Basque coach Xabier Azkargorta, known as 'Bigotón' and a pioneer on the bench, died on Friday in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, at age 72. He managed RCD Espanyol from 1983 to 1986 and qualified Bolivia's national team for their only World Cup in 1994. His legacy features innovations in Spanish football and lasting impact in Latin America.
Xabier Azkargorta, born in Azpeitia (Gipuzkoa) in 1953, studied Medicine but football defined his life. Knee injuries ended his playing career at Lagun Onak and Real Sociedad youth teams, retiring at 23. At 25, he earned his national coaching license and started in Tercera with Aurrerá Vitoria, then rose to Nàstic in Segunda B.
In September 1983, at just 29, he became the youngest Primera División coach by joining RCD Espanyol, replacing Miroslav Pavic. He managed 134 matches from 1983 to 1986 (51 wins, 39 draws, 44 losses), ranking seventh in club history for games coached. Nicknamed 'Bigotón' for his mustache, he innovated in fitness, tactics, and players' lifestyles. “You play as you live,” he often said. He also mentored Mauricio Pochettino.
After stints at Valladolid, Sevilla, and Tenerife—where he saved the team from relegation in 1991—he totaled 230 Primera matches. In 1991, he took over Bolivia's national team, a South American football outcast. He qualified them for the 1994 World Cup, their only appearance, featuring stars like Erwin 'Platini' Sánchez. In the tournament, they drew 0-0 with South Korea, lost 1-0 to Germany, and 3-1 to Spain, after beating Brazil in La Paz during qualifiers.
His career continued as Chile's selector (failing to qualify for 1998 World Cup), league champion with Yokohama Marinos in Japan—where he coached alongside Julio Salinas—, a brief spell at Mexico's Chivas, and Real Madrid ambassador. He returned to Bolivia in 2012, leading Bolívar to Copa Libertadores semifinals in 2014. He was offered the Sports Ministry role but declined: “I came here for a heart, not a ball”.
DC Petrolero mourned his passing: “Symbol of Bolivian football, who took our national team to the 1994 World Cup. Thank you for your legacy, Professor.” Azkargorta, an idol in Bolivia since 1993, died from heart issues in his adopted homeland.