Argentina Mourns: Carlos Babington, Huracán Legend, Has Died

Argentina mourns the passing of Carlos Alberto Babington, a Huracán legend who died Wednesday at the age of 77. Nicknamed “The Englishman” for his blond hair, Babington was an icon of the Buenos Aires club, where he served as a player, coach, and president—a distinction shared only by Beckenbauer, Bernabéu, and Passarella.

The news was confirmed by the Argentine club itself: “Club Atlético Huracán deeply mourns the passing of Carlos Babington: 1973 champion, coach, and former club president, as well as one of the greatest soccer players Argentina has ever produced. We stand with his family, friends, and loved ones during this time of great sorrow. We express our affection and condolences.”

An attacking midfielder by trade, Babington spent the first six years of his career at Huracán. After the 1974 World Cup—in which he played a leading role, including a match against Italy—he lived in Germany for four years, where he played for Wattenscheid. He then returned to Huracán for another four seasons before ending his career with Tampa Bay in the U.S. and Atlético Junior in Colombia. He made a total of thirteen appearances for the Albiceleste.

Babington then embarked on a coaching career, taking the helm at Platense, Banfield, Racing Club, River Plate, Leon, and, of course, Huracán, which he coached during three separate stints: 1988–1991, 1999–2001, and 2002. In 2005, he became president of the Buenos Aires club.