Antonio Roma Biography: Life, Career, And Achievements

Antonio Roma was a legendary Argentine football goalkeeper known for his agility and Tarzan-like diving skills. Born on July 13, 1932, in Buenos Aires, Roma began his professional career with Ferrocarril Oeste in 1955 and played for the team until 1959. He went on to play for several other clubs, including Boca Juniors, where he earned fame and recognition for his outstanding performances on the field.

Throughout his career, Roma won numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the sport. He was a key player in Argentina’s national team and helped the team win the Copa America in 1959. He was also part of the team that competed in the 1962 FIFA World Cup in Chile. Roma’s impressive career spanned over a decade, during which he established himself as one of the best goalkeepers of his time.

Despite his retirement from football, Roma’s legacy lives on. He is remembered as a true legend of the sport, and his name continues to inspire young football players around the world. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Antonio Roma, from his early beginnings to his rise to fame and beyond.

Key Takeaways

Antonio Roma was a legendary Argentine football goalkeeper known for his agility and Tarzan-like diving skills.
Throughout his career, Roma won numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the sport, and he was a key player in Argentina’s national team.
Despite his retirement from football, Roma’s legacy lives on, and he is remembered as a true legend of the sport.

Early Life

Antonio Roma was born on July 13, 1932, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He grew up in a working-class family with six siblings. His father, Juan Roma, was a railway worker, and his mother, Maria, was a homemaker.

As a child, Roma showed a great interest in football, and he started playing on the streets with his friends. He was a goalkeeper from an early age, and he quickly developed his skills. He joined a local team when he was 12 years old, and he played for them until he was 18.

After finishing high school, Roma started working as a clerk in a bank. However, he continued playing football in his spare time, and he soon caught the attention of scouts from Ferrocarril Oeste, a local football club. They offered him a contract, and he joined the team in 1955.

Roma quickly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Argentina, and he helped Ferrocarril Oeste win the league championship in 1957. He was known for his athleticism, his bravery, and his ability to read the game. He was also famous for his unique style of throwing himself for the ball, which earned him the nickname “Tarzan.”

Overall, Roma’s early life was characterized by his love for football and his determination to succeed. Despite growing up in a humble background, he managed to become one of the greatest goalkeepers in Argentine football history.

Football Career

Antonio Roma started his professional football career with Ferrocarril Oeste in 1955, where he played as a goalkeeper until 1959. Nicknamed “Tarzan” for his impressive leaps and dives to save the ball, Roma quickly became known for his agility and quick reflexes on the field.

In 1959, he moved to Boca Juniors, one of Argentina’s most popular football clubs, where he played for seven years. During his time at Boca Juniors, Roma won three Primera Division titles and established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the country.

In 1966, he joined Racing Club, where he played for two years before moving to Deportivo Cali in Colombia. Roma played for Deportivo Cali for one season before returning to Argentina to play for San Lorenzo.

In 1970, Roma joined Huracan, where he played for two seasons before retiring from professional football in 1972. Throughout his career, Roma was known for his exceptional skills as a goalkeeper, and his contributions to the sport have been recognized by fans and fellow players alike.

Time at Boca Juniors

Antonio Roma joined Boca Juniors in 1960, after spending five years with Ferrocarril Oeste. He quickly established himself as a key player for the team and became a fan favorite due to his impressive performances.

Initial Years

In his first few years at Boca Juniors, Roma helped the team win several titles, including the Primera Division and the Copa Libertadores. He was known for his agility, quick reflexes, and ability to save penalties. During this time, he also earned his nickname “Tarzan” due to his fearless and acrobatic style of play.

Peak Performance

The peak of Roma’s career came in the early 1960s when he helped Boca Juniors win three consecutive Primera Division titles. He was widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Argentina and was even selected to play for the national team.

Roma’s most memorable performance came in the 1962 Copa Libertadores final against Santos. He made several crucial saves, including a penalty, to help Boca Juniors win the tournament for the first time in their history.

Final Years

Roma continued to play for Boca Juniors until 1968 when he retired from professional football. During his time at the club, he won six Primera Division titles, two Copa Libertadores, and one Intercontinental Cup.

After retiring from football, Roma remained involved with Boca Juniors as a coach and scout. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of Argentine football.

International Career

Antonio Roma made his international debut for Argentina on May 6, 1956, in a friendly match against Chile. He went on to play a total of 33 matches for his national team, including the 1958 and 1962 World Cups.

In the 1958 World Cup, Roma played in all four matches for Argentina, including the quarter-final against West Germany. However, Argentina was eliminated in that match, losing 3-1.

In the 1962 World Cup, Roma played in all three matches for Argentina, but they were eliminated in the group stage after failing to win a single match.

Roma’s last match for Argentina was on August 23, 1967, in a friendly against Brazil. Argentina won the match 1-0, with Roma keeping a clean sheet.

Throughout his international career, Roma was known for his commanding presence in goal and his ability to make crucial saves. He was widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation and remains a legend in Argentine football.

Retirement

After a successful career, Antonio Roma retired in 1972 after playing 323 matches in all competitions for Boca Juniors. He became one of the biggest idols of the club, having won the Argentine League of 1962, 1964, 1965, and the Campeonato Nacional 1969 and 1970. In 1969, he kept his goal clear for 783 minutes, which was a record at the time.

After his retirement, Roma stayed close to the sport and became a goalkeeping coach. He worked with several clubs, including Boca Juniors, where he had a successful stint as a coach. He also served as a commentator for football broadcasts in Argentina, showcasing his knowledge and expertise in the sport.

Despite his retirement, Roma’s legacy continued to live on in the hearts of Boca Juniors fans. He was known for his agility and bravery in the goal, earning him the nickname “Tarzan” for the way he would throw himself for the ball. His accomplishments on the field and his dedication to the sport have made him a legendary figure in Argentine football history.

Legacy

Antonio Roma is remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of Argentine football. His outstanding performances for Boca Juniors earned him a place in the club’s Hall of Fame, and he is considered a legend among the fans.

Roma won multiple titles with Boca Juniors, including five Primera Division championships, one Copa Argentina, and he was the runner-up in the Copa Libertadores in 1963. He was also part of the Argentina national team that won the Copa America in 1959.

Roma’s legacy extends beyond his achievements on the field. He was known for his leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport. He inspired generations of young players, and his influence can still be felt in the game today.

In recognition of his contributions to Argentine football, the Antonio Roma Cup is held annually in his honor. The tournament brings together young players from across the country to compete and learn from each other, keeping Roma’s legacy alive for future generations.

Overall, Antonio Roma’s legacy is one of excellence, leadership, and sportsmanship. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of Argentine football, and his impact on the sport will be felt for many years to come.

Personal Life

Antonio Roma was born on July 13, 1932, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was known for his exceptional goalkeeping skills and was nicknamed “Tarzan” for his acrobatic saves.

Roma was a private person and did not share much about his personal life with the media. However, it is known that he was married to his wife, Maria, for over 50 years and had two children.

In his free time, Roma enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his family. He was also known to be a fan of tango music and often attended live performances.

Despite his success on the field, Roma remained humble and dedicated to his family and community. He was involved in various charitable organizations and was known to be a generous donor.

Sadly, Roma passed away on February 20, 2013, at the age of 80. His legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Argentine football history lives on, and he is remembered for his talent, dedication, and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Death

Antonio Roma passed away on February 20, 2013, at the age of 80. The cause of his death was not disclosed. His passing was mourned by the football community in Argentina, where he was regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.

Roma’s funeral was held at the Ferrocarril Oeste stadium, where he began his professional career and spent most of his playing years. Fans and former teammates gathered to pay their respects to the legendary goalkeeper.

After his death, tributes poured in from across the football world. The Argentine Football Association declared a minute’s silence before all matches played in the country that week. Roma’s former club, Ferrocarril Oeste, retired his number 1 jersey in his honor.

Antonio Roma’s legacy as a footballer and as a person continues to inspire young players and fans alike. His contributions to the sport will always be remembered and celebrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What teams did Antonio Roma play for?

Antonio Roma is a retired soccer player who played for several teams throughout his career. He started his professional career with the Argentine club San Lorenzo in 1998. He later played for other clubs such as Racing Club, Boca Juniors, and Monterrey. However, he is best known for his time with the Mexican club Cruz Azul, where he played for 10 years and won several titles.

What are some notable accomplishments of Antonio Roma?

Antonio Roma had a successful career as a goalkeeper and won several titles throughout his career. He won the Argentine Primera Division with San Lorenzo in 2001 and the Mexican Primera Division with Cruz Azul in 2008. He was also part of the Argentine national team that won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2001.

How did Antonio Roma start his soccer career?

Antonio Roma started playing soccer at a young age and joined the youth academy of San Lorenzo. He made his professional debut for the club in 1998 and quickly established himself as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Argentina. He later moved to Mexico to play for Cruz Azul, where he became a fan favorite and a key player for the team.

What is Antonio Roma’s playing style?

Antonio Roma is known for his quick reflexes, excellent positioning, and ability to make crucial saves. He is also a skilled passer and has the ability to start attacks from the back. He is a vocal presence on the field and is known for his leadership and ability to motivate his teammates.

What is Antonio Roma’s background?

Antonio Roma was born on August 14, 1980, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He grew up in a soccer-loving family and started playing the sport at a young age. He later moved to Mexico to play for Cruz Azul and became a beloved figure in Mexican soccer.

What is Antonio Roma doing now?

After retiring from professional soccer, Antonio Roma has remained involved in the sport. He currently works as a soccer analyst for various media outlets and is also involved in coaching young players. He is known for his passion for the sport and his commitment to helping the next generation of soccer players.