Herminio Masantonio Biography: Early Life, Career, and Legacy
Herminio Masantonio was a legendary Argentine footballer who played as a centre-forward. Born in Ensenada in 1910, Masantonio started his football career with Villa Albino Sportivo, affiliated to La Plata football league, where he debuted in the fourth division in 1926. After moving to Club Atlético Huracán in 1931, he became one of the club’s all-time top scorers with 256 goals in 358 matches. Masantonio also represented Argentina at the international level.
Masantonio’s football career spanned over two decades, and he was known for his speed, technique, and ability to score goals. He played most of his career for Huracán, where he won the Argentine Primera División championship in 1933 and 1944. Masantonio is considered one of Huracán’s legends and is placed third in the list of Argentine Primera División top scorers. He retired from football in 1948 and passed away in 1956.
In this article, we will delve into the life and career of Herminio Masantonio, exploring his early life, football career, career achievements, retirement and later life, and legacy. We will also answer frequently asked questions about Masantonio and his contributions to football in Argentina.
Key Takeaways
- Herminio Masantonio was a legendary Argentine footballer who played as a centre-forward for Club Atlético Huracán.
- Masantonio is one of Huracán’s all-time top scorers, with 256 goals in 358 matches, and is placed third in the list of Argentine Primera División top scorers.
- Masantonio’s legacy as a footballer and his contributions to Argentine football continue to inspire generations of footballers and fans alike.
Early Life
Herminio Masantonio was born on August 5, 1910, in Ensenada, Argentina. He grew up in a working-class family and was the youngest of six siblings. His father was a sailor, and his mother was a homemaker.
Masantonio’s passion for football began at a young age, and he started playing in local clubs. He joined Villa Albino Sportivo, which was affiliated with the La Plata football league, where he made his debut in the fourth division in 1926.
Three years later, Masantonio moved to Club Platense of the same league, where he started to show his scoring skills. He quickly gained a reputation as a prolific striker and caught the attention of scouts from bigger clubs.
Masantonio’s talent and potential were evident from the beginning of his career, and he quickly became a rising star in Argentine football. Despite his success, he remained humble and focused on improving his skills.
Football Career
Club Career
Herminio Masantonio started his football career in Villa Albino Sportivo, which was affiliated to La Plata football league. He debuted in the fourth division in 1926. Three years later, Masantonio moved to Club Platense of the same league, where he started to show his scoring skills. He played for Platense from 1929 to 1933, scoring 79 goals in 120 appearances.
In 1934, Masantonio joined Huracán, where he became a legend of the club. He played for Huracán for 12 years, from 1934 to 1946, and scored 256 goals in 347 appearances, making him the all-time top scorer of the club. He also won the Primera División championship with Huracán in 1943.
After leaving Huracán, Masantonio played for Banfield, Defensor Sporting, and other clubs. He retired from football in 1953.
International Career
Masantonio represented Argentina at international level. He made his debut for the national team in 1935 and played for Argentina in the 1937 South American Championship, where he scored three goals in four games. He also played in the 1938 FIFA World Cup, where he scored one goal in three games.
In total, Masantonio played 16 games for Argentina and scored 9 goals. He was known for his speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability, and was considered one of the best Argentine footballers of his time.
Career Achievements
Herminio Masantonio was one of the most prolific scorers in the history of Argentine football. He played most of his career for Huracán, where he became one of the club’s legends, being the all-time top scorer with 256 goals in 347 matches.
Masantonio’s achievements are not limited to Huracán. He is placed 3rd in the list of Argentine Primera División top scorers with 253 goals in 358 matches. He was also part of the Argentine national team that won the 1945 South American Championship, where he scored two goals in the final against Brazil.
Masantonio’s success on the field was due to his exceptional skills as a forward. He was known for his speed, dribbling, and his ability to score goals from any position. His performances on the field earned him the nickname “El Fiera” (The Beast), a testament to his ferocious attacking style.
Masantonio’s legacy as a footballer continues to live on today. He is remembered as one of the greatest players in Huracán’s history and as one of the all-time greats of Argentine football.
Retirement and Later Life
After retiring from football, Herminio Masantonio remained involved in the sport as a coach. He coached a number of teams including Atlanta, Ferro Carril Oeste, and Huracán.
Masantonio also had a passion for boxing and had expressed interest in pursuing a career in the sport. However, he never pursued it professionally.
In his later years, Masantonio suffered from health problems and was hospitalized several times. He passed away on September 11, 1956, at the age of 46.
Despite his untimely death, Masantonio’s legacy as one of Huracán’s greatest players lives on. He remains the club’s all-time top scorer and is remembered as a legendary figure in Argentine football.
Legacy
Masantonio is considered one of the greatest players in the history of Huracán. He is the all-time top scorer of the club, with a total of 256 goals in 341 matches. His impressive performance on the field earned him the nickname “El Fenómeno” (The Phenomenon).
Masantonio’s legacy extends beyond Huracán, as he also represented Argentina at the international level. He was part of the national team that won the South American Championship in 1941 and 1947. Masantonio’s contribution to Argentine football was recognized in 2010 when he was posthumously inducted into the Argentine Football Hall of Fame.
In addition to his achievements on the field, Masantonio was known for his sportsmanship and fair play. He was never sent off during his career and was respected by both teammates and opponents. His dedication to the sport and his team has inspired generations of football players in Argentina.
Today, Masantonio’s legacy continues to live on through the Herminio Masantonio Foundation, which was established in his honor in 2006. The foundation aims to promote football as a means of social integration and to provide support to young athletes in need. Through this foundation, Masantonio’s impact on Argentine football and society will continue to be felt for years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Herminio Masantonio was a legendary Argentine footballer who played most of his career for Huracán and represented Argentina at international level. He was born on August 5, 1910, and died on September 11, 1956. Masantonio is considered one of Huracán’s legends, being the all-time top scorer of the club.
Throughout his career, Masantonio was known for his exceptional skills as a centre-forward. He was a prolific scorer, with an impressive record of 256 goals in 348 matches for Huracán. Masantonio was also a key player for the Argentina national team, scoring 10 goals in 18 appearances.
Masantonio’s legacy continues to live on, with many football fans still admiring his talent and achievements. He remains an important figure in the history of Argentine football, and his contribution to the sport will never be forgotten.
Overall, Herminio Masantonio was a true footballing icon who inspired generations of players and fans alike. His dedication, passion, and talent made him one of the greatest footballers of his time, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of footballers for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Herminio Masantonio?
Herminio Masantonio (5 August 1910 – 11 September 1956) was an Argentine football centre-forward who played most of his career for Huracán and represented Argentina at international level. He is one of Huracán’s legends, being the all-time top scorer of the club.
What are some notable accomplishments of Herminio Masantonio?
In his inaugural season in Primera División, Masantonio scored 23 goals. He was a skilled centre-forward but sometimes he tended to abuse dribbling. Masantonio was part of the Argentine team that won the 1941 South American Championship. He also played for Argentina in the 1934 and 1938 World Cups.
What is the early life of Herminio Masantonio like?
Masantonio was born on 5 August 1910 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He signed his first contract for Huracan, starting his career at the very dawn of the professional era of Argentine football in 1931.
What is the legacy of Herminio Masantonio?
Masantonio is considered one of the greatest players in the history of Huracán. He is the all-time top scorer of the club with 256 goals. He is also remembered as one of the best centre-forwards in Argentine football history.
What are some interesting facts about Herminio Masantonio?
Masantonio was known for his unorthodox style of play and his ability to score goals. He was also known for his temper and was often involved in on-field altercations with opponents. Masantonio died on 11 September 1956 at the age of 46.
How did Herminio Masantonio become famous?
Masantonio became famous for his skill as a footballer. He was a prolific goal scorer and helped lead Huracán to several victories during his career. He also represented Argentina at international level and played in the 1934 and 1938 World Cups.
