Silvio Marzolini facts for kids
Marzolini playing for the Argentina national team, c. 1966
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 4 October 1940 | ||
| Place of birth | Buenos Aires, Argentina | ||
| Date of death | 17 July 2020 (aged 79) | ||
| Place of death | Buenos Aires | ||
| Playing position | Left back | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1959 | Ferro Carril Oeste | 53 | (0) |
| 1960–1972 | Boca Juniors | 387 | (10) |
| Total | 440 | (10) | |
| National team | |||
| 1960–1969 | Argentina | 28 | (1) |
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Silvio Marzolini (born October 4, 1940 – died July 17, 2020) was a very famous Argentine football player. He became well-known during his time playing for Boca Juniors from 1960 to 1972. Many people believe he was the best Argentine left back of all time. He played this important position for the Argentina national football team in the 1962 FIFA World Cup and the 1966 FIFA World Cup. In the 1966 World Cup, he was even chosen as the best left back of the whole tournament! Marzolini played a total of 28 games for Argentina.
Contents
Silvio Marzolini's Football Journey
Starting Out in Football
Silvio Marzolini began his football journey at a club called Deportivo Italiano. Soon after, in 1955, he joined the youth teams of Ferro Carril Oeste. He had a disagreement with the club managers because he wanted to play for the main senior team. This led to him being suspended for two years.
However, he still made his first professional appearance in May 1959. This was in Argentina's top league, playing against Boca Juniors. The very next year, Boca Juniors decided to sign him, bringing him to their famous club.
Joining Boca Juniors
Marzolini played his first game for Boca Juniors on April 3, 1960. They played against Estudiantes de La Plata and won 2-1. Boca Juniors finished 3rd in the league that season, and Marzolini played in every single game.
In 1961, Marzolini scored his first goal in the top division. Boca Juniors didn't have their best season that year, finishing 5th. Marzolini played 29 games and scored 2 goals.
Winning Titles with Boca Juniors
His first big success came in 1962 when Boca Juniors won the league title. The team had other great players like goalkeeper Antonio Roma, Brazilian striker Paulo Valentim, and Norberto Menéndez. Boca finished first with 42 points. Marzolini was also the player who played the most games that season, with 28 appearances.
He continued to be a key player for Boca Juniors, helping them win more league titles in 1964, 1965, 1969 Nacional, and 1970 Nacional. He also won the Copa Argentina in 1969.
Coaching Success
After he stopped playing football, Marzolini became a manager. He first managed All Boys from 1975 to 1976. In 1981, Marzolini returned to manage his old club, Boca Juniors.
Under his leadership, Boca Juniors won the 1981 Metropolitano championship. The team's biggest star was the legendary Diego Maradona. Other important players on that team included Miguel Brindisi, goalkeeper Hugo Gatti, and defender Oscar Ruggeri.
A Football Legend
In 2007, a famous English football player named Bobby Charlton spoke about Marzolini. Charlton, who was a great player himself, named Marzolini in his "dream team." He said that Marzolini "wasn’t that fast, but his positioning was so good he didn’t need to be." He also mentioned that Marzolini had "such good control that it gave him time and space to play the ball away safely." This shows how highly other football legends thought of him.
Later Life and Legacy
Silvio Marzolini had a stroke in 2019 and was later diagnosed with cancer. He passed away on July 17, 2020, at the age of 79. He is remembered as one of Argentina's greatest football players, especially for his incredible skills as a left back.
Silvio Marzolini's Achievements
As a Player
With Boca Juniors
- Primera División (5): 1962, 1964, 1965, 1969 Nacional, 1970 Nacional
- Copa Argentina (1): 1969
With Argentina
- Panamerican Championship (1): 1960
As a Manager
With Boca Juniors
- Primera División (1): 1981 Metropolitano
See also
In Spanish: Silvio Marzolini para niños
