Argentina 1978 World Cup winner Luis Galván died at the age of 77 on Monday. The former central defender had been suffering from pneumonia for several weeks.

Born in Fernández, a small town in Santiago del Estero province, Galván spent his entire club career in South America. He is remembered as a legend at Córdoba’s Talleres, where he spent the majority of his career, making a record 503 appearances for the club. 

He was first selected to play for Argentina in 1975, under head coach César Luis Menotti. Three years later he helped his country win its first World Cup.

Galván played every game of the tournament in the center of defense for La Albiceleste alongside captain Daniel Passarella. Prestigious Argentine sports outlet El Gráfico lauded him for a “faultless performance” in the final against The Netherlands and called him “the game’s revelation.”

He went on to play in the 1982 World Cup, also under Menotti.

After his retirement, he went on to work at Talleres for over 20 years, as director of the club’s football schools and with the women’s football teams.

The Argentine Football Association sent its condolences to the family and loved ones of the World Cup winner, as did Talleres.

Former teammates from the 1978 Argentina squad also mourned Galván.

“His name is forever etched in the collective memory of everyone who experienced that unforgettable victory,” wrote Mario Kempes, who scored twice in the final. “Thank you, Luis, for everything you gave us. We’ll miss you, but your legacy will never be forgotten.”

Ubaldo Filliol, the team’s starting goalkeeper, bid farewell on his X account to a “great defender and even better person,” and said it was a “pleasure having played next to Galván,” sending his condolences to the former star’s family and friends.

Former Tottenham Hotspur star Osvaldo Ardiles shared a message on X as well. “Luisito has left us. What an exceptional player. Great teammate, always there for everyone,” he wrote.

“So long my friend!”

Additional reporting by Fernando Romero