Football once again dresses in mourning after the announcement of the death of the renowned Mexican technician, Manuel Lapuente, who lost his life this Saturday afternoon, October 25, 2025 at the age of 81.
The sensitive death also known as ‘Manolo’ Lapuente It has caused great commotion in different Liga MX teams and of course people involved with Mexican soccer.
Likewise, the Mexican fans have regretted the death whose He led the Mexican National Team in the 1998 World Cup in France and won the 1999 Confederations Cup..
The LIGA BBVA MX mourns the death of Don Manuel Lapuente, a legend of our soccer as a player and technical director.
Champion, as a coach, of Puebla, Necaxa and America, his legacy will remain forever.
In all J15 matches, one minute of… pic.twitter.com/MJbi17cOEv
— Liga BBVA MX (@LigaBBVAMX) October 25, 2025
What did Manuel Lapuente die from?
So far the causes of death of the legendary technical director are unknown, however, media such as ESPN, Record and The Hobby (of Millennium), they needed to be authorized to confirm the death of Lapuente.
For its part, the Mexico National Team In his official social media accounts he also confirmed the death of the Mexican coach, without providing further details. In the publication they limited themselves to mentioning that he will be “remembered for his great legacy.”
The Mexican National Team deeply regrets the death of Don Manuel Lapuente, Mexican soccer legend.
Don Manolo will be remembered for his great legacy as a player and manager. He directed the 1998 World Cup in France and was champion of the Confederations Cup in 1999.… pic.twitter.com/pIin2GtDsS
— National Team (@miseleccionmx) October 26, 2025
Who was Manuel Lapuente?
‘Manolo’as he was affectionately called, had a successful career in Liga Mx, same in which he won five titles, two with the Puebla, two with Necaxa and one more with him America, title that ended a streak of more than a decade without a title for the azulcrema club.
During his time as a footballer, Manuel Lapuente, debuted with Monterrey and then he played with Necaxa. He also defended the Puebla shirt, a club with which he would establish himself as a footballer, and he was also with Atlas, the team with which he retired.
He was also selected nationally and won the gold medal at the Pan American Games in Winnipeg in 1967.
Manuel Lapuente, historic with La Franja that left a mark in the hearts of all the people of Puebla
Thank you for your legacy and love for this Club, which will remain forever. Rest in peace
#LaFranjaNosUne
pic.twitter.com/52HBjPMz7O
— Club Puebla
As a strategist, He started his career with Pueblabut he also commanded Tigres, Atlante, Cruz Azul, Necaxa y America. His last club was La Franja in 2013 and he has not managed since then.
At club level He had five Liga MX titles, but he also added Cups, Champion of Champions and a Concacaf Champions League.
His good role from the bench earned him the leadership of the Mexican National Teamin which he was on two occasions. The first was in 1990-91 and the longest for 1997-2000, where he led the national team to the 98 World Cup in France and two Confederations Cups.
He won, on the Tricolor bench, the 1998 Gold Cup and later the Confederations Cup in 1999, the same that many consider the greatest achievement in the history of the Senior National Team, given that They beat Brazil in the final 4-3 with a double from Miguel Ángel Zepeda, in addition to the goal from Manuel Abundis and Cuauhtémoc Blanco. This match was at the Azteca Stadium.
“Manuel Lapuente”:
Because they report his death pic.twitter.com/fsewK4ExRq—Why is it a Trend? (@porktendencia) October 25, 2025
All of us who make up Club América regret the sensitive death of Manuel Lapuente Díaz, historic coach of the Águilas.
A great one that will never fly alone.
— Club América (@ClubAmerica) October 26, 2025
The Mexican soccer family deeply regrets the death of one of the most important, endearing and influential players and coaches in our sport.
Don Manuel Lapuente is and will be a soccer legend.
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/Qyr8flx5Vb
— Mexican Football Federation (@FMF) October 25, 2025
Rest in Peace Manuel Lapuente, former Technical Director of Cruz Azul and recognized figure in Mexican soccer.
Prompt resignation to family and friends. pic.twitter.com/MBbjcJO8Gt
— CRUZ AZUL (@CruzAzul) October 25, 2025
We join in the grief that overwhelms the world of soccer for the unfortunate death of Manuel Lapuente, an icon of Mexican soccer who began his career with our team and defended our shirt from 1964 to 1966.
We express our condolences to his family and loved ones.… pic.twitter.com/hSmQLl2tyS
— Rayados (@Rayados) October 25, 2025
We deeply regret the death of Manuel Lapuente, former technical director of the Club.
We wish a speedy resignation to his family and friends.
Rest in peace.pic.twitter.com/klaVammhmN
— Club Tigres
(@TigresOficial) October 25, 2025
“He was a 100% winner and his teams expressed it”: David Faitelson remembers Manuel Lapuente as a relentless coach: his teams spoke for him, his triumphs outweighed his popularity.
Juan Pablo Pérez-Díaz (@perezdiazmx) in #FormulaNews pic.twitter.com/Y2aGzXX4XX
— Grupo Formula (@Radio_Formula) October 26, 2025
*With information from ESPN.
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