Luis Islas

Club

Islas started his career as a goalkeeper in Chacarita Juniors in the early 1980s. He earned his nickname el loco ("crazy") because of his flair and temperament. In late 1982 Islas was transferred to Estudiantes. There, he alternated with Carlos Bertero in the team that won the Nacional championship title in 1983. He was transferred to Independiente in 1986 and played for two years. He then went to Atlético Madrid in 1988 but did not play a game and was loaned to CD Logroñés. He came back to Independiente in 1990 and helped the team win the Clausura 1994 and two international titles. He retired in 2003 after playing 241 games for Independiente.

International

Islas was part of Argentina's Youth Football Team that finished runner-up at the 1983 FIFA World Youth Championship. Islas was the substitute goalkeeper during the 1986 World Cup, which Argentina won. Angry that he was still a substitute for Nery Pumpido, he resigned the national team just before the 1990 World Cup. Pumpido was injured in the second match during that cup, so third goalkeeper Sergio Goycochea was put to the fore, and was selected the best goalkeeper of the tournament. After the cup, Islas returned to the national team under new coach Alfio Basile. Because Goycochea had some weak matches during the qualifiers to the 1994 World Cup, Islas was the starting goalkeeper for Argentina during the 1994 World Cup.

After a stint in Bolivia, Islas managed Argentine side Club Almagro from November 2006 to May 2007, after which Islas returned to Bolivia to manage Aurora but resigned in September 2007.

Estudiantes Argentine Primera División: Nacional 1983 Independiente Argentine Primera División: Clausura 1994 Supercopa Sudamericana: 1994 Recopa Sudamericana: 1995 Argentina FIFA World Cup: 1986 Copa América: 1993 FIFA Confederations Cup: 1992 CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions: 1993 Individual FIFA World Youth Championship: Bronze ball 1983 Olimpia Award: 1992