Xabier Azkargorta, Legendary Spanish Football Coach, Dies at 72

Xabier Azkargorta, an influential Spanish football coach known for his pioneering achievements, passed away at the age of 72 in Bolivia due to heart complications. Born in Azpeitia, Guipúzcoa in 1953, Azkargorta's promising playing career was cut short at age 20 due to a knee injury, prompting him to transition into coaching. He became the youngest coach in La Liga history at 29 with Espanyol during the 1983-84 season and later managed several Spanish clubs including Sevilla, Tenerife, Valladolid, and Nàstic, accumulating 229 La Liga matches and serving as sporting director at Valencia.

Azkarorta's most celebrated accomplishment came in 1993 when he took charge of the Bolivian national team, leading them to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States. This historic milestone marked Bolivia's first-ever World Cup appearance, elevating Azkargorta to hero status in Bolivia. Beyond this, he returned repeatedly to Bolivia to manage clubs such as Oriente Petrolero, Bolívar, and Sport Boys, notably guiding Bolívar to the semifinals of the 2024 Copa Libertadores—a remarkable feat in Bolivian football history.

His career also spanned other countries including Chile and Japan. Complementing his coaching abilities, Azkargorta held a medical degree and was known for his philosophy that "one plays as one lives." Although he never secured a top-tier club position in Spain matching his potential, his warm personality and innovative approach earned respect worldwide. Despite later years marked by heart issues, he remained actively involved in football until his health declined.

His passing has sparked widespread grief and tributes in both Spain and Bolivia, with clubs like Sevilla FC expressing condolences and honoring his lasting contributions to the sport. Azkargorta’s legacy endures as a symbol of passion and dedication in football coaching across continents.