Ángel Labruna

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Labruna's path to greatness began in the streets of Palermo, where he used to escape to play association football despite his father wanting him to work as a clockmaker. After convincing his parents to support him, he played for a local club called Club Barrio Parque from age 12 to 14 as captain. When River Plate's vice-president Antonio Liberti founded the club's sixth division, all of Club Barrio Parque's players switched to River, and Labruna was officially signed in 1932. He nearly chose basketball over football in 1936, but no position was available, so he signed exclusively for the special fourth division of the football team. Labruna scored his first goal with River Plate's first-team in an exhibition game against Talleres de Córdoba on 12 October 1938, in the 80th minute. His goals and outstanding performances caused José Manuel Moreno to play on the right side of the field when he returned from suspension. Labruna holds the record of 16 goals in the superclásico derby with fierce rival Boca Juniors. He died on 19 September 1983 from a heart attack at 64 years old, and is buried at La Chacarita Cemetery in Buenos Aires. Every 28 September, River Plate's fans celebrate the 'International River Plate Fan's Day' as a tribute to one of the club's greatest idols. In 2021, a 6.7-metre bronze statue of Labruna was unveiled outside River Plate's Monumental stadium.

In Their Own Story

The match was disputed on 18 June 1939 in La Plata against Estudiantes, which defeated River by 1–0. Labruna made his debut in the Primera División as a replacement for José Manuel Moreno, who had been suspended by the club, wearing the number 10 shirt. His goals and outstanding performances caused Moreno to play on the right side of the field when he was allowed to play again. Labruna played in River for 20 years, winning 9 domestic championships with the team (1941, 1942, 1945, 1947, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1957) and being the top scorer twice (1943 with 23 goals and 1945 with 25). He was part of his club's legendary team along with Juan Carlos Muñoz, José Manuel Moreno, Adolfo Pedernera, and Félix Loustau, where he played as an inside-left forward. Although this attacking line only disputed 18 games with those players, they were regarded as one of the best forward line in the history of Argentine football. They were nicknamed La Máquina (The Machine) due to their skills with the ball and synchronized play. Coach and former player Carlos Peucelle said that his team was formed by 'A goalkeeper and 10 forwards', using an imaginary '1–10'. Labruna holds a number of records for River Plate, including his record of 16 goals in the superclásico derby with fierce rival Boca Juniors.

Reader's Guide

The era defined by Ángel Labruna is the golden age of 'La Máquina' (1941–1957), a period where River Plate won 9 domestic championships. This chapter matters profoundly to the club's identity because it established the attacking philosophy that River still strives for today. Led by Labruna and his legendary partners—Juan Carlos Muñoz, José Manuel Moreno, Adolfo Pedernera, and Félix Loustau—the team showcased a style of play that was not only effective but beautiful. Although this attacking line only disputed 18 games with those players, they were regarded as one of the best forward line in the history of Argentine football. This era solidified the rivalry with Boca Juniors as the defining conflict of Argentine football, with Labruna scoring 16 goals in the superclásico derby. The success of this period provided the foundation for River Plate to dominate domestically. Labruna's leadership during these years set a standard of loyalty and excellence that became the club's DNA. His transition from player to coach, culminating in winning two championships in 1975 and breaking an 18-year curse, created a narrative arc unique in football history: the man who built the legend was also the one who revived it decades later. This continuity binds the past and present, reminding fans that while rosters change, the spirit of La Máquina endures.

Did You Know?

• Labruna's father signed him up for a River Plate membership in November 1928 to do gymnastics and improve his small rib cage.
• Labruna nearly chose basketball over football in 1936, but no position was available so he signed exclusively for the football team.
• Labruna scored his first goal with River Plate's first-team in an exhibition game against Talleres de Córdoba on 12 October 1938, in the 80th minute.
• At age 41 years and 14 days, Labruna became the oldest-ever outfield player in the history of the Primera División, a record he still holds.
• Every 28 September, River Plate's fans celebrate the 'International River Plate Fan's Day' as a tribute to Labruna.