Américo Gallego

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Lore & Background

Gallego arrived in Rosario at age five and played for Club Alianza Sport before joining Newell's Old Boys. He debuted in the Argentine league in 1974 at age 19, seeing little action initially but securing a starting spot by 1975. After representing Argentina at the 1975 Pan American Games and winning the 1978 World Cup, he moved to River Plate. There, he served as captain for seven years, leading the "Millonarios" to their first Copa Libertadores, Intercontinental Cup, and Copa Interamericana titles. His career ended with a total of 440 league appearances and 35 goals.

In Their Own Story

In 2004, after a 23-year hiatus, Gallego returned to Newell's Old Boys as head coach and won the Apertura 2004 championship. This victory made him only the second coach ever to win the Argentine Primera championship with three different clubs, alongside José Yudica. His success attracted interest from Mexico, leading him to CD Toluca despite media criticism for his defensive style and benching established players. Gallego's scheme paid off as Toluca won the Apertura 2005 championship, earning him Best Coach honors. He later coached Tigres UANL before resigning in February 2008, though a return to Independiente and Colo-Colo followed before his tenure concluded.

Reader's Guide

As a manager, Gallego first led River Plate in 1994, winning the Apertura championship undefeated. Returning to River, he won another title in 2000. In 2002, he guided Independiente to a championship, ending an eight-year drought. His coaching career also included stints at Toluca, Tigres UANL, and Colo-Colo, where he managed until August 2011. Gallego is recognized for his ability to win championships across multiple Argentine clubs and in Mexico.

Did You Know?

• Gallego made his debut for Newell's Old Boys at the age of 14.
• He was part of the Argentina national team that won the 1978 FIFA World Cup.
• As captain, he led River Plate to their first-ever Copa Libertadores title in 1986.
• In 2004, he became only the second coach ever to win the Argentine Primera championship with three different clubs.
• He won the Best Coach award for Toluca after leading them to the Apertura 2005 championship despite media criticism.