Leopoldo Luque

Early Life

Leopoldo Jacinto Luque was born in 1949 in Argentina and became a prominent figure in Argentine football. He played as a forward and is remembered as one of the best strikers in the history of the Argentina national team. Luque's football journey began in 1967 when he joined Gimnasia y Esgrima de Jujuy, marking the start of a career that would span nearly two decades.

Career

Luque's club career included stints at several notable teams, including Unión de Santa Fe, Rosario Central, River Plate, Racing Club, and Chacarita Juniors. He is particularly celebrated for his time at River Plate, where on February 22, 1976, he made headlines by scoring all five goals in a 5-1 victory against San Lorenzo de Almagro. His international career peaked when he was part of the Argentina squad that won the 1978 FIFA World Cup, scoring four goals in the tournament, including a memorable long-distance volley against France. Tragically, during the tournament, he suffered the loss of his younger brother, Oscar, in a traffic accident.

Later Life and Death

After retiring from professional football in 1984, Luque served as the sports secretary of Mendoza Province. He faced health challenges, including a heart attack in 2007, but recovered. Sadly, Luque passed away from COVID-19 on February 15, 2021, during the pandemic in Argentina, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved footballer and a national hero.