Óscar Tabárez is a renowned Uruguayan football manager and former player, famously known as "El Maestro."
During his playing career, Tabárez represented several clubs, including Sud América and Montevideo Wanderers, the latter being the first non-traditional Uruguayan team to qualify for the Copa Libertadores.
Tabárez led Peñarol to its fifth Copa Libertadores title in 1987, a significant achievement in his early managerial career.
Biography
Early Life and Playing Career
Óscar Washington Tabárez Silva, known as "El Maestro," is a prominent Uruguayan football figure, both as a player and a manager. Born in Uruguay, he began his football journey as a defender, playing for several modest clubs including Sud América, Sportivo Italiano in Argentina, and Montevideo Wanderers, where he contributed to the club's historic qualification for the Copa Libertadores. His playing career spanned 12 years, during which he also had stints with Centro Atlético Fénix, Puebla F.C. in Mexico, and C.A. Bella Vista, before retiring at the age of 32.
Managerial Career
Transitioning from player to coach, Tabárez took his first managerial role at Bella Vista in 1980, just a year after his retirement. He quickly made a name for himself, leading the Uruguay under-20 team to a gold medal at the 1983 Pan American Games. His success with Peñarol, where he won the Copa Libertadores in 1987, paved the way for his appointment as the head coach of the Uruguay national team. Under his guidance, Uruguay finished as runners-up in the 1989 Copa América and reached the round of 16 in the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
Legacy and Personal Life
Tabárez's legacy is marked by his record as the manager with the most games for a single national team. He led Uruguay to victory in the 2011 Copa América and a commendable fourth place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Beyond football, he has also worked as a teacher. Despite being diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome, he continued to inspire many, even using crutches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His contributions to football have earned him numerous accolades, including the FIFA Order of Merit in 2012 and recognition as the IFFHS World's Best National Coach in 2011.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
During his 12-year senior playing career, Tabárez played mainly for modest clubs, representing Sud América, Sportivo Italiano (Argentina), Montevideo Wanderers (at the time when they were the first non-traditional team from Uruguay to qualify for Copa Libertadores), Fénix, Puebla in Mexico and Bella Vista. He retired at age 32.
Early career
In 1980, one year after retiring as a player, Tabárez took up coaching at Bella Vista. There he met José Herrera, who has worked alongside him as physical trainer ever since. The following year, Tabárez was named manager of the Uruguay under-20 team. He would coach the side on two occasions. He managed the team at the Pan American Games, in 1983 in Caracas, where Uruguay won the gold medal, defeating Guatemala in the final. Tabárez subsequently worked for various clubs in Uruguay, including Danubio, Montevideo Wanderers and Peñarol. Around this time he first met his current assistant coaches, Mario Rebollo and Celso Otero. In 1987, Tabárez led Peñarol to its fifth Copa Libertadores title after defeating América de Cali in the tournament final.
Uruguay national team
1989 Copa América
The Copa Libertadores title was fundamental in Tabárez's appointment as manager of the Uruguay senior team, in which the 1989 Copa América, in Brazil, was his first major tournament in charge. Uruguay finished in second place, eliminating Diego Maradona-led Argentina in the process, losing to hosts Brazil at the Maracanã Stadium.
1990 FIFA World Cup
After four games of qualification, Uruguay qualified for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, held in Italy. Uruguay reached the round of 16 of the tournament after a draw with Spain, a loss to Belgium and a win against South Korea. In the round of 16, however, Uruguay was eliminated by hosts Italy. After 34…
- Club
- Sportivo Italiano (1972–1973)
- Club
- Centro Atlético Fénix (1976–1976)
- Club
- Sud América (1967–1971)
- Club
- C.A. Bella Vista (1977–1979)
- Club
- Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club (1975–1975)
- Club
- Puebla F.C. (1976–1977)
Personal
Aside from his career in football, Tabárez also worked as a teacher. He has been diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome, and was seen utilizing crutches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Legacy
Manager
Peñarol
Copa Libertadores: 1987 Boca Juniors
Primera División: 1992 Apertura Copa Master de Supercopa: 1992 Uruguay Youth
Pan American Games: 1983 Uruguay
Copa América: 2011 world cup: 2010, 4th place
Individual
FIFA Order of Merit: 2012 IFFHS World's Best National Coach: 2011
Clubs
Played together with
Adhemar CanavesiC.A. Bella Vista · 1925–1928- Adrián GuninoCentro Atlético Fénix · 2012–2012
- Adílson Ferreira de SouzaMontevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club · 1997–1997
- Alberto CardaccioPuebla F.C. · 1978–1979
Alberto GalateoSud América
Alberto García AspePuebla F.C. · 1999–2002
Alberto MedinaPuebla F.C. · 2013–2014
Alberto ZozayaC.A. Bella Vista · 1940–1940
Alcides GhiggiaSud América · 1945–1948
Alcides SilveiraSud América · 1955–1959
Alejandro ChumaceroPuebla F.C.
Alejandro LagoC.A. Bella Vista · 2006–2006
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Óscar Washington Tabárez Silva, is a Uruguayan former football manager and player. Known as "El Maestro", he holds the record as the manager with the most games with just one national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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