Hugo Orlando Gatti, better known as "El Loco", passed away this Sunday at the age of 80. He was one of the most iconic goalkeepers in Argentine football history and a lifelong idol at Boca Juniors, famous for his wild, provocative, and innovative style that left a mark both on the pitch and in fans' hearts.

Gatti had been hospitalized for two months in Buenos Aires. On Sunday, his family made the decision to take him off the respirator, according to medical sources confirmed to EFE. His health took a turn for the worse after an accident in public back in February, which led to a severe respiratory infection that ultimately cost him his life.

A different kind of keeper, a player to remember

Over the course of his career, Gatti played more than 400 matches for Boca Juniors and still holds the all-time record for most appearances in Argentina’s Primera División, with 765 matches across a 26-year career that began in 1962 and ended in 1988.

He started out at Atlanta, then moved on to River Plate and Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, before landing at Boca Juniors, where he became a true legend for over a decade. While at the "Xeneize", he won three domestic titles (two in 1976 and one in 1981, sharing the squad with Diego Maradona) and three international trophies: the Copa Libertadores in 1977 and 1978, and the Intercontinental Cup in 1977.

Born in Carlos Tejedor, Buenos Aires Province, in 1944, Gatti shook up the goalkeeping world with his risky approach, his skills with the ball at his feet, and his habit of playing well outside the box—earning him the nickname “sweeper-keeper.”

He also wore the Argentina national team jersey, making 14 appearances between 1967 and 1977. After hanging up his gloves in 1988, he moved to Spain, where he became a popular football pundit and panelist, known for his straightforward takes and charismatic personality.

Tributes pour in

The news of his death sparked an emotional wave of tributes. One of the first to say goodbye was Argentine President Javier Milei, a proud Boca Juniors supporter and former amateur goalkeeper, who posted a photo of "El Loco" Gatti along with the message: “Farewell, colleague (if I may say so)”, referencing his own time at Chacarita Juniors.