Daniel Passarella

Lore & Background

Passarella was born in Chacabuco, Buenos Aires, and started his career at Sarmiento of Junín in 1971. He joined River Plate in 1973, then played for Fiorentina (1982–1986) and Internazionale (1986–1988) before returning to River Plate until retirement. Nicknamed 'El Gran Capitán', 'El Kaiser', or 'El Caudillo', he was known for his leadership, aerial ability, free-kick and penalty skills, and aggressive use of elbows. He missed the 1986 World Cup due to enterocolitis and had a fractious relationship with Diego Maradona and coach Carlos Bilardo during the tournament.

In Their Own Story

The summer of 1998 brought a specific turning point regarding Daniel Passarella and Boca Juniors. On 2 May, after Veira quit, Macri immediately proposed Passarella as his successor. The former River Plate star was available in his capacity as the Argentina National team coach. However, the proposal hit an immediate wall: the fans. A clear majority of Boca supporters rejected him solely because of his past allegiance to River Plate. This fan sentiment was decisive; the board refused to sign any contract, effectively ending the negotiation. Instead of Passarella, the club turned its attention elsewhere. On 27 May 1998, just weeks after the failed attempt with Passarella, Carlos Bianchi accepted an offer from Macri, taking the vacancy and signing a deal that ran until December 1999.

Reader's Guide

Passarella coached River Plate to three national championships (1989–90, 1991, 1993), then managed the Argentina national team (1994–1998), leading them to the 1998 World Cup quarter-finals. He later coached Uruguay, Parma (where he was sacked after five league losses), Monterrey (winning the Mexican league in 2003), Corinthians, and returned to River Plate as coach in 2006, resigning in 2007. He was elected president of River Plate in December 2009. The source does not mention any offer from Boca Juniors.

Did You Know?

• Passarella is the only Argentine player to win two FIFA World Cups (1978 and 1986).
• He scored 11 goals in the 1985–86 season for Fiorentina, a record for a defender at the time.
• He banned long hair, earrings, and homosexuals from the Argentina national team during his coaching tenure.
• Passarella was named one of the 125 greatest living footballers by Pelé in 2004.