Ermindo Onega Biography: Life, Career, and Achievements
Ermindo Onega was a legendary Argentine footballer who made a significant impact on the sport during his career. Born on April 30, 1940, in Chajarí, Argentina, Onega began his footballing journey with River Plate in 1957, where he played as an attacking midfielder and forward. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a key player for the team, scoring 98 goals in 222 matches during his time with the club.
Onega’s football career was marked by his incredible skill, agility, and speed on the field. He was known for his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates and was a prolific goal scorer himself. Onega’s impressive performances on the field earned him a call-up to the Argentina national team, where he played 30 matches and scored 11 goals. He was also a member of the England ’66 squad.
Throughout his career, Onega played for several clubs, including Vélez Sársfield, where he scored six goals in 30 matches. Despite retiring from football in 1972, Onega’s legacy and impact on the sport continue to be felt to this day. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of Ermindo Onega, exploring his early life, football career, statistics, retirement, legacy, and death.
Key Takeaways
- Ermindo Onega was a legendary Argentine footballer known for his incredible skill, agility, and speed on the field.
- He played for River Plate and Vélez Sársfield, scoring a total of 104 goals in 252 matches.
- Onega’s legacy and impact on the sport continue to be felt today, making him one of the most beloved footballers in Argentine history.
Early Life
Ermindo Onega was born on April 30, 1940, in Argentina. He grew up in a football-loving family, and his father was a former football player. Onega started playing football at a young age and showed great potential.
Onega joined the youth academy of River Plate, one of the most successful football clubs in Argentina, at the age of 14. He quickly impressed the coaches and was promoted to the first team at the age of 17.
During his early years at River Plate, Onega played as a forward, but he later switched to an attacking midfielder position. He developed a reputation for his speed, dribbling skills, and accurate shooting.
Onega’s talent did not go unnoticed, and he was called up to the Argentina national football team in 1960, at the age of 20. He went on to make 30 appearances for the national team and scored 11 goals.
Overall, Onega’s early life was characterized by his passion for football and his exceptional talent, which led to his rapid rise through the ranks of River Plate and the national team.
Football Career
Club Career
Ermindo Onega started his football career with River Plate in 1957. He played as an attacking midfielder and forward for the club until 1968, scoring 98 goals in 222 matches. During his time with River Plate, he won three Primera Division titles in 1957, 1962, and 1963.
In 1972, Onega moved to Club Atlético Vélez Sársfield, where he played for one season, scoring 6 goals in 30 matches.
International Career
Onega represented the Argentina national team from 1960 to 1967, earning 30 caps and scoring 11 goals. He was part of the squad that participated in the 1966 FIFA World Cup held in England.
During his international career, Onega played alongside his younger brother Daniel Onega, who was also a professional footballer.
Overall, Ermindo Onega had a successful football career, earning a reputation as a skilled attacking player and contributing to the success of both his club and national teams.
Career Statistics
Ermindo Onega was a prolific Argentine footballer who played as an attacking midfielder and forward for River Plate. He made his professional debut in 1957 and went on to become a key player for the club, helping them win the Argentine Primera Division in 1957 and reach the final of the Copa Libertadores in 1966.
During his career, Onega played in several competitions, including the Argentine Primera Division, Copa Libertadores, and Intercontinental Champions’ Supercup. He was known for his speed, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals from both open play and set pieces.
According to Transfermarkt, Onega made a total of 314 appearances for River Plate, scoring 120 goals. He also played for the Argentina national team, making 30 appearances and scoring 11 goals.
Here are some of Onega’s career statistics:
- Total appearances for River Plate: 314
- Total goals for River Plate: 120
- Appearances in the Argentine Primera Division: 264
- Goals in the Argentine Primera Division: 101
- Appearances in the Copa Libertadores: 34
- Goals in the Copa Libertadores: 12
- Appearances in the Intercontinental Champions’ Supercup: 2
- Goals in the Intercontinental Champions’ Supercup: 1
Onega was known for his consistency and longevity, playing for River Plate for over a decade and earning a reputation as one of the best players in the club’s history. Despite his success, he remained humble and dedicated to his craft, always striving to improve his game and help his team win.
Retirement
After his playing career, Ermindo Onega stayed close to the sport he loved. He remained connected to River Plate and was a regular at their games. He also worked as a football commentator for television and radio.
Onega’s health began to decline in the late 1970s, and he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Despite undergoing treatment, his condition worsened, and he passed away on December 21, 1979, at the age of 39.
His legacy lives on, and he is remembered as one of the greatest players in River Plate’s history. In his honor, the club retired his number 7 jersey, and a statue of him was erected outside the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
In addition to his impact on River Plate, Onega also made a significant contribution to the Argentine national team. He played 30 times for his country, scoring 11 goals. He was a member of the squad that competed in the 1966 World Cup in England.
Despite not winning any major titles during his career, Onega’s skill and talent on the pitch earned him the respect and admiration of fans and fellow players alike. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of footballers in Argentina and beyond.
Legacy
Ermindo Onega left a significant mark in Argentine football history. He is considered one of the greatest players in River Plate’s history. Onega’s contribution to the club was immense, and he is remembered as a key player during the 1960s.
Onega’s attacking ability was unparalleled, and he was known for his speed and dribbling skills. He was also a prolific goal-scorer and played a crucial role in River Plate’s success during his time at the club.
Onega’s legacy extends beyond his time at River Plate. He played for the Argentine national team and was part of the squad that won the 1964 Copa America. He made 30 appearances for the national team and scored 11 goals.
Onega’s younger brother, Daniel Onega, also played for River Plate and was part of the team that won the 1975 Nacional championship. The Onega brothers are remembered as one of the most talented pairs of siblings in Argentine football history.
Despite his untimely death at the age of 39, Onega’s legacy lives on. He is still remembered as one of the greatest players in Argentine football history and is an inspiration to many young players.
Death
Onega’s life was tragically cut short when he died in a road accident in 1979. He was only 39 years old at the time of his death. Onega was on his way to the city of Rosario when the accident occurred.
The news of his sudden death was a shock to the football world, especially to his former teammates and fans. Onega was known for his exceptional skills on the field and his contributions to the sport. His passing was a great loss to the Argentine football community.
Despite his untimely death, Onega’s legacy lives on. He is remembered as one of the greatest footballers of his time and his achievements continue to inspire future generations of players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ermindo Onega and what did he do?
Ermindo Ángel Onega was an Argentine footballer who played as an attacking midfielder and forward. He is most known for his time at River Plate, where he played from 1957 to 1968, scoring 98 goals in 222 matches. Onega also played for Club Atlético Vélez Sársfield in 1972, scoring 6 goals in 30 matches.
What were Ermindo Onega’s greatest achievements?
Onega’s greatest achievements include winning the Argentine Primera División with River Plate in 1957, 1962, and 1963. He also won the Intercontinental Cup with River Plate in 1966. In addition, Onega was part of the Argentina national team that won the South American Championship in 1959 and 1967.
What was Ermindo Onega’s early life like?
Onega was born on April 30, 1940, in Las Parejas, Argentina. He grew up in a football-loving family, with his father and grandfather both playing for local teams. Onega began his football career playing for the youth teams of Rosario Central before moving to River Plate in 1956.
What was Ermindo Onega’s impact on the sport of football?
Onega was known for his skill and creativity on the field, as well as his ability to score goals. He was a key player for River Plate during the 1960s, helping the team win multiple championships. Onega’s success on the field helped to cement his place in Argentine football history.
What was Ermindo Onega’s playing style?
Onega was known for his attacking style of play, with a focus on dribbling and creating scoring opportunities. He was also known for his powerful left foot, which he used to score many of his goals. Onega was a versatile player who could play in multiple positions, including as a winger, midfielder, or forward.
What is Ermindo Onega’s legacy in football history?
Onega’s legacy in football history is that of a talented and successful player who helped to shape the game in Argentina during the 1960s. He was a key player for River Plate during one of the team’s most successful periods, and his contributions to the sport have been recognized by fans and experts alike.