Néstor Rossi

Argentine midfielder for River Plate and the national team, part of La Máquina.

Néstor Raúl "Pipo" Rossi (Buenos Aires, 10 May 1925 – 13 June 2007) was an Argentine former professional association footballer who played as a centre midfielder or defensive midfielder mainly for Argentine club River Plate. Rossi participated in the historic team known as "La Máquina" and the Argentina national team. Considered by the IFFHS as one of the best midfielders in the history of the Argentina national team.

Quick Facts

Full name: Néstor Raúl Rossi
Born: 10 May 1925
Birthplace: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Died: 13 June 2007
Height: 1.85 m / 6 ft 1 in
Position: Defensive midfielder, Defender

Lore & Background

Nicknamed "Pipo", he started his career at River Plate, playing from 1945 to 1949, and then again from 1955 to 1958, winning a total of 5 Argentine leagues. In total, Rossi played 155 matches for River Plate scoring 7 goals. From 1949 to 1954 he played in Colombia for Millonarios winning six trophies. He also had a spell in Argentine Huracán, playing 54 matches. Rossi played for the Argentina national football team during the 1958 FIFA World Cup, as well as in the Copa América in several occasions, winning the 1947 and 1957 editions. Along with Brazilian Djalma Santos, he was the only player to be unanimously voted into the 1957 South American Championship squad.

Reader's Guide

After retirement, he managed the Spanish Liga team Granada Club de Fútbol and River Plate in Argentina. He had a brief spell as manager of the Argentina national team in 1962. He replaced Adolfo Pedernera at Boca Juniors in 1965 to win the Argentine title. He also had a spell in charge of Ferro Carril Oeste in 1977. In 1983, he along with Omar Sívori were named the head coaches for Toronto Italia in the National Soccer League, and managed the team's youth side.