Miguel Ángel “El Zurdo” López, a historic figure of Argentine football, died on Monday at age 83 due to health complications. He spent his last years in the city of Barranquilla. Born on March 1, 1942, in Villa María, Córdoba, López not only became a legendary player but also built an extensive coaching career across various clubs in South America and Mexico.
López began his career at Central and Unión Universitaria de Córdoba. He made his professional debut in 1964 with Estudiantes de La Plata and later played for Ferro Carril Oeste and River Plate, where he participated in three consecutive finals between 1968 and 1970. His most notable period was with Independiente, where he played from 1971 to 1975. During this time, he amassed an impressive collection of silverware, including the 1971 National Championship, four Copa Libertadores titles (1972, 1973, 1974, and 1975), and the Intercontinental Cup against Juventus in 1973. He concluded his playing career in Colombia with Atlético Nacional de Medellín, clinching the national title in 1976.
Affectionately nicknamed “El Zurdo” for his exceptional left-footed skills, López made a significant impact on the field, contributing both defensively and offensively while representing the Argentine National Team.
His coaching career was extensive and impactful. He started as a coach in Atlético Nacional de Medellín in 1977 and led various teams including Junior de Barranquilla, Argentinos Juniors, Independiente, Boca Juniors, Rosario Central, Club América in Mexico, Ferro, Chivas de Guadalajara, Barcelona of Ecuador, Santos Laguna, Toluca, León, Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia, Celaya, Puebla, Badajoz, Arsenal (his last Argentine club), and returned to Junior, managing the team in seven different cycles.
His most successful period at Junior was in 2004, where he won the title during the second semester after a victory over Atlético Nacional in a penalty shootout at the Atanasio Girardot stadium. In Mexico, López found success at Club América, securing two league titles (1984-1985 and PRODE-85) and a Concacaf Champions Cup in 1992.
In addition to his roles as head coach at Junior, he served as the coordinator for youth divisions in 2012, playing a significant role in the development of young talent. López is recognized as the second most frequently coaching figure in the club’s history, surpassed only by Julio Comesaña.
After the announcement of his passing, Independiente paid tribute to him on their official account, stating: “Multiple times champion as a player and as a DT in the Maracanã, but above all one of ours until the end. We send a giant greeting to your family and friends, and we want you to rest in peace. Until always, left-handed. And thanks for so much.”
Junior de Barranquilla also expressed their gratitude: “As a technical director, he led our team to the title of the Tournament of the second semester of 2004, leaving an indelible mark on the institution and in the heart of the entire rojiblanca family.”
Miguel Ángel López departed this world as one of the greatest emblems of Argentine and South American football, remembered for his technical prowess and leadership skills both on the pitch and in management.
The farewell of Independiente to the “left-handed” López:
The Independent Athletic Club dismisses one of its great glories, Miguel Ángel López.
Multiple champion as a player and as DT in the Maracanã, but above all one of ours until the end. We send a giant greeting to your family and friends, and we want you to rest in peace. Always, left.
And thanks for so much.