Antonio Liberti facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Antonio Liberti
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| Born | 1902 |
| Died | November 28, 1978 (aged 77–78) Buenos Aires, Argentina
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| Nationality | Italian |
| Occupation | Football executive |
| Years active | 1933–35, 1938–40, 1943–52, 1960–67 |
| Known for | President of River Plate |
Antonio Vespucio Liberti (1900–1978) was a very important leader for the River Plate football club in Argentina. He was the club's president four different times. In total, he led the club for 20 years! That's more than anyone else.
During his time as president, River Plate won many important football championships. They won six big titles, including three top-league titles called the Primera División. He also helped make the club strong and famous. The huge stadium where River Plate plays today, the Estadio Monumental, was built when he was in charge. It's even named after him!
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Who Was Antonio Liberti?
Antonio Liberti was born in Italy. His parents were immigrants from a city called Genoa. He became the president of River Plate many times. His terms were from 1933–35, 1939, 1943–52, 1960–64, and 1966-69.
Many people believe that the best years for River Plate happened when he was leading the club. He spent a lot of money to bring in new players. Some of these players were Carlos Peucelle and Bernabé Ferreyra. The club paid a huge amount of money for them back then.
Building the Monumental Stadium
One of Liberti's biggest achievements was helping River Plate get land for a new stadium. In October 1934, he convinced the club's leaders to buy a large piece of land. This land was near the northern part of Buenos Aires in the Belgrano neighborhood.
Many fans and people watching didn't agree with this decision at first. But the city also gave some land. This led to the building of El Monumental stadium. Construction happened between 1935 and 1938.
Changes to the Team Jersey
When Liberti was president, the club also changed its look. Before, River Plate wore a jersey with three colors and stripes. In 1932, they went back to their famous white shirt with a red band.
This change happened on the same day that Bernabé Ferreyra played his first game for the senior team. It was against Chacarita Juniors. Liberti himself gave the players their new shirts before the match.
Life After River Plate
After leaving his role as president in 1952, Liberti moved to Italy. This was the country where his family came from. The Argentine government gave him a special job as an honorary consul in Genoa.
Later, in 1957, officials from Torino F.C. in Italy gave him the title of President of Honor. Torino F.C. had strong historical ties with River Plate. He even briefly worked as their head coach.
Liberti was also good friends with Alberto J. Armando. Armando was the president of River Plate's biggest rival, Boca Juniors. They both believed in making football more exciting for fans. This idea came after the Argentine national team didn't do well in the 1958 World Cup.
River Plate and Boca Juniors started to sign foreign players. They hoped this would make local games better and bring more people to the stadiums. One of these players was Roberto Matosas from Uruguay. River Plate bought him for a lot of money. However, these new players didn't always help the club win more titles.
Antonio Liberti passed away on November 28, 1978. Eight years after he died, the famous stadium was renamed in his honor.
God didn't give me the chance of having children, but he gave me another one: that place is taken by River.
See Also
In Spanish: Antonio Vespucio Liberti para niños
- Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti
- Club Atlético River Plate
