June 23, 2024 at 4:27 p.m.
The U is in mourning Hugo Villanuevamember of the Blue Ballet, He died in the last few hours at the age of 85. This was reported by the club in the last minutes through its official channels. The defender was also a World Cup player with La Roja in 1966.
“As the Universidad de Chile Club, we mourn the death, at the age of 85, of the former defender of the glorious Ballet Azul and La Roja, Hugo Villanueva, who won five titles with the U, between 1959 and 1969, and played in the 1966 World Cup in England. From our deepest feelings, we send a big hug to your family and loved ones. “Goodbye, Flaco!” said the club.
Who was Hugo Villanueva?
Hugo Villanueva was an important part of, perhaps, the most important team in the history of the U: the Ballet Azul. He won five titles with the Universidad de Chile shirt and was three times chosen as the best left back in the local competition (1964, 1965 and 1967).
El Flaco, as he was nicknamed, debuted in 1959, replacing Leonel Sánchez. He began his career as a winger on the left and over the years he occupied the position of winger on the same wing.
Throughout his career, Villanueva only defended two club shirts: that of the U between 1959 and 1967, and that of the University of El Salvador in 1968.
In addition, he had steps through La Roja. He was even part of the national team that played in the 1996 World Cup in England where he played all three group stage matches. During his stay in the Chilean National Team, he played 21 official matches.
