Hugo Sotil, the former Barcelona striker who formed a great partnership with Johan Cruyff in the early 1970s, has died at the age of 75.
The Peruvian, who scored 25 times in 65 appearances for the La Liga giants between 1973 and 1976, is widely regarded as one of the best South American players of his generation.
Affectionately known as ‘Cholo’, Sotil was part of the Peru squad that reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 1970 and 1978, and played alongside Cruyff at the Catalan club, scoring 17 goals in all competitions in his first season.
That same season, Barcelona won the league title for the first time in 14 years, and Sotil’s phone call to his mother saying “Mom, we are champions” entered Barca folklore.
He was hospitalized in his native country on December 20, with reports saying he was suffering from ‘health problems’.
In a statement posted on the club’s X account, Barcelona said: “FC Barcelona regrets the death of Hugo Sotil, who played for Barça from 1973 to 1976, and extends its condolences to his family and friends.
“Rest in peace, Cholo.”
The club accompanied the announcement with a photo of Sotil and Cruyff and the caption: “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 match between the 1974 team and a South American XI, after which he said: “Since I left Barca, I have been waiting for this moment. 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 Barça is unforgettable. On the day I die, I hope they will bury me in a Barca shirt.”
