Deaths on February 1

Luis Aragonés, Spanish footballer and manager (b. 1938)

Luis Aragonés Suárez (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈlwis aɾaɣoˈnes ˈswaɾeθ]; 28 July 1938 – 1 February 2014) was a towering figure in Spanish football, revered both as a prolific player and a visionary manager. Affectionately known as "El Sabio de Hortaleza" (The Wise Man of Hortaleza), a nod to his birthplace and profound tactical intellect, Aragonés left an indelible mark on the sport, particularly through his deep association with Atlético Madrid and his transformative leadership of the Spain national team.

A Legendary Career: Player and Coach at Atlético Madrid

The vast majority of Luis Aragonés' illustrious career, spanning several decades, was intrinsically linked with Atlético Madrid. He became an enduring symbol of the club's identity and fighting spirit, first as a star player and later as their most significant coach. His unparalleled commitment saw him feature in ten different spells with the club, a testament to his profound influence.

Playing Days: A Prolific Goalscorer

Between 1964 and 1974, Aragonés was the heartbeat of Atlético Madrid's midfield and attack. He played 265 Primera División (La Liga) games for the Rojiblancos, remarkably scoring 123 goals. For many years, he held the prestigious record as Atlético Madrid's all-time leading goal scorer, a testament to his attacking prowess and consistency. During this golden era for the club, Aragonés was instrumental in securing multiple domestic titles, including three La Liga championships (1965–66, 1969–70, 1972–73) and the Copa del Generalísimo (now Copa del Rey) in 1964–65.

Coaching Triumphs: Building a Dynasty

Immediately after retiring as a player, Aragonés transitioned into coaching, taking the reins at Atlético Madrid in 1974. His impact was immediate and profound. He led the team to their first Intercontinental Cup triumph in 1974, defeating Independiente of Argentina, a remarkable feat following their heartbreaking defeat in the 1974 European Cup Final. In that memorable European Cup campaign, Atlético, under his leadership, reached the final against German giants Bayern Munich. Despite a valiant effort, they lost after a replay, a match that remains one of the most poignant moments in the club's history. As a manager, Aragonés guided Atlético to another La Liga title in 1976–77, three Copa del Rey trophies (1975–76, 1984–85, 1991–92), and a Spanish Super Cup in 1985, cementing his status as one of the club's most successful figures.

Broader Impact: Other Clubs and International Play

While Atlético Madrid defined much of his career, Aragonés's journey in football extended beyond the Calderón. As a player, he also represented several other notable clubs before finding his home at Atlético, including Recreativo de Huelva, Hércules, Real Oviedo, Real Betis, and even a brief stint with arch-rivals Real Madrid early in his career. His international playing career saw him earn 11 caps for the Spain national team, scoring three goals, although his managerial contributions to the national team would ultimately prove far more significant.

As a coach, Aragonés was a sought-after tactician for many of Spain's top clubs. Apart from his various spells at Atlético Madrid, he managed seven other prominent La Liga teams, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of Spanish football. These clubs included Real Betis, FC Barcelona, RCD Espanyol, Sevilla FC, Valencia CF, Real Oviedo, and RCD Mallorca, each benefiting from his experience and tactical acumen at different points in his career.

The Golden Era Architect: Leading Spain to Euro 2008 Glory

Luis Aragonés's most enduring legacy, and arguably his crowning achievement, came as the head coach of the Spain national team. Appointed in 2004, he embarked on a mission to transform a talented but underperforming squad into a formidable international force. His controversial but ultimately prescient decision to gradually phase out established stars in favour of a younger generation, and his unwavering belief in a possession-based, fluid style of play (which would later evolve into the iconic 'tiki-taka'), laid the foundational blueprint for Spain's unprecedented success.

Under his astute guidance, Spain lifted their second European Championship title in 2008, a monumental achievement that ended a 44-year wait for a major international trophy since their first Euro triumph in 1964. The team, featuring emerging talents like Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Fernando Torres, and Iker Casillas, played exhilarating football throughout the tournament, culminating in a memorable 1-0 victory over Germany in the final. This historic win in Austria and Switzerland not only brought silverware but also ignited Spain's 'golden era', paving the way for their subsequent FIFA World Cup victory in 2010 and another European Championship in 2012, both built upon the tactical principles and player development fostered by Aragonés.

A Final Challenge: Coaching Beyond Spain's Borders

Following his triumphant departure from the Spain national team after Euro 2008, Luis Aragonés embarked on his only coaching venture outside his native Spain. He took on the challenge of managing Turkish Süper Lig club Fenerbahçe. His tenure in Istanbul, though relatively short and less decorated than his Spanish exploits, underscored his willingness to embrace new challenges and share his vast experience on the international stage. He remained with Fenerbahçe for the 2008-09 season, guiding them to a fourth-place finish in the league before his departure.

Legacy and Passing

Luis Aragonés Suárez passed away on 1 February 2014, at the age of 75. His death marked the loss of one of Spanish football's most influential and charismatic figures. His legacy lives on through the countless players he developed, the clubs he elevated, and the tactical revolution he initiated with the Spanish national team, forever changing the landscape of modern football. He is remembered not just for his trophies, but for his strong personality, his unwavering belief in his methods, and his profound impact on the beautiful game.

Frequently Asked Questions About Luis Aragonés

What was Luis Aragonés best known for?

Luis Aragonés is primarily known for his exceptional career as both a player and a manager, most notably with Atlético Madrid where he won multiple titles. However, his most significant achievement is widely considered to be leading the Spain national team to victory in the UEFA European Championship in 2008, ending a 44-year trophy drought and initiating Spain's 'golden era' of international football.

How many trophies did Luis Aragonés win with Atlético Madrid?

As a player, Luis Aragonés won three La Liga titles and one Copa del Generalísimo with Atlético Madrid. As a manager, he led the club to one La Liga title, three Copa del Rey trophies, one Spanish Super Cup, and the Intercontinental Cup.

Did Luis Aragonés introduce 'tiki-taka' to the Spain national team?

While the term 'tiki-taka' became more widely associated with his successor Vicente del Bosque, Luis Aragonés laid the crucial tactical foundations for Spain's possession-based, high-passing style. He championed the philosophy of technical proficiency and ball retention, which was pivotal in shaping the team that would dominate international football for years to come.