Boca Juniors manager Miguel Angel Russo has sadly passed away, find out more about him and his tragic death below
Miguel was known for his calm leadership and deep tactical knowledge, and built a reputation as one of Argentina’s most respected coaches.
Boca Juniors coach Miguel Angel Russo: Cause of death, biography, age, family, wife and children
Boca Juniors manager and Argentina legend Miguel Ángel Russo has passed away at 69.
Terrible news comes from Argentina as Russo passed away after long fight with cancer.
QEPD. ❤️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/ik1fXMKAAW
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 8, 2025
El Club Atlético Boca Juniors comunica con profunda tristeza el fallecimiento de Miguel Ángel Russo.
Miguel deja una huella imborrable en nuestra institución y será siempre un ejemplo de alegría, calidez y esfuerzo.
Acompañamos a su familia y a sus seres queridos en este… pic.twitter.com/czsB6lmNnq
— Boca Juniors (@BocaJrsOficial) October 8, 2025
Following the news of the tragic death, the football world is now mourning the loss of a true icon of the game.
Russo who was on medical leave from his post, had seen his health deteriorate in recent weeks and in early September, he was briefly hospitalised at the Fleni Clinic for dehydration, then transferred to the Fleming Institute after developing a urinary infection before eventually passing away of prostate cancer.
Miguel Angel Russo passes away
Miguel Angel Russo, the head coach of Boca Juniors, tragically passed away at the age of 69. The Argentine Football Association confirmed the news about his tragic death on Wednesday, after his health had declined in recent weeks. He made his final public appearance during Boca Juniors’ 2-2 draw with Central Córdoba on September 21. Boca Juniors have since expressed “profound sadness” at his passing, while calling him a symbol of dedication, humility, and strength. Assistant coach Claudio Úbeda had taken charge of the team since Russo started receiving treatment but Russo was still actively involved in his work.
Cause of death
As of now, the club has not publicly disclosed details of his condition, but Argentine media reported that Miguel Angel Russo had been battling complications from a urinary tract infection. He was first diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 2017, but despite his health issues, Russo had remained active in coaching up until his passing.
Tributes and condolences
Following the news of his tragic death, tributes have come pouring in from across the football world. Boca Juniors shared a heartfelt message, saying:
“Miguel leaves an indelible mark on our club and will always be an example of joy, warmth, and dedication.”
Fans also gathered at La Bombonera to leave flowers and messages in his memory. Meanwhile, players, including former Boca legends and coaches, honoured him as a man of integrity and humility. The Argentine Football Association also issued a tribute where they called him “a pillar of our sport and a man who elevated every team he led.”
Mit Trauer hat der FC Bayern vom Tod von Miguel Ángel Russo, dem langjährigen Trainer der Boca Juniors, erfahren. Russo prägte den argentinischen Fußball über Jahrzehnte hinweg und führte Boca Juniors zu zahlreichen Erfolgen. Bei der Klub-WM in den USA betreute er den… pic.twitter.com/0d0d75LmPJ
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) October 9, 2025
Miguel Angel Russo biography
Miguel Angel Russo was a renowned football manager who was born on April 9, 1956, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He devoted his entire life to football and recently passed away. Miguel began his professional journey as a midfielder with Estudiantes de La Plata, where he played from 1975 to 1988. Following a successful playing career, he eventually began a career in coaching.
After retiring as a player with him playing as a defensive midfielder, he began a managerial career that saw him take charge of more than 1,000 matches across Argentina, Chile, Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Paraguay and Saudi Arabia.
Age and height
Miguel Angel Russo was 69 years old at the time of his death and stood at around 6 feet tall.
Education
Miguel Angel Russo pursued higher education alongside his football career and even earned a degree in physical education.
Career
Miguel Angel Russo has had a successful managerial career spanning decades, having led top clubs like Vélez Sarsfield, Rosario Central, Millonarios, and Boca Juniors. He won his first major title with Vélez back in 2005 and achieved his biggest triumph with Boca Juniors back in 2007, when he helped the side capture the Copa Libertadores. More recently, in 2017, he led Millonarios to a Colombian league title while undergoing chemotherapy.
Wife and children
Miguel Angel Russo kept a very private personal life, and although it was known that he was married and had three children, there are no publicly available details of his loved ones but he leaves behind his wife María Russo and son Ignacio who is a professional footballer and plays for Tigres.
