Ubaldo Fillol

The Pato: Argentina's record-setting shot-stopper and 1978 World Cup Best Goalkeeper.

Ubaldo Matildo Fillol, known universally as 'El Pato' (The Duck), is an Argentine legend who redefined the goalkeeper position for the national team. Born on July 21, 1950, he represented Argentina in the 1974, 1978, and 1982 World Cups. His crowning achievement arrived in 1978 when his country hosted and won their first-ever championship; Fillol was voted the Best Goalkeeper of that tournament. Although he played in qualifiers for the 1986 World Cup, he was ultimately not selected for the final squad that triumphed in Mexico. Widely considered one of the finest Argentine goalkeepers in history, his career bridged the gap between amateur beginnings and global glory.

Quick Facts

Full name: Ubaldo Matildo Fillol
Born: 21 July 1950
Birthplace: San Miguel del Monte; Buenos Aires, Argentina
Height: 1.81 m / 5 ft 11 in
Position: Goalkeeper
Total caps: 657

Lore & Background

Fillol's journey with the national team began at the 1974 World Cup, where he served as a key part of the roster alongside goalkeepers Daniel Carnevali and Miguel Ángel Santoro. His most defining moment came four years later in 1978. During that historic campaign on home soil, Fillol anchored the defense to Argentina's first World Cup title. The source explicitly notes his performance was so dominant he was voted Best Goalkeeper of the competition, a distinction that cemented his legacy. However, his path was not without exclusions; he participated in the South American qualifiers for the 1986 tournament but was left out of the final winning squad in Mexico. This selective nature of international duty highlights the intense competition and shifting dynamics within Argentine football during his era.

Reader's Guide

For fans analyzing Ubaldo Fillol's national career, the key data points revolve around his three World Cup appearances: 1974, 1978, and 1982. His role was strictly that of a goalkeeper, noted for agility and quick reflexes that allowed him to make acrobatic saves. A crucial turning point in his international story is the distinction between playing in qualifiers versus being selected for the final squad; he played in the 1986 qualifiers but missed the tournament itself. His individual accolades are specific: Best Goalkeeper of the 1978 World Cup and a member of the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team that same year. He also received the Silver Ball as South American Player of the Year in 1978, further validating his status during his prime years with the Albiceleste.

Did You Know?

In addition to his international success, he set an Argentine football record by saving six penalties in a single season with Racing Club in 1972.
Fillol held the all-time record of 26 penalties stopped in Argentine football, sharing this distinction with Hugo Gatti.