The death of the great Hugo “Cholo” Sotil on Monday plunged Peruvian and global football into profound mourning. Various figures from national and international football highlighted the skills of "El Cholo".
Sotil, who passed away at 75, leaves Peruvian football in mourning, an event that did not go unnoticed internationally, with messages pouring in across social media.
Figures such as Paolo Guerrero expressed their sorrow, using his official Instagram account to pay tribute to Sotil, whom he considers a true icon of Alianza Lima.
"May he rest in peace, and may God always keep him in His glory. Thank you for bringing joy to the country and all Alianza Lima fans, a true legend and star. Peruvian football is in mourning," wrote Guerrero, accompanying his heartfelt message with two photos of Sotil wearing the Alianza Lima and Peru national team jerseys.
Similarly, former player Jefferson Farfán posted a brief Instagram story to bid farewell to Hugo Sotil, accompanying Alianza Lima's commemorative post with the heartfelt words, "Rest in peace, legend."
Beyond Peru, Colombia's Deportivo Independiente de Medellín (DIM), where Sotil played between 1979 and 1980, also lamented his death: "El Equipo del Pueblo (The people’s team) deeply regrets the passing of Hugo Alejandro 'Cholo' Sotil, the Peruvian forward who defended the colors of #Poderoso between 1979 and 1980. We send our condolences to his family and friends during this moment of deep sorrow. Our prayers are with you."
Spain's La Liga expressed its condolences through its social media platforms: "#LALIGA wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Hugo Sotil."
The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) joined in, sharing this message: "CONMEBOL regrets the passing of Hugo Sotil, a legend of Peruvian football. Our condolences to his family and friends."
Renowned Colombian journalist Carlos Antonio Vélez remembered Sotil as a nightmare for Colombia's national team during the 1975 Copa America final.
"A great one has passed away: Hugo 'Cholo' Sotil... In his prime, during the third match in Caracas in 1975, he was a nightmare for Colombia's defense in the Copa América final. For the first time, we reached the final and lost to a brilliant Peruvian team led by Cholo and Nene Cubillas. Now God has added another great to His heavenly team," Vélez wrote.
Argentine journalist Juan Pablo Varsky also commented, sharing this on social media: "Hugo 'Cholo' Sotil has passed away at 75. A legend of Peru, he secured the Copa America 1975 title for the country with his goal against Colombia. It was Peru's second and, so far, last title in its history. He played in the 1970 and 1978 World Cups and won La Liga with Barcelona. RIP."
International statistician Mister Chip recalled Sotil as a legend who left a mark playing for Spain's Barcelona: "Hugo Sotil, a Peruvian football legend, has passed away. He played a crucial role in one of Barcelona's most legendary victories, alongside Cruyff: the iconic 0-5 win at the Bernabéu. RIP."
International network ESPN also paid tribute: "Football mourns the passing of Hugo Sotil: 'El Cholo' was a Peruvian legend. With his national team, he played in two World Cups (1970 and 1978) and a Copa América (1975). He donned the jerseys of Deportivo Municipal, Barcelona, Alianza Lima, DIM, Los Espartanos, and Deportivo Junín."
News of his death was first shared early Monday by Barcelona, where he formed part of one of the most memorable attacking trios alongside Johan Cruyff during the 1973-1974 season, culminating in a historic 0-5 victory against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu.
"FC Barcelona laments the death of Hugo Sotil, a Blaugrana player from 1973 to 1976, and wishes to express its condolences to his family and friends," posted FC Barcelona.
Hugo Sotil's remains have been at the Alianza Lima club since yesterday. On Monday, only family and close friends of the former player were allowed to attend. Starting at noon today, fans will be able to bid their final farewell at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium.
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(END) JSO / JMP / MDV
Published: 12/31/2024