Leopoldo Luque

The prolific striker who scored four goals at the 1978 World Cup and delivered Argentina its first global title.

Leopoldo Jacinto Luque was an Argentine professional footballer who played as a striker and is regarded as one of the best forwards in Argentina's history. Born on 3 May 1949, he achieved his greatest triumph by winning the 1978 FIFA World Cup with the national team. During that tournament, he scored four goals, including a spectacular long-distance volley against France. His career spanned from 1972 to 1984, featuring stints at Unión de Santa Fe, Rosario Central, River Plate, Racing Club de Avellaneda, and Chacarita Juniors. He later served as sports secretary of Mendoza Province before passing away on 15 February 2021 due to COVID-19.

Quick Facts

Full name: Leopoldo Jacinto Luque
Height: 1.78 m / 5 ft 10 in
Born: 3 May 1949
Birthplace: Santa Fe, Argentina
Died: 15 February 2021
Place of death: Mendoza, Argentina
Position: Striker

Lore & Background

Luque's international journey was marked by both brilliance and profound tragedy. Leading up to the 1978 FIFA World Cup, he established himself as a key figure for the national team. The tournament in Argentina became a defining chapter of his life, not just for his four goals, but for the personal devastation that struck during the competition. On the very day Argentina played against France, Luque's younger brother, Oscar, died in a traffic accident.

Despite this heartbreaking loss, Luque took the field and delivered one of the most memorable performances of the tournament: a spectacular long-distance volley against France. The physical toll was equally severe; he seriously injured his left elbow during that match against France, which forced him to miss two games. He recovered in time for the final three matches, including the decisive final against the Netherlands, where Argentina secured their status as World Champions.

Reader's Guide

For fans tracking Luque's career, it is essential to note that his international success was concentrated entirely around the 1978 FIFA World Cup. He did not play for Argentina in any other major tournament mentioned in historical records from this source. His club career provides context to his development as a striker; he played for Unión de Santa Fe, Rosario Central, River Plate, Racing Club de Avellaneda, and Chacarita Juniors between 1972 and 1984. A standout moment at the club level occurred on 22 February 1976, when playing for River Plate, he scored all five goals in a 5–1 victory over San Lorenzo de Almagro. Individually, he was recognized as the Copa América Top Scorer in 1975. His legacy is defined by his role as a striker who won the 1978 World Cup and achieved individual scoring honors, rather than any managerial duties during that specific era.

Did You Know?

During the 1978 World Cup, his younger brother Oscar died in a traffic accident on the exact day Argentina played against France.
Luque suffered a serious left elbow injury during the match against France at the 1978 World Cup, forcing him to miss two games before returning for the final.