Hugo Sotil dead at 75: Barcelona legend who formed legendary partnership with Johan Cruyff dies after ‘health problem’
Share:
BARCELONA hero Hugo Sotil has passed away 75. The Peruvian was hospitalised earlier this month after experiencing a "health issue". Doctors placed Sotil in intensive care and did their best to improve his condition. But the former striker was sadly unable to recover and passed away on Monday.
![[Barcelona legend Hugo Sotil has passed away aged 75]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hugo-sotil-960600421.jpg?strip=all&w=643)
Barcelona announced his passing an emotional statement, an excerpt of which read: "On Monday 30 December Hugo Sotil passed away. "Born in Ica in Peru on 18 May 1949, 'Cholo' as he was known, was considered one of the best South American players of his generation, and was a from fan favourites at Baraa during his time at the club.
![[The Peru international was hospitalised earlier this month but never recovered from his health issue]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fights-ball-bulgarian-defender-ivan-960599619.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"The striker came to Barça for the 1973/74 season from Peruvian club Municipal de Lima. "Sotil was a vital part of a team that included legends such as Johan Cruyff, [Juan Manuel] Asensi, [Carlos] Rexach and Marcial [Pina]. "He became a favourite of the Camp Nou crowd who would chant "Cholooo, Cholooo" in his honour.".
![[Hugo Sotil was part of Barcelona's successful team of the early 1970s]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NINTCHDBPICT000960600539.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
A social media post from the club read: "FC Barcelona mourns the passing of Hugo Sotil, who played for Barca from 1973 to 1976, and offers its condolences to his family and friends. "Rest in peace, Cholo.". Scores of Barca fans responded to the X post to pay tribute to the late Sotil.
![[He formed an incredible partnership with the late Johan Cruyff]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1974-avant-un-match-au-960599569.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
One wrote: "Rest in peace, legend.". Another said: ""He wasn't just talented on the field with his amazing dribbling and assists, loved by so many. Sotil joined Barcelona in 1973 from Peruvian side Deportivo Municipal and won a slew of trophies with the Catalan club.
