Ángel Clemente Rojas Biography: Life, Career, and Achievements
Ángel Clemente Rojas, also known as Rojitas, is a former Argentine footballer who is considered one of the best players in the history of Argentine football. He was born on August 28, 1944, in Sarandí, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Rojas played most of his career for Boca Juniors, where he became a legend and won numerous titles.
Rojas started playing football at a young age and quickly gained attention for his skills on the field. He joined Boca Juniors in 1960, and in his first season, he helped the team win the Argentine Primera División championship. Rojas played for Boca Juniors for 16 years, during which he won 10 league titles, 3 Copa Libertadores, and 2 Intercontinental Cups. He is known for his dribbling skills, speed, and ability to score goals.
Throughout his career, Rojas also played for the Argentine national team. He represented his country in the 1966 and 1974 World Cups, where he played a vital role in Argentina’s performance. Rojas retired from professional football in 1976 and went on to work as a coach and commentator.
Key Takeaways
- Ángel Clemente Rojas is a former Argentine footballer who played most of his career for Boca Juniors and is considered one of the best players in the history of Argentine football.
- Rojas won numerous titles during his career, including 10 league titles, 3 Copa Libertadores, and 2 Intercontinental Cups.
- Rojas also played for the Argentine national team and represented his country in the 1966 and 1974 World Cups. After retiring from professional football, he worked as a coach and commentator.
Early Life
Ángel Clemente Rojas was born on August 28, 1944, in Sarandí, Argentina. He was nicknamed Rojitas and started playing football at a young age.
Rojas was discovered by “Nano” Bernardo Gandulla, who brought him to the Boca Juniors’ youth team. He quickly rose through the ranks and made his debut in the sixth division of Boca Juniors, scoring two goals in his first game against Huracán.
At the age of 18, Rojas made his debut in the Primera División on May 19, 1963, against Vélez Sársfield. He suffered a major injury early in his career, an Anterior cruciate ligament injury caused by a collision with an opposition player in 1963, which kept him on the sidelines for a long time.
Despite the setback, Rojas continued to work hard on his game and eventually became one of the most talented footballers of his generation. He played most of his career for Boca Juniors, where he won four league titles and an Argentine cup.
Career in Boca Juniors
Initial Years
Ángel Clemente Rojas started his professional football career in 1963 with Boca Juniors at the age of 18. However, his career was hit by a major injury early on, a collision with an opposition player caused an Anterior cruciate ligament injury in 1963 kept him on the sidelines until August 1964. After his recovery, he returned to help Boca Juniors claim the 1964 league championship.
Peak Performance
Rojas’ peak performance was during the 1960s and 1970s. He played as a forward and was known for his dribbling skills, ball control, and ability to score goals. He was also a key player in Boca Juniors’ successful campaigns in the Copa Libertadores in 1977 and 1978.
Retirement and Legacy
Ángel Clemente Rojas retired from professional football in 1979, after playing for Quilmes. He was a one-club man, having played most of his career for Boca Juniors. Rojas is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of Boca Juniors. He is also known for his nickname “Rojitas” which means “little red” in Spanish. His legacy continues to inspire young players in Argentina and around the world.
