José Miguel Marín

José Miguel Marín Ocotto (15 March 1945 – 30 December 1991)[1] was an Argentine footballer who played as a goalkeeper and as a football coach. He started his career in Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield, and became champion with this Argentine team. He then became a Mexican soccer star with Club Deportivo Cruz Azul, where he won several championships and became an iconic player. He is widely regarded as one of the best international goalkeepers to play in Mexico.[2][3]

For other people named Miguel Marín, see Miguel Marín (disambiguation).

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Marín and the second or maternal family name is Ocotto.
Miguel Marín
Personal information
Full name José Miguel Marín Ocotto
Date of birth (1945-03-15)15 March 1945
Place of birth Río Tercero, Córdoba, Argentina
Date of death 30 December 1991(1991-12-30) (aged 46)
Place of death Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
Height 1.81 m (5 ft 11 1⁄2 in)
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1964–1971 Vélez Sarsfield 222 (0)
1971–1981 Cruz Azul 309 (0)
Total 531 (0)
National team
1971 Argentina 2 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Career

Marín began his career with Vélez Sarsfield. He joined Cruz Azul in 1971, making his league debut at Guadalajara on 26 December 1971. Marín played for Cruz Azul until he retired in 1980, appearing in 309 Primera División de México matches.[4] Marin won five league championships with Cruz Azul.

Marín was selected in the Argentina national football team squad for the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, but did not appear in any matches.[5] He also made two appearances for the senior side.[6]

After retiring from playing, Marín became a football coach. He was appointed manager of Cruz Azul during the 1982–83 season. Later, he managed Deportivo Neza.

Nicknames

He was initially referred to by the nickname "El Gato" (The Cat). However, due to his spectacular saves, the label of "El Superman" was applied by the famed commentator and broadcaster Rugama Angel Fernandez. Marin's brilliant career would place him in a unique position in football statistics, with a minimum number of goals allowed, making him the most effective goal keeper in the history of Mexican soccer.

Death

He was working as coach of the University of Querétaro, when he suffered a massive heart attack: on 30 December 1991 he was admitted to the Hospital of Santa Cruz de Querétaro. The news spread like wildfire, a sharp blow to Mexican soccer: "Superman" had died. The insurmountable "Miguel Marin." His rivals and colleagues came to say their last goodbyes. Marin became a legend who has endured over time, and is a giant in the history of Cruz Azul and Mexican soccer. His remains rest in the La Chacarita Cemetery in his native Argentina.

References
  1. Guevara Salinas, Óscar Ignacio (30 December 2006). "Cumple Miguel Marín 15 años de haber fallecido" (in Spanish). Es Mas. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2009.
  2. "Homenaje a Miguel "El Gato" Marín" (in Spanish). El Punto Semanal. 11 November 2012.
  3. "¡Impiden a Corona usar suéter de Marín!" (in Spanish). Fox Sports. 10 November 2012.
  4. Dávalos, Juan (3 March 2005). "Miguel Marín seguirá siendo el mejor" (in Spanish). El Universal. Archived from the original on 15 June 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2009.
  5. Jose Marin – FIFA competition record
  6. Vandenberghe, Luc (8 September 2005). "Argentina National Team Players 1964-1998". RSSSF. Retrieved 11 August 2009.


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