Luis Adolfo Galván, a stalwart of Argentina’s 1978 World Cup-winning team, has died at the age of 77.
His death was announced on Monday by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), which confirmed that the former defender had been hospitalised in Córdoba for several weeks with kidney problems and a virus.
Galván was a key figure in the Albiceleste’s historic triumph on home soil, playing every match of the tournament and forming a formidable centre-back pairing with captain Daniel Passarella. Their rock-solid defence provided the backbone for César Luis Menotti’s side, who went on to lift the World Cup for the first time.
In the final in Buenos Aires, two goals from Mario Kempes and one from Daniel Bertoni sealed a 3-1 victory over the Netherlands after extra time.
It was the first world crown for Argentina, though the tournament’s controversial staging – hosted while the brutal 1978-1983 military dictatorship held power – has damaged its legacy.
“The Argentine Football Association, through its President, Claudio Tapia, mourns the passing of Luis Galván, a defender who won a World Cup with the Argentine national team in 1978, and expresses its condolences to his family and loved ones,” read a statement posted on social media.
Kempes, the tournament’s top scorer, paid tribute to his former teammate in a heartfelt message on Instagram: “I deeply regret the passing of Luis – a compañero in both struggle and glory with the 1978 national team. His loss leaves us with a deep sadness.”
“I fondly remember his commitment, his professionalism, and the lasting impression he made on and off the pitch,” he continued. “He was an exceptional human being, always ready to share his wisdom and put in the work.”
Talleres legend
Born in Fernández, in the northern province of Santiago del Estero, Galván spent the bulk of his club career at Talleres de Córdoba. Over 12 seasons, he made more than 250 appearances for the club.
Renowned for his impeccable timing and ability to read the game, Galván was a calm, intelligent defender who relied on positioning rather than brute strength. Though not particularly tall, he had the technique and composure to play the ball out from the back – skills that caught the attention of Menotti ahead of the 1978 tournament.
Galván’s consistency earned him a starting role throughout the World Cup and he would deliver one of his finest performances in the final.
He remained part of the national side through to the 1982 World Cup in Spain, where Argentina, defending their title, wilted against younger, fresher opposition.
Now 34, Galván was one of several ageing stars in a squad that featured few fresh faces beyond a young Diego Maradona. The Albiceleste were eliminated in the second round after defeats to Brazil and Italy.
Ubaldo Fillol, Argentina’s goalkeeper in both 1978 and 1982, offered a moving tribute: “An excellent defender and an even better person. It was a true pleasure to play alongside you. My heartfelt hug to all your family and close friends.”
Another icon lost
Quieter and less media-driven than some of his 1978 teammates, Galván was nevertheless a vital presence in that golden generation.
After leaving Talleres, he had shorter spells with Loma Negra, Belgrano de Córdoba, Central Norte and Club Bolívar in Bolivia, before returning to Talleres to retire from professional football in mid-1988.
Galván made 34 appearances in total for the national team between 1975 and 1982.
His death comes just over two weeks after the passing of another iconic figure from Argentina’s football history — goalkeeper Hugo Gatti, who died aged 80.
Nicknamed’ El Loco’ ("The madman"), Gatti was expected to start for Argentina in 1978 but was ruled out by a knee injury just months before the tournament, opening the door for Fillol to shine.
– TIMES/AFP
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