Arsenio Iglesias, born in 1930 in Arteixo and remembered as a stalwart of Deportivo de La Coruña, passed away at the age of 92. A former player and later a transformative coach, Iglesias stands among the most influential figures in the club’s history. His career began in the 1950s as a promising talent who rose through the ranks and helped shape the team’s early identity. He earned national recognition as a manager, guiding Deportivo to a major triumph in 1991 and contributing to the club’s lasting legacy in Spanish football. His leadership in 1995 helped Deportivo secure a historic league title, cementing his role as a symbol of sportsmanship and resilience for generations of fans. The club honored his memory as preparations continued for events at the Riazor Stadium, which had long stood as a beacon for the city and its supporters.
With Iglesias no longer among the living, Deportivo and the broader world of football reflect on a career that left an enduring mark on the sport. From his earliest days in Arteixo to his ascent as a guiding force, his journey intertwined with the club he served and the players who shared the field with him. The story of Iglesias is also the story of a community that learned to value hard work, loyalty, and the joy of competing at the highest level. His influence extended beyond those painted white and blue colors; it became a blueprint for how sport can shape character and community over time.
He was the eager young player whose talent drew attention, the teammate who earned the respect of peers, and the coach who steadied the ship when the team needed direction. In his early years he shared the pitch with teammates who became legends in their own right, and his collaborations with youth and seasoned players alike helped forge a cohesive unit. Iglesias offered more than tactics; he brought a philosophy of sport that emphasized discipline, teamwork, and a graceful approach to competition. When he stepped onto the sideline as coach, his presence helped Deportivo navigate challenging periods and reclaim a place among Spain’s elite. The 1990s proved pivotal, as his vision and leadership culminated in a title that remains a defining moment for the club and its supporters. Though he carried the responsibilities of a field servant, his legacy always pointed toward a broader understanding of sport as a way of life and a source of communal pride.
In the long arc of Deportivo’s 116-year history, Iglesias is remembered as a steadfast guide who helped shape the club’s identity. He embodied not just a winning mentality but a sense of purpose that linked sport to values like courage, perseverance, and humility. From the early days when he stood on the pitch as a player to the years he spent shaping strategy from the touchline, his influence spanned generations. His story is one of dedication, sacrifice, and a deep connection to the people who cheered from the stands at Riazor and followed the team across the country. Even in retirement, his example persisted as a measure of what a club can achieve when leadership aligns with a clear sense of community and tradition.
As fans remember Iglesias, the enduring question becomes how a coach and player can leave a living legacy that motivates new generations. The answer lies in his consistency, his faith in his players, and a willingness to put the team above personal glory. He showed that success in football is not just about titles but about the culture you cultivate, the standards you set, and the way you lift a city through sport. In this way, Arsenio Iglesias remains a touchstone for Deportivo and a lasting symbol of how sport can shape character and unite people in shared purpose.