BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) – Boca Juniors manager Miguel Ángel Russo, who had an extensive career with more than a dozen clubs in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Spain and Colombia, has died after a long battle with cancer, the Argentine club announced Wednesday. He was 69 years old.
“Club Atlético Boca Juniors announces with deep sadness the death of Miguel Ángel Russo,” the club posted on social media. “Miguel left an indelible mark on our institution and will continue to be an example of joy, warmth and dedication. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time of sadness. Goodbye, dear Miguel!”
Russo, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017, accepted a third term as manager of Boca Juniors in June. He coached the team in 2007 and 2020-2021.
Russo’s last major tournament with Boca Juniors was in 2025. fifa club world cup. He was coaching a team in a local league, but took time off at the end of last month due to poor health.
His last game in charge of Boca Juniors was on September 21 against Central Cordoba at La Bombonera Stadium. Since then, assistant Claudio Ubeda and Colombian player Juvenal Rodríguez have been in charge.
In Argentina, Russo also coached two other popular teams: San Lorenzo (2008-2009 and 2024-2025) and Racing Club (2010).
Overseas, he coached Universitas de Chile, Salamanca in Spain, Morelia in Mexico, Milonarios in Colombia, Alianza Lima in Peru, Cerro Porteño in Paraguay and Al Nasr in Saudi Arabia.
As a player, Russo made his professional debut in 1975 as a midfielder for Estudiantes de la Plata, where he spent his entire career. He won league titles in 1982 and 1983 and retired in 1988.
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