Miguel Marín (Argentine footballer)
 Marin in 1968 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | José Miguel Marín Ocotto | ||
| Date of birth | 15 March 1945 | ||
| Place of birth | Río Tercero, Córdoba, Argentina | ||
| Date of death | 30 December 1991 (aged 46) | ||
| Place of death | Querétaro, Mexico | ||
| Height | 1.81 m (5 ft 11+1⁄2 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Goalkeeper | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1964–1971 | Vélez Sarsfield | 222 | (0) |
| 1971–1981 | Cruz Azul | 309 | (0) |
| Total | 531 | (0) | |
| International career | |||
| 1971 | Argentina | 2 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
José Miguel Marín Ocotto (15 March 1945 – 30 December 1991)[1] was an Argentine footballer who played as a goalkeeper and as a football coach. He started his career in Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield, and became champion with this Argentine team. He then became a Mexican football star with Cruz Azul, where he won several championships and became an iconic player. He is widely regarded as one of the best international goalkeepers to play in Mexico.[2][3]
Early life
[edit]Born on May 15, 1945, in Río Tercero, Córdoba, Marín was of a modest family. He grew up working in the greengrocery stores of his neighborhood. Marín would play in the pastures and use the frame of the trees as goals.[4] This caught the attention of a boss at work who subsequently took him to Buenos Aires for a trial at Vélez Sarsfield. Despite conceding eight goals, Victorio Spinetto accepted him into the institution and was enrolled into the club's youth team at 14. Marín was notably disciplined. He devoted himself to train his physical and technical skills twice a day.[5]
Career
[edit]
Marín began his career with Vélez Sarsfield. He joined Cruz Azul in 1971, making his league debut at Guadalajara on 26 December 1971. Marín played for Cruz Azul until he retired in 1980, appearing in 309 Mexican Primera División matches.[6] Marin won five league championships with Cruz Azul.
Marín was selected in the Argentina national football team for the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, but did not appear in any matches.[7] He made two appearances for the senior side.[8]
After retiring from playing, Marín became a football coach. He was appointed manager of Cruz Azul during the 1982–83 season. Later, he managed Deportivo Neza.
Nicknames
[edit]He was initially referred to by the nickname "El Gato" (The Cat). However, due to his spectacular saves, the label of "El Superman" was applied by the famed commentator and broadcaster Rugama Angel Fernandez. Marin's brilliant career would place him in a unique position in football statistics, with a minimum number of goals allowed, making him the most effective goalkeeper in the history of Mexican football.
Death
[edit]He was working as coach of the University of Querétaro, when he suffered a massive heart attack: on 30 December 1991 he was admitted to the Hospital of Santa Cruz de Querétaro. The news spread like wildfire, a sharp blow to Mexican soccer: "Superman" had died. The insurmountable "Miguel Marin." His rivals and colleagues came to say their last goodbyes. Marin became a legend who has endured over time, and is a giant in the history of Cruz Azul and Mexican football. His remains rest in the La Chacarita Cemetery in his native Argentina.
Honours
[edit]Vélez Sarsfield
Cruz Azul
- Mexican Primera División: 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74, 1978–79, 1979–80
- Campeón de Campeones: 1974
- CONCACAF Champions' Cup: 1971
Individual
- Mexican Primera División Golden Ball: 1979–80
References
[edit]- ^ Guevara Salinas, Óscar Ignacio (30 December 2006). "Cumple Miguel Marín 15 años de haber fallecido" (in Spanish). Es Mas. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2009.
- ^ "Homenaje a Miguel "El Gato" Marín" (in Spanish). El Punto Semanal. 11 November 2012.
- ^ "¡Impiden a Corona usar suéter de Marín!". Fox Sports (in Spanish). 10 November 2012.
- ^ "Miguel MARÍN". Vélez Sarsfield. 15 May 2012.
- ^ "Grandes arqueros argentinos: José Miguel Marín". 21 September 2017.
- ^ Dávalos, Juan (3 March 2005). "Miguel Marín seguirá siendo el mejor" (in Spanish). El Universal. Archived from the original on 15 June 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2009.
- ^ Jose Marin – FIFA competition record (archived)
- ^ Vandenberghe, Luc (8 September 2005). "Argentina National Team Players 1964-1998". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 11 August 2009.
