Imperious Argentine captain who lifted the 1978 World Cup and was one of the most commanding defenders in world football during the late 1970s and 1980s.
Daniel Alberto Passarella was born in Chacoís, Argentina on 25 May 1953. One of the greatest defenders in Argentine history, Passarella was the captain of the team that won the 1978 World Cup on home soil under manager César Luis Menotti. A fierce competitor with superb reading of the game and a remarkable ability to score from set pieces, he was also nicknamed 'El Gran Capitán'. He spent the bulk of his club career at River Plate, winning numerous Argentine titles. He also played for Fiorentina and Inter Milan in Italy. He lifted the World Cup again in 1986 as a squad member, though by then Diego Maradona had taken centre stage. He earned 70 caps for Argentina and scored 22 goals — an extraordinary total for a defender. He later managed Argentina, overseeing their qualification for the 1998 World Cup.
Captaining Argentina to their first World Cup victory in 1978
He scored 22 international goals for Argentina as a centre-back — an almost unheard-of record for a defender and a testament to his commanding presence at set pieces.
Did You Know?How They Played
Aggressive sweeper with exceptional leadership, aerial ability, and goal-scoring threat from set pieces
Lasting Impact
Considered one of the greatest defenders in football history and most successful Argentine captain
Career Honours
- World Cup 1978
- Argentine Primera 1975, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1986
- Copa America 1991 (as coach)
- UEFA Cup 1982
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River Plate | 1971–1982 | 451 | 22 | #6 |
| Fiorentina | 1982–1986 | 232 | 64 | #7 |
| Inter Milan | 1986–1988 | 147 | 42 | #7 |
| Argentine | — | 70 | 22 | — |