MEXICO CITY (AP) — Manuel Lapuente, one of the most successful managers in Mexican soccer history, has died. He was 81 years old.
The Mexican Football Federation announced on its social media channels on Saturday, without specifying the cause of death.
Mr. La Puente played professional soccer from 1964 to 1975 and twice coached the national team. The first match in 1990-1991 lasted only 11 games.
The team won the second Confederations Cup title in 1999, defeating Brazil 4-3 in the final at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium. A year ago, he led Mexico to the Gold Cup trophy, defeating the United States in the final.
La Puente also coached Mexico at the 1998 World Cup in France. The team advanced from the group stage, but was eliminated in the round of 16 by Germany.
“Mexican football deeply regrets the passing of one of the most important, beloved and influential players and coaches in our sport. Don Manuel Lapuente was and always will be a football legend. May he rest in peace,” MSF said.
As the club’s coach, La Puente won five league titles in Mexico. two in Puebla (1983, 1990), two in Necaxa (1995, 1996), and one in the United States (2002).
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