In a tragic development, retired Argentine footballer Carlos Daniel Tapia has passed away at the age of 62. The news was confirmed just minutes ago, though the exact cause of death has not been disclosed.
Born on August 20, 1962, in San Miguel, Buenos Aires, Tapia began his professional career with River Plate in 1981, debuting under coach Alfredo Di Stéfano.
In 1985, he made a significant move to River’s arch-rivals, Boca Juniors, marking the beginning of a unique relationship with the club. Tapia is the only player in Boca Juniors’ history to have had four separate stints with the team, amassing a total of 217 appearances and scoring 46 goals.
Internationally, Tapia was part of the Argentine squad that clinched the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. Although he played limited minutes during the tournament, his contribution was valued, notably replacing Jorge Burruchaga in the match against England and hitting the post with a shot.
Tapia’s club career also saw him venture abroad, with spells at Brest in France, AC Lugano in Switzerland, and Universidad de Chile in Chile. He returned to Boca Juniors multiple times, playing pivotal roles in securing the Apertura 1992 championship—the club’s first league title in 11 years—and the Copa Oro in 1993.
Beyond his club successes, Tapia earned 10 caps for the Argentine national team between 1980 and 1988, scoring once. Infogalactic
Carlos Daniel Tapia’s legacy as a talented midfielder and dedicated sportsman will be cherished by fans and the football community worldwide. His passing marks the end of an era for those who admired his skill and passion on the field.
