Hugo Sotil, iconic soccer player for Peru and Barcelona, died

Died Hugo Sotil

Hugo Sotil, Barcelona striker of the '70s and teammate of Johan Cruyff, has è passed away after facing serious health problems that had forced him in recent days to be hospitalized in intensive care at a hospital in Lima.

Born in Ica on May 18, 1949, Sotil è was an extraordinary player, capable of shining alongside Cruyff, Rexach, Asensi, Marcial and Juan Carlos. Among his most iconic moments was Bar’s famous 0-5 win against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu on February 17, 1974, in which he scored the last goal of the match. That was his best season. However, with the’arrival of Johan Neeskens and restrictions on foreigners in the team (maximum could be two), he was forced to stay off the field for a long time.

The last years of his career did not have the same luster. After his experience at Bar’a, he played with Independiente de Medellín, Espartanos and Deportivo Junín, retiring in 1986. With the shirt of Perù disputò two World Cups, in 1970 and 1978, scoring 18 goals in 62 games.

Sotil’s death marks the loss of an’icon of South American soccer and of Barcelona, who left an indelible memory in the hearts of fans.