René Houseman Biography: The Life Of The Argentine Football Legend

René Houseman was a legendary Argentine footballer who played as a right winger. Born on July 19, 1953, Houseman was nicknamed “Loco” and was considered the successor of the legendary winger Omar Corbatta. He is still regarded by many sports journalists as one of the best Argentine wingers ever, and his style of play was admired by football fans all over the world.

Houseman had an illustrious football career, which spanned over two decades. He played for several clubs in Argentina, including Huracán, River Plate, and Colo-Colo. He was also a member of the Argentina national team and participated in the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cups, where he scored three goals. In 1978, Houseman was part of the Argentina team that won the World Cup, and his contribution to the team’s success was significant.

Houseman’s style of play was characterized by his speed, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals from difficult angles. He was a fan favorite and inspired many young footballers to follow in his footsteps. Despite his success on the pitch, Houseman faced several personal challenges, including alcoholism and financial difficulties. However, his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time remains intact.

Key Takeaways

René Houseman was a legendary Argentine footballer who played as a right winger and was nicknamed “Loco”.
He had an illustrious football career, playing for several clubs in Argentina and participating in the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cups.
Houseman’s style of play was characterized by his speed, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals from difficult angles, and he remains one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Early Life

René Orlando Houseman was born on July 19, 1953, in La Banda, Santiago del Estero, Argentina. He grew up in a large family with seven siblings. His father, a former football player, encouraged René and his brothers to play sports from a young age.

René’s talent for football was evident early on, and he joined a local club, Club Atlético Defensores de Belgrano, at the age of 14. He quickly made a name for himself as a skilled and speedy winger, catching the attention of scouts from larger clubs.

In 1971, at the age of 18, René signed with Huracán, a top-tier club in Buenos Aires. He made his debut for the club later that year, and his exceptional performances on the pitch quickly earned him the nickname “Loco” (crazy).

René’s success on the field was not without its challenges. He struggled with homesickness and the pressures of being a young player in a highly competitive environment. However, he persevered and continued to hone his skills, becoming one of the most promising young players in Argentine football.

Football Career

Club Career

René Houseman started his club career playing for Defensores de Belgrano, a team from the lower leagues of Argentine football. In 1973, he moved to Huracán, where he won the Metropolitano championship in his first season. He played for a number of clubs throughout his career, including River Plate, Colo-Colo, and Correcaminos UAT. He was known for his speed, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals.

International Career

Houseman was a member of the Argentine national team that won the 1978 FIFA World Cup. He played in all seven matches, scoring two goals, including one in the final against the Netherlands. He also played in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, where he scored three goals. In total, he played 55 times for Argentina, scoring 13 goals.

During his international career, Houseman was known for his attacking play and his ability to create chances for his teammates. He was also known for his work rate and his ability to track back and defend when necessary.

Despite his success at the international level, Houseman’s club career was marred by injuries and off-field issues. He struggled with alcoholism and was arrested several times for driving under the influence. He retired from football in 1984, at the age of 31, and later worked as a coach and a commentator.

Style of Play

René Houseman was an exceptionally skilled footballer, characterised by his lightning pace, dribbling ability, and precise crossing. He was primarily a right winger but could also play on the left flank if needed. Houseman was known for his unorthodox playing style, which earned him the nickname “Loco” (crazy) among fans and teammates.

Houseman’s dribbling skills were among the best of his time. He had an uncanny ability to weave past defenders with ease, using his quick feet and close control to keep the ball close to his body. He was also a prolific crosser of the ball, with his precise deliveries often leading to goals for his teammates.

Despite his small stature, Houseman was a fearless player who was not afraid to take on bigger opponents. He was also known for his incredible work rate, often tracking back to help his teammates defend when needed.

Houseman’s playing style was heavily influenced by his idol, Omar Corbatta, who was also a legendary Argentine winger. Like Corbatta, Houseman was known for his speed, skill, and creativity on the ball. However, Houseman’s unique style of play made him a fan favourite and one of the most exciting players of his generation.

Overall, René Houseman’s playing style was a combination of speed, skill, and creativity, which made him a nightmare for opposition defenders. His unorthodox approach to the game and his fearless attitude made him one of the most exciting players to watch.

Legacy

René Houseman’s legacy as one of the greatest Argentine wingers of all time is well-established. His extraordinary skill on the field, characterized by his dribbling ability and lightning-fast pace, made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for defenders.

Houseman’s most significant achievement was winning the 1978 World Cup with Argentina, where he played a crucial role in the team’s success. His performances in the tournament were exceptional, and he scored two goals, one of which was in the final against the Netherlands.

After retiring from football, Houseman continued to be involved in the sport as a coach. He worked with various teams in Argentina, including Club Atlético Huracán, and was known for his dedication and passion for the game.

In 2018, Houseman passed away after a battle with tongue cancer. The football world mourned his loss, with many paying tribute to his talent and contribution to the sport.

Today, Houseman’s legacy lives on through his impact on Argentine football and the memories he created on the field. He remains an inspiration to young players and a symbol of excellence in the sport.

Personal Life

René Houseman was born on July 19, 1953, in La Banda, Santiago del Estero, Argentina. He grew up in a humble family and started playing soccer at a young age. Houseman was known for his love of music and often played guitar and sang for his teammates.

Houseman was married and had three children. He was a devoted family man and often spoke about the importance of his family in his life. Despite his fame and success as a soccer player, Houseman remained humble and grounded.

In his later years, Houseman faced health problems, including tongue cancer, which ultimately led to his death on March 22, 2018, at the age of 64. His death was mourned by soccer fans around the world, who remembered him as one of the greatest Argentine wingers of all time.

Death and Tributes

René Houseman passed away on March 22, 2018, at the age of 64 after a year-long battle with tongue cancer. His death was mourned by the football community in Argentina and around the world.

Houseman’s former clubs, River Plate and Huracán, paid tribute to the legendary player. River Plate issued a statement on their website expressing their condolences to Houseman’s family and highlighting his contributions to the club. Huracán also released a statement on their website, calling Houseman “an eternal symbol of the club.”

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) also paid tribute to Houseman. In a statement, the AFA said, “We regret the passing of René Houseman, a symbol of Argentina’s 1978 World Cup-winning team. We send our condolences to his family and friends.”

Houseman’s former teammates, including Osvaldo Ardiles and Mario Kempes, also paid tribute to him on social media. Ardiles tweeted, “Very sad news. René Houseman, one of the best Argentinian players ever, has passed away. RIP my friend.” Kempes wrote on Twitter, “Another great player has left us. René Houseman, a great friend and teammate. Rest in peace, René.”

Houseman’s death was also noted by FIFA, who tweeted, “We are saddened to hear of the passing of René Houseman, a member of Argentina’s 1978 World Cup-winning team. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Frequently Asked Questions

When was René Houseman born?

René Houseman was born on July 19, 1953.

What was René Houseman’s position in soccer?

René Houseman played as a right winger in soccer.

What teams did René Houseman play for?

René Houseman played for several teams during his soccer career, including Huracán, River Plate, Colo-Colo, and Correcaminos UAT.

What was René Houseman’s most notable achievement in soccer?

René Houseman’s most notable achievement in soccer was winning the 1978 FIFA World Cup with the Argentina national team.

Did René Houseman receive any awards for his soccer career?

René Houseman received several awards for his soccer career, including the Argentine Primera División with Huracán in 1973, the Chilean Primera División with Colo-Colo in 1979, and the Copa Libertadores with River Plate in 1986.