Luis Galván, World Cup winner with Argentina in 1978, dies at 77

Former footballer Luis Adolfo Galván, who won the 1978 World Cup with Argentina, has died at the age of 77.

Galván, who was a regular fixture in defence for the Albiceleste during the tournament, passed away on Monday, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced in a post on social media.

The late footballer passed away after spending several weeks in a hospital in Córdoba, where he had settled, following to a kidney infection that later led to a virus.

Born in Fernández, in the northern province of Santiago del Estero, Galvánenjoyed a long career at Talleres de Córdoba, where he was an undisputed starter for several seasons.

His quality earned him a national call-up from César Luis Menotti for the 1978 World Cup on home soil, where he partnered another legendary centre-back, ex-River Plate star Daniel Passarella.

As part of a side that included the likes of striker Mario Alberto Kempes and goalkeeper Ubaldo ‘Pato’ Fillol, Galván delivered an outstanding performance in the 3-1 final victory over the Netherlands.

Four years later, he was also part of the squad that reached the second round of the 1982 World Cup in Spain.

He ended his international career with 34 appearances for the national side between 1975 and 1982.

Less high-profile and media-facing than some of the other stars from the team that delivered Argentina’s first world title, Galván played 12 seasons in total for Talleres.

He later had spells with Loma Negra, Belgrano de Córdoba, Central Norte and Club Bolívar in Bolivia. He returned to Talleres where he bid farewell to football in mid-1988.

Galván was a defender with great timing, he was able to read the game and anticipate through balls, without relying on brute force to stop attackers. He wasn’t particularly tall, but he had the technique and composure to play out the ball cleanly from the back.

“I deeply regret the passing of Luis – a comrade in both struggle and glory with the 1978 national team. His loss leaves us with a deep sadness,” wrote Kempes in a tribute posted on Instagram.

“I fondly remember his commitment, his professionalism, and the lasting impression he made on and off the pitch,” recalled the teammate. “He was an exceptional human being, always ready to share his wisdom and put in the work.”