Argentine football and Estudiantes de La Plata legend Juan Ramón Verón died on Tuesday, aged 81. The former striker, father to current club president Juan Sebastián, had been hospitalized for several weeks due to a kidney issue.

“Estudiantes de La Plata regrets to inform of the passing of Juan Ramón Verón, an undisputed icon of our history, absolute emblem of our identity and eternal symbol of the commitment, humility and belonging that distinguish the club,” wrote the institution in a statement on Tuesday.

Born and raised in La Plata, Verón was one of the key members of the Estudiantes golden era of the 1960s. A starting striker in the team coached by Osvaldo Zubeldía, he went on to win the 1967 Metropolitan title and three straight Copa Libertadores crowns in 1968, 1969 and 1970. He was also the scorer of the goal that won Estudiantes the 1968 Intercontinental Cup against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

After retiring, he went on to have a successful career as youth coach for Estudiantes, winning several titles across age-groups, including one with his son Juan Sebastian’s generation in 1985. He also coached clubs in Colombia and Guatemala.

Verón’s death didn’t go unnoticed. The Argentine Football Association and Liga Profesional de Fútbol sent their condolences to the club, its fans and its president, as did South American football confederation Conmebol.

“I deeply lament the passing of Juan Ramón Verón, multi-champion with Estudiantes de La Plata and Argentine football legend,” wrote AFA president Claudio Tapia in his X account. “Sending my most sincere condolences, a heartfelt embrace and much strength to Juan Sebastian, his family and all his loved ones in this tough moment.”

Lamento profundamente la pérdida de Juan Ramón Verón, multicampeón con Estudiantes de La Plata y leyenda del fútbol argentino.

Mis más sinceras condolencias, un inmenso abrazo y muchas fuerzas para Juan Sebastián, su familia y todos sus seres queridos en este duro momento. https://t.co/tYHqijfoQF

— Chiqui Tapia (@tapiachiqui) May 27, 2025

Colombian football club Junior de Barranquilla, where Verón played in the 1970s and whom he coached to a title in 1977 recalled the “indelible mark” he left at the club and sent condolences to family and friends.

Current Estudiantes striker Guido Carrillo, who came through at the club’s academy, shared two posts in his Instagram account. First a banner with the message “So long, dear Juan,” and then an image of him and the club legend at the training ground, thanking him for his teachings.