Luis Galvan, a key defender who played in every match of Argentina’s triumphant 1978 World Cup campaign, has passed away at the age of 77. The Argentinian Football Association (AFA) announced his death on Monday.
Galvan had been receiving treatment in a hospital in Cordoba for several weeks due to kidney problems. His formidable central defensive partnership with captain Daniel Passarella was instrumental in Argentina’s success, providing the solid foundation upon which the team built their first World Cup victory.
In the final match held in Buenos Aires, Argentina defeated the Netherlands 3-1 after extra time, with two goals from the tournament’s top scorer, Mario Kempes, and another from Daniel Bertoni securing the historic win.
“The Argentine Football Association, through its President, Claudio Tapia, mourns the passing of Luis Galvan, a defender who won a World Cup with the Argentine national team in 1978, and expresses its condolences to his family and loved ones,” the AFA stated in a formal announcement.
Galvan spent the majority of his club career with Talleres de Cordoba, where he made over 250 appearances. He also represented Argentina at the 1982 World Cup finals. However, like many of the aging heroes from the 1978 squad, Galvan found the 1982 title defense challenging. With Diego Maradona being the primary new addition to the lineup, Galvan’s 34-year-old legs struggled against second-round opponents Brazil and Italy, who defeated the defending champions 3-1 and 2-1, respectively.
Ubaldo Fillol, the goalkeeper for both the 1978 and 1982 World Cup teams, paid a heartfelt tribute to his former teammate. “An excellent defender and an even better person,” Fillol remarked. “It was a true pleasure to play alongside you. My heartfelt hug to all your family and close friends.”
Galvan’s death comes just over two weeks after the passing of another Argentine football icon, goalkeeper Hugo Gatti, who was 80 years old. Gatti, nicknamed ‘El Loco’ (The mad man), would have likely been Argentina’s goalkeeper instead of Fillol in the 1978 World Cup had a knee injury not sidelined him months before the tournament. He held the record for the most games played in Argentina’s top football division, with 765 appearances between 1962 and 1988.
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