Argentina is mourning the loss of one of its football legends, Hugo Gatti, who passed away at the age of 80 following complications related to recent surgery.
Widely known by his nickname El Loco “The Madman”, Gatti was celebrated not only for his flamboyant style on the pitch but also for his larger-than-life personality off it.
According to reports, the iconic former goalkeeper was hospitalized after suffering a fall while walking his dog, which led to hip surgery. He was later moved to intensive care after developing pneumonia.
He made over 350 appearances for Boca Juniors, where he became a fan favorite and solidified his place among the club’s greatest.
Remarkably, he still holds the record for the most appearances in Argentina’s top division, with 765 league matches to his name.
A pioneer of modern goalkeeping, Gatti is credited as one of the first to wear gloves—an innovation that shaped the role of goalkeepers in the decades that followed.
He also represented Argentina at the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England, earning 18 international caps during his career.
Following his retirement from professional football, Gatti transitioned into media, where he continued to share his insights and passion for the sport as a TV pundit.