The monument honoring the legendary coach appeared after years of anticipation, a public homage that ties River Plate’s recent triumph in Madrid to its enduring history. The statue marks a moment when the club publicly recognized the impact of a coach who helped shape one of its most memorable eras.
It is widely accepted that the peak of Marcelo Gallardo’s eight and a half year tenure at River Plate did not simply arrive on a single date. The decisive victory against Boca Juniors in Madrid to lift the Copa Libertadores became the defining milestone of a storied period, elevating Gallardo to a status rivaled only by the club’s most revered figures, including Ángel Labruna, long celebrated as the greatest idol in the club’s lore. The Madrid final remains a touchstone in the club’s saga, a night that resonates with River fans around the world.
Following the club’s victory in Madrid, a group of supporters, supported by club leaders, agreed to honor the coach with a statue placed near the entrance to the Monumental, a tribute designed to keep Gallardo’s influence visible to generations of fans as they arrive at the stadium.
With Gallardo no longer in charge after his departure in late 2022, the inauguration has moved to a confirmed date that aligns with the club’s 122nd anniversary, signifying a lasting tribute set within the team’s ongoing history.
Neither Labruna nor Alonso: Gallardo, the greatest idol in River history
HOW MUCH IS THE STATUE AND HOW MUCH DOES IT WEIGH
@DrCarlosTrillo
The plan to create the sculpture began with a proposal in late March 2019, when multiple groups gathered and Carlos Trillo, a leading organizer, announced the project to the members. The concept evolved into something far more ambitious over time. The initial vision depicted a bronze figure about two meters tall, showing Gallardo holding the Copa Libertadores.
Yet the fundraising momentum was extraordinary. The effort grew into a seven meter sculpture weighing 6.5 tons, with one of those tons matching the weight of the trophy won against Boca Juniors. The sculptor entrusted with the work was Mercedes Savall, whose hands shaped the tribute into a symbol of River Plate’s modern era.
WHEN WAS IT SET UP?
Initial plans called for an unveiling on December 9, 2019, the first anniversary of the Madrid final. Changes in size meant delaying the ceremony, and the onset of the pandemic further slowed progress. The structure eventually neared completion and the base was placed near the Antonio Vespucio Liberti stadium. An attempt to reveal it on 9/12/2021 was delayed again after the club’s board approved only the venue’s placement days before work began, explaining that the sculpture required a robust skeleton and proper cement curing to reach its full strength.
After a second postponement, fans engaged in a Twitter poll to schedule the inauguration for May 25, 2022, the club’s 121st anniversary. New issues surfaced, including a need to adjust proportions, especially the face, as explained by Trillo on Radio La Red in early June. Although the team prepared for a December 9, 2022 reveal at the permanent site, coaching changes and weather concerns pushed the event to a later date. The plan moved again to May 25, 2023, marking the club’s 122nd anniversary, but stormy weather caused another delay. The unveiling finally occurred on a Saturday, May 27, at 4:00 PM, along Avenida Figueroa Alcorta near the stadium’s interior parking area, with a stage set and Gallardo attending alongside former teammates and some of his former coaches from the Madrid final era. The event was streamed on River Plate’s official YouTube channel for fans worldwide.
THE WORDS OF MARCELO GALLARDO
He expressed gratitude for the support that helped shape his career and the club he loves. He spoke about the people who guided him, the players who stood by him, and the managers who trusted him to lead with authenticity and high standards. He highlighted that the club’s history and its glory have created a platform for ongoing growth and a deep personal bond with the fans. He thanked his family, his coaching staff, and everyone who contributed to the journey, emphasizing that his life has been intertwined with River Plate and that his affection for the club will endure. His words reflected humility and a shared sense of achievement with those who stood beside him during a transformative period for the team.
The gathering underscored the club’s appreciation for Gallardo’s role in its modern renaissance and the fans who helped bring the tribute to fruition. The moment represented not only a personal memorial but a public acknowledgment of a chapter in River Plate’s enduring story, a chapter that continues to influence the club’s identity and aspirations.
Relevant coverage was provided by Goal.