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Víctor Ugarte

Víctor Ugarte was a legendary Bolivian footballer, the nation's third all-time top scorer, who led them to the 1963 Copa América title and was the first Bolivian to play in Argentina's top league.

1. Overview

Víctor Agustín Ugarte Oviedo (5 May 1926 - 20 March 1995) was a prominent Bolivian footballer who achieved legendary status for his prolific goal-scoring and significant contributions to both club and international football. He is recognized as the third all-time top goalscorer for the Bolivia national football team, having netted 16 goals in 45 appearances. His career spanned from 1947 to 1963 at the international level. Ugarte played a pivotal role in Bolivia's historic victory at the 1963 Copa América, scoring two crucial goals in the final match against Brazil. Throughout his club career, he primarily played for Club Bolívar, but also made history as the first Bolivian to play in the Argentine Primera División during a brief spell with San Lorenzo de Almagro in 1958. He also played for Once Caldas in Colombia. Despite his illustrious career, Ugarte faced significant challenges in his later life, including poverty and illness, which led to his death in 1995. His legacy is cemented by the Estadio Victor Agustín Ugarte in Potosí, named in his honor.

2. Early life and background

Víctor Agustín Ugarte Oviedo was born on 5 May 1926. No further details regarding his early life or formative years are available in the provided sources.

3. Club career

Ugarte's professional club career was largely defined by his extensive tenure with Club Bolívar in Bolivia. With Club Bolívar, he achieved considerable success, winning multiple league titles, including the Bolivian Primera División in 1950, 1953, and 1956. He also secured the Primera A AFLP championships in the same years, reflecting his consistent performance and the club's dominance during that era.

In 1958, Ugarte embarked on a brief but historically significant period with San Lorenzo de Almagro, an Argentine club. His move to San Lorenzo marked him as the first Bolivian footballer to play in the prestigious Argentine Primera División, a testament to his talent and reputation. Following his time in Argentina, he also played for Once Caldas in Colombia, further expanding his international club experience. Ugarte ultimately retired from professional football in 1966.

4. International career

Víctor Agustín Ugarte had a distinguished international career spanning from 1947 to 1963 with the Bolivia national football team. During this period, he earned 45 caps and scored 16 goals, making him Bolivia's third all-time top goalscorer, behind only Joaquín Botero and Marcelo Martins Moreno. His international appearances included participation in the 1950 FIFA World Cup.

Ugarte's most significant achievement on the international stage came in 1963 when he played a crucial role in Bolivia's victory at the 1963 Copa América. This tournament saw Bolivia achieve its first and only Copa América title. Ugarte contributed significantly to this historic win, notably scoring two goals in Bolivia's decisive final match against Brazil, which contributed to their championship triumph.

4.1. International goals

Ugarte scored 16 goals for the Bolivia national football team. The following table details his international goals:

#DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.6 April 1949Estádio do Pacaembu, São Paulo, BrazilChile1-13-21949 Copa América
2.10 April 1949Estádio do Pacaembu, São Paulo, BrazilBrazil1-61-10
3.17 April 1949Estádio São Januário, Rio de Janeiro, BrazilUruguay1-03-2
4.24 April 1949Estádio do Pacaembu, São Paulo, BrazilEcuador1-02-0
5.2-0
6.6 May 1949Estádio General Severiano, Rio de Janeiro, BrazilColombia4-04-0
7.22 February 1953Estadio Nacional, Lima, PeruPeru1-01-01953 Copa América
8.1 March 1953Estadio Nacional, Lima, PeruBrazil1-81-8
9.8 March 1953Estadio Nacional, Lima, PeruEcuador1-11-1
10.10 June 1957Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción, ParaguayParaguay2-42-51957 Copa Paz del Chaco
11.13 June 1957Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción, ParaguayParaguay1-01-0
12.18 August 1957Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz, BoliviaParaguay1-23-3
13.21 August 1957Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz, BoliviaParaguay2-12-1
14.19 February 1963Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción, ParaguayParaguay1-31-51963 Copa Paz del Chaco
15.31 March 1963Estadio Félix Capriles, Cochabamba, BoliviaBrazil1-05-41963 Copa América
16.3-2

5. Honours

Víctor Agustín Ugarte earned several significant honours throughout his club and international career:

Club Bolívar

  • Bolivian Primera División: 1950, 1953, 1956
  • Primera A AFLP: 1950, 1953, 1956

Mariscal Santa Cruz

  • Segunda División de La Paz: 1966

Bolivia

  • Copa América: 1963

6. Later life and death

After retiring from professional football in 1966, Víctor Agustín Ugarte faced considerable hardship in his later years. He suffered from severe poverty and illness, which significantly impacted his well-being. These challenges ultimately contributed to his death on March 20, 1995, at the age of 68.

7. Legacy

Víctor Agustín Ugarte's legacy in Bolivian football is profound and enduring. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Bolivian footballers of all time, known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and his pivotal role in the national team's most significant triumph. As the third all-time top goalscorer for the national team, his record remains a testament to his attacking prowess. His leadership and crucial contributions to Bolivia's historic 1963 Copa América victory solidified his place in the country's sporting history. The Estadio Victor Agustín Ugarte in Potosí is named in his honor, serving as a lasting tribute to his immense impact on the sport and an enduring symbol of his importance to Bolivian football culture.