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Aurelio González (footballer)

Aurelio González was a legendary Paraguayan football player and coach, notable for his club success with Olimpia, national team play, and decision to serve in the Chaco War.

1. Overview

Aurelio Ramón González Benítez, born on September 25, 1905, in Luque, Paraguay, and passing away on July 9, 1997, was a legendary Paraguayan football player and coach. Revered as one of Paraguay's greatest footballers, he is widely considered second only to Arsenio Erico. His career was marked by significant achievements at both club and international levels, alongside a notable act of patriotism. As a player, he spent the majority of his career with Olimpia of Asunción, achieving multiple national championships. He also made substantial contributions to the Paraguay national football team, including participation in the 1930 FIFA World Cup. A pivotal moment in his life was his decision to decline a lucrative transfer offer from San Lorenzo de Almagro in Argentina to serve his country during the Chaco War. Following his playing career, González transitioned to coaching, leading Club Olimpia to unprecedented success, including their first Copa Libertadores final in 1960, and managing the Paraguay national football team in various international competitions, such as the 1958 FIFA World Cup.

2. Early Life and Background

Aurelio González's journey into football began in his hometown, where he spent his formative years before rising to prominence in the sport.

2.1. Birth and Childhood

Aurelio Ramón González Benítez was born on September 25, 1905, in Luque, a city in Paraguay. Details of his family background and early childhood are limited, but his beginnings in Luque laid the foundation for a distinguished career that would see him become one of the most iconic figures in Paraguayan football history.

3. Playing Career

Aurelio González's playing career spanned two decades, during which he became an indispensable figure for both his clubs and the national team, renowned for his goal-scoring prowess and leadership as a forward.

3.1. Club Career

González began his professional football journey with Sportivo Luqueño, where he played from 1920 to 1926. In 1927, he made a significant move to Olimpia of Asunción, a club with whom he would remain for the rest of his playing career until 1940. During his extensive tenure with Olimpia, he was a pivotal player, contributing to the club's dominance in Paraguayan football. Most notably, he was instrumental in Olimpia securing three consecutive national championships in 1927, 1928, and 1929. These achievements solidified his status as a legendary figure for the club and established his reputation as one of the country's leading players.

3.2. International Career

Aurelio González was a vital and prolific player for the Paraguay national football team throughout the 1920s and 1930s. He represented his country from 1924 to 1937, making 14 appearances and scoring 10 goals. His international career highlight included his participation in the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup held in Uruguay. He also featured prominently in other major international tournaments, including the 1929 South American Championship, where he emerged as a top scorer, and the 1937 South American Championship. His consistent performance and goal-scoring ability made him a representative player of his era for Paraguay.

3.3. Chaco War and its Impact

In the early 1930s, Aurelio González made a profound and patriotic decision that significantly impacted his football career. At the height of his playing prowess, he received a substantial offer from the Argentine club San Lorenzo de Almagro, reportedly worth millions, which he ultimately rejected. His refusal was driven by a strong sense of duty to his country, as he chose to join the armed forces and fight for Paraguay in the Chaco War against Bolivia. This remarkable act of sacrifice and patriotism, prioritizing national service over a lucrative professional opportunity, underscored his dedication beyond the football pitch and solidified his iconic status in Paraguayan history. His decision is widely regarded as one of the most significant personal sacrifices made by a prominent athlete for his nation.

4. Managerial Career

Following his illustrious playing career, Aurelio González transitioned into coaching, where he continued to achieve significant success at both club and international levels, further cementing his legacy in Paraguayan football.

4.1. Club Management

As a coach, Aurelio González returned to lead his former club, Olimpia of Asunción, guiding them to numerous championships. His coaching tenure with Olimpia included multiple stints from 1955 to 1960, 1963 to 1966, 1970, 1975, and 1977. His most notable achievement as Olimpia's manager came in 1960 when he led the club to its first-ever Copa Libertadores final. Although Olimpia ultimately lost to Uruguayan club Peñarol with a score of 1-2, reaching the final was a historic milestone for the club under González's guidance. He also managed Sportivo Luqueño from 1967 to 1969.

4.2. International Management

González also served as the coach for the Paraguay national football team across several periods, demonstrating his continued commitment to national football. He managed the team from 1946 to 1947, 1957 to 1959, 1960 to 1961, 1966, 1968, 1970 to 1972, and in 1974. A key highlight of his international coaching career was leading the Paraguayan national team during the 1958 FIFA World Cup finals. Furthermore, he coached Paraguay in the 1946 South American Championship and the 1959 South American Championship (Argentina). His extensive experience as a national team coach underscores his deep involvement in shaping Paraguayan football across different generations.

5. Legacy and Assessment

Aurelio González holds a revered place in the annals of Paraguayan football, celebrated for his exceptional talent, leadership, and unwavering commitment to his nation.

5.1. Achievements and Standing

Aurelio González is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in the history of Paraguay. Many experts and fans consider him to be the second-best player from the nation, trailing only the legendary Arsenio Erico. His contributions to the sport extend beyond individual skill; he was a truly essential player for both his club, Club Olimpia, and the Paraguay national football team. His iconic status is further solidified by his numerous championships won as a player with Olimpia and his subsequent success as a coach, leading the club to its first Copa Libertadores final. His blend of on-field brilliance and patriotic sacrifice during the Chaco War has enshrined him as a revered figure in Paraguayan sports history.

5.2. Controversies

One notable and long-standing discussion surrounding Aurelio González's playing career involves an alleged own goal during the 1930 FIFA World Cup match between Paraguay and the United States. During this group stage match on July 17, a goal scored in the 15th minute of the first half has been subject to continuous debate. The controversy centers on whether the goal was scored by González himself, deflecting the ball into his own net, or if it was correctly attributed to Bert Patenaude of the United States. This particular incident remains a point of historical discussion among football enthusiasts and historians, reflecting the detailed scrutiny given to significant matches and players of that era.

6. Death

Aurelio Ramón González Benítez passed away on July 9, 1997, at the age of 91.