Former Barcelona striker Hugo Sotil, who worked heavily with Johan Cruyff in the early 1970s, has died aged 75.
The Peruvian, who scored 25 goals in 65 appearances for the big La Liga clubs between 1973 and 1976, is widely regarded as one of the best South American players of his generation.
Known as 'Cholo', Sotil was part of the Peru squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 1970 and 1978 World Cups, played with Catalan club Crevet and scored 17 goals in all competitions in his first season.
Barcelona won their first league title that season in 14 years, and Sotil called his mother, saying, “Mom! We're champions,” went Barca folklore.
He was hospitalized in his home country on December 20 and is reportedly suffering from health problems.
A statement posted on Barcelona's X account read: “FC Barcelona is saddened by the death of Hugo Sotil, who played for Barcelona from 1973 to 1976, and sends its condolences to his family and friends.
“Rest in peace, Cholo.”
The club has a photo of Sotil and Cruyff and “Johan Cruyff & Hugo Sotil. Unforgettable.”
Johan Cruyff and Hugo Sotil.
Unforgettable. pic.twitter.com/YtIdchzyii— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 30 2024
In May 1984, Sotil played for Barcelona in a testimonial game between the 1974 team and a South America XI. He then added: “I've been waiting for this moment since I left Barca. I love Barcelona, the friendly people and the love of the fans.”
Then, three decades later, in October 2014, Sotil said: “The love of the people of Barcelona will never be forgotten. On the day I die, I hope they bury me in a Barca shirt.”