Miguel Ángel Russo has left a significant mark on Argentine football, both as a player and a coach. His career spanned over three decades and included numerous titles that earned him respect across all clubs he managed. Russo’s journey is highlighted by his notable stints at Estudiantes de La Plata, Rosario Central, and Boca Juniors.
Miguel Ángel Russo’s Career Achievements and Titles
Playing Career
Russo enjoyed a fruitful playing career as a central midfielder. Over 14 seasons in Argentina’s Primera División, he participated in 420 matches and scored 11 goals. His professional career concluded in 1989.
He notably contributed to Estudiantes de La Plata, winning the Campeonato Metropolitano in 1982 and the Nacional in 1983. Under the guidance of Coaches Carlos Salvador Bilardo and Eduardo Luján Manera, Russo became part of one of the most prominent midfield lineups of the 1980s.
Coaching Journey
Transitioning to coaching after his playing days, Russo managed over 1,000 matches across 16 clubs in eight countries. His coaching career has spanned more than 30 years.
Major Coaching Titles
- National B Championships:
- Lanús: 1991-92
- Estudiantes de La Plata: 1994-95
- Rosario Central: 2012-13
- Primera División Titles:
- Vélez: Clausura 2005
- Boca Juniors: Superliga 2019-20, Copa de la Liga 2020-21
- Rosario Central: Copa de la Liga 2024
The highlight of Russo’s coaching career came with Boca Juniors when he led them to victory in the 2007 Copa Libertadores. The team achieved a remarkable 5-0 aggregate win over Gremio, setting a record for the largest margin in a continental final.
International Experience
Outside Argentina, Russo’s notable achievements include coaching Millonarios in Colombia, where he won the Torneo Finalización in 2017 and the Superliga in 2018. His experience as a coach began in 1989 with Lanús in the Second Division.
Clubs Managed
In Argentina, Russo has coached the following clubs:
- Lanús
- Estudiantes de La Plata
- Colón
- Rosario Central (four terms)
- Boca Juniors (three terms)
- Vélez Sarsfield (two periods)
- Racing Club
- San Lorenzo (two terms)
- Los Andes
Internationally, he has managed in various countries, including:
- Universidad de Chile (Chile)
- Salamanca (Spain)
- Monarcas Morelia (Mexico)
- Millonarios (Colombia)
- Alianza Lima (Peru)
- Cerro Porteño (Paraguay)
- Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
Noteworthy Moments
While coaching Boca Juniors, Russo gained recognition for leading the team past their rivals River Plate in critical matches, breaking a long-standing playoff curse. Additionally, he reached the semifinals of the Copa Sudamericana in 2005 while with Vélez.
Through a prolific career filled with memorable achievements and titles, Miguel Ángel Russo remains a celebrated figure in Argentine football history.
