Hugo Sutil, the former Barcelona striker who formed a formidable partnership with Johan Cruyff in the early 1970s, has died at the age of 75.
The Peruvian, who scored 25 goals in 65 appearances for the Spanish league giants between 1973 and 1976, was widely considered one of the best South American players of his generation.
Sutil, known as 'Cholo', was part of the Peruvian side that reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 1970 and 1978. He played alongside Cruyff at the Catalan club, scoring 17 goals in all competitions in his first season.
Barcelona were crowned league champions in the same season for the first time in 14 years, and Sutil's phone call to his mother in which he said “Mum, we are champions” has entered Barcelona folklore.
He was hospitalized in his home country on December 20, with reports that he was suffering from a “health problem.”
Barcelona said in a statement published on the Club
“Rest in peace, Cholo.”
The club followed the post with a picture of Sutil and Cruyff and the comment: “Johan Cruyff and Hugo Sutil. “Don't forget.”
Johan Cruyff and Hugo Sutil.
Don't forget. pic.twitter.com/YtIdchzyii– FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 30, 2024
In May 1984, Sutil played for Barcelona in a tribute match between the 1974 team and a South American squad, after which he said: “Since I left Barcelona I have been waiting for this moment. I love Barcelona, the friendly people and the love of the fans.”
Then, three decades later, in October 2014, Sutil said: “The love of the Barcelona people is unforgettable. The day I die I hope they bury me in a Barcelona shirt.”
