Américo Gallego Biography: Early Life, Career, and Achievements
Américo Gallego, also known as “El Tolo,” is an Argentine football coach and former player. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in the history of Argentine football and has made a significant contribution to the sport both as a player and a coach. Gallego played for several clubs in Argentina, including River Plate and Newell’s Old Boys, and also represented the Argentina national team during his playing career.
Born on April 25, 1955, in Cordoba, Argentina, Gallego started playing football at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks. He made his professional debut in 1974 for River Plate and went on to play for the club for several years, winning numerous titles and accolades. In 1983, he joined Newell’s Old Boys and played for the club until 1985 when he returned to River Plate for a brief stint before retiring from football in 1988.
After retiring from football, Gallego embarked on a successful coaching career and has managed several clubs in Argentina, Mexico, and Paraguay. He has won several titles and awards as a coach and is widely respected for his tactical acumen and ability to motivate his players. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of this legendary footballer and coach.
Key Takeaways
- Américo Gallego is a legendary Argentine footballer and coach who has made a significant contribution to the sport.
- Gallego played for several clubs in Argentina, including River Plate and Newell’s Old Boys, and also represented the Argentina national team during his playing career.
- After retiring from football, Gallego embarked on a successful coaching career and has managed several clubs in Argentina, Mexico, and Paraguay, winning several titles and awards along the way.
Early Life
Américo Gallego was born on April 25, 1955, in Morteros, a small city in the province of Córdoba, Argentina. He was the youngest of five children. At the age of five, he moved with his family to Rosario, Santa Fe, where he grew up.
Gallego began playing soccer at a young age. He played for Club Alianza Sport as a child before joining Newell’s Old Boys at the age of 14. He made his debut with Newell’s Old Boys at the age of 19 in 1974 as a midfielder.
Gallego’s talent was quickly recognized, and he became a key player for Newell’s Old Boys. He helped the team win the Argentine Primera División championship in 1974, 1988, and 1991. Gallego also played for River Plate, where he won the league title in 1986.
Gallego’s success as a player paved the way for his career as a coach. After retiring from playing in 1992, he became a coach, starting with Newell’s Old Boys.
Football Career
Club Career
Américo Gallego began his professional career with River Plate in 1974, where he played as a defensive midfielder. He won several titles with the club, including five Argentine Primera División championships, one Copa Libertadores, and one Intercontinental Cup. He played for River Plate until 1981 before moving to Newell’s Old Boys for a season. He then returned to River Plate in 1983 and played for the club until his retirement in 1988.
International Career
Gallego was a regular member of the Argentina national team during his playing career. He made his debut for the national team in 1975 and went on to play 73 times, scoring three goals. He was part of the squad that won the 1978 FIFA World Cup on home soil. He also played in the 1982 and 1986 World Cup tournaments.
After retiring from playing, Gallego began his coaching career. He has managed several clubs in Argentina, including River Plate, Newell’s Old Boys, and Independiente. He has also managed clubs in Mexico, Paraguay, and Colombia. In 2019, he was appointed as the head coach of the Panama national team.
Coaching Career
Club Coaching
After retiring from playing football, Américo Gallego began his coaching career in 1990 with River Plate. He led the team to win the 1994 Apertura and 1996 Clausura tournaments. He then moved to Independiente where he coached from 1998-2000, leading the team to win the 1998 Clausura tournament.
Gallego has also coached several other clubs including Newell’s Old Boys, Toluca, Cruz Azul, Colo-Colo, and Nacional. He has had varying degrees of success with each team, but his most notable achievement was leading Toluca to win the Mexican league title in 2008.
National Team Coaching
Gallego has also coached several national teams. In 2003, he led Argentina’s U-20 team to win the South American Youth Championship and the FIFA World Youth Championship. He was also the head coach of Paraguay’s national team from 2007-2011, leading them to the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup.
Gallego was appointed as the head coach of Panama’s national team in September 2019, but resigned from the position in July 2020 due to personal reasons.
Achievements and Awards
Throughout his career, Américo Gallego has achieved numerous milestones and won several awards. As a player, he was part of the Argentina national team that won the FIFA World Cup in 1978. He also won several domestic titles in Argentina, including six Primera Division titles with River Plate and one with Newell’s Old Boys.
After retiring from playing, Gallego went on to have a successful coaching career. He won his first major trophy as a coach in 1994 when he led River Plate to the Apertura title. He then went on to win two more league titles with River Plate in 2000 and 2002, as well as the Copa Libertadores in 1996.
Gallego also had success coaching in Mexico, winning two league titles with Toluca in 2005 and 2008. He was named the Liga MX Coach of the Year in 2005.
In addition to his club success, Gallego also had success coaching at the international level. He led Paraguay to the quarter-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, their best ever finish in the tournament.
Overall, Américo Gallego’s achievements and awards as both a player and coach have cemented his place as one of the most successful figures in Argentine football history.
Legacy
Throughout his career, Américo Gallego was known for his leadership on and off the pitch. He was a player who always gave his all and demanded the same from his teammates. His passion for the game and his winning mentality inspired those around him and helped him achieve great success as both a player and a coach.
Gallego’s legacy is particularly strong in Argentina, where he is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of his generation. He played a key role in helping Argentina win the 1978 World Cup, and his performances for River Plate and other top clubs earned him a place in the hearts of many fans.
As a coach, Gallego continued to make an impact. He led River Plate to several league titles and also had success with other clubs in Argentina and abroad. His tactical acumen and ability to motivate players were widely praised, and he was seen as a role model for many young coaches.
Off the field, Gallego was known for his generosity and his commitment to helping others. He was involved in several charitable organizations and often used his platform as a famous footballer to raise awareness about social issues.
Overall, Américo Gallego’s legacy is one of excellence both on and off the pitch. He will always be remembered as a true champion of the game and a role model for future generations of footballers and coaches.
Personal Life
Américo Gallego was born on April 25, 1955, in Morteros, Argentina. He is married, but there is no information available about his wife or children.
Gallego is known for his love of football and his dedication to the sport. He has been involved in football since he was a child, and he has always been passionate about playing and coaching.
Gallego is also known for his charitable work. He has been involved in several projects that aim to help underprivileged children in Argentina. He has donated money and time to these projects and has worked to raise awareness about the needs of these children.
Overall, Gallego is a dedicated football coach and a caring individual who is committed to making a difference in the lives of others.
Retirement and Later Life
After retiring from football, Américo Gallego turned his attention towards coaching. In 1994, he was chosen to manage his former team, River Plate. In his first tournament as head coach, he led River Plate to win the Apertura championship. He also won the Copa Libertadores in 1996 with River Plate.
Gallego continued to coach several other teams in Argentina, including Newell’s Old Boys, Independiente, and Rosario Central. He also had coaching stints in Mexico, leading Club Toluca and Club Necaxa to win several championships.
In 2011, Gallego briefly returned to River Plate as head coach, but was unable to repeat his previous success with the team. He later coached several other teams in Argentina, including Racing Club, Atlético Tucumán, and Chacarita Juniors.
Outside of coaching, Gallego has also worked as a football analyst for various television networks, including Fox Sports and ESPN. He has also been involved in charity work, supporting organizations that help disadvantaged children in Argentina.
Overall, Américo Gallego’s career as a player and coach has been marked by success and a deep passion for the sport of football. Despite retiring from the game as a player, he has continued to make significant contributions to the sport through his coaching and analysis work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Américo Gallego known for?
Américo Gallego is known for being an Argentine football coach and former player. He played as a midfielder and represented the Argentina national team 73 times during his playing career. As a coach, he has managed several teams in Argentina, Mexico, and Paraguay.
What teams has Américo Gallego coached?
Américo Gallego has coached several teams throughout his career. He started his coaching career in 1990 with Newell’s Old Boys and later went on to coach teams such as Independiente, River Plate, Toluca, and Cerro Porteño. He has also coached the Paraguay national team and the Ecuadorian national team.
What is Américo Gallego’s playing career like?
Américo Gallego had a successful playing career as a midfielder. He started his career with Rosario Central and later played for teams such as River Plate, Newell’s Old Boys, and Independiente. He also represented the Argentina national team 73 times and was part of the team that won the 1978 FIFA World Cup.
What awards has Américo Gallego received?
Américo Gallego has received several awards throughout his career. As a player, he won the Primera División six times with River Plate and Independiente. As a coach, he won the Argentine Primera División twice with Newell’s Old Boys and once with River Plate. He also won the Copa Libertadores with River Plate in 1996.
What is Américo Gallego’s coaching style?
Américo Gallego’s coaching style is known for being disciplined and focused on defense. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and is known for being a motivator to his players. He is also known for being a tactician and adapting his tactics to the strengths of his team.
How has Américo Gallego contributed to soccer?
Américo Gallego has contributed to soccer in several ways. As a player, he was part of the Argentina national team that won the 1978 FIFA World Cup. As a coach, he has won several titles with different teams in Argentina and has also coached the Paraguay and Ecuador national teams. He has also influenced many players and coaches with his disciplined and tactical approach to the game.