 400 appearances for Estudiantes between 1975 and 1988, as well as a further 17 for the Argentina national team, Russo ventured into the world of football management in 1989. As well as spells with Estudiantes, Rosario Central and Al-Nassr, the former midfielder took charge of Boca Juniors on three occasions.
He first briefly took up tenure with the club in December 2007, before returning between January 2020 and August 2021 – during which time, he managed to guide Boca to an Argentine Primera Division title and a Copa de la Liga Profesional. He then made a comeback to the club in May 2025.
Meanwhile, Cavani joined the club in 2023 on a free transfer from Valencia. So far, the 38-year-old striker has netted 27 goals and provided three assists in 76 appearances for the club. The Uruguayan’s contract is due to run out at the end of 2026.
