Overview and Relevance
Manuel Lapuente, a prominent figure in Mexican football as both a player and coach, passed away on Saturday at the age of 81 due to pneumonia. His death has left a profound impact on the Mexican football community, with tributes pouring in from various organizations and former clubs.
Career Achievements
As a Player:
- Lapuente began his professional career with Club Monterrey in 1964.
- He went on to play for Necaxa, Puebla, and Atlas during his illustrious playing career.
As a Coach:
- Lapuente led the Mexico national team to victory in the 1998 Gold Cup.
- He also coached Mexico in the 1998 World Cup, where they were eliminated by Germany in the round of 16.
- Lapuente won the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup with Mexico, defeating Brazil in the final.
- At the club level, he amassed five titles: two with Puebla (1982-1983, 1989-1990), two with Necaxa (1994-1995, 1995-1996), and one with America (Verano 2002).
Tributes and Reactions
The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and Liga MX expressed their condolences on social media, acknowledging Lapuente’s significant contributions to Mexican football as both a player and coach.
“The football family in Mexico deeply mourns the passing of one of its most important, beloved, and influential players and coaches. Don Manuel Lapuente will forever be a legend of our sport,” stated the FMF on their social media platforms.
“Liga MX mourns the loss of Don Manuel Lapuente, a legend in Mexican football as both a player and coach. Champion with Puebla, Necaxa, and America, his legacy will live on,” Liga MX shared on their social media channels.
“We join the sorrow that grips the football world over the tragic loss of Manuel Lapuente, an icon of Mexican football who began his career with our club and donned our jersey from 1964 to 1966,” Club Monterrey expressed on X (formerly Twitter).
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was Manuel Lapuente? Manuel Lapuente was a Mexican footballer and coach who made significant contributions to the sport in both playing and coaching capacities.
- What were some of his achievements as a coach? Lapuente led Mexico to victory in the 1998 Gold Cup, coached them in the 1998 World Cup, and won the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup. At the club level, he won five titles with Puebla, Necaxa, and America.
- How did various organizations react to his passing? The Mexican Football Federation, Liga MX, and Club Monterrey all expressed their condolences on social media, acknowledging Lapuente’s lasting impact on Mexican football.
