On Friday afternoon, the Velez Sarsfield football family faced heartbreaking news with the loss of a valued member. Hernan Manrique, a respected reserve coach, died at the age of 49 after suffering a cardiac arrest while his team was preparing for a match against Racing Club.
According to statements from the club, Manrique experienced a decompensation during the pre-match routine at the Olympic Village. He was quickly attended to by Velez’s medical team, who performed an electrocardiogram and arranged transport to Hospital del Bicentenario in Ituzaingó. Despite efforts to stabilize him, his condition worsened and resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful upon arrival, ending in tragedy.
Manrique joined Velez in 2017, initially guiding youth squads before taking on responsibilities in the club’s reserve teams. In late 2022, he shared the reserve coaching duties with Marcelo Bravo. The pair helped the reserves reach second place in the previous tournament and currently lead the standings. The day’s events also saw the team secure a 2-0 victory in the Academy, but the match was halted at halftime after the fatal news was confirmed.
Before moving into coaching, Manrique enjoyed a long career as a professional player. He began at Nueva Chicago and spent time with All Boys as he climbed through Nacional B, eventually earning promotion to the Primera Division with Belgrano. His journey then included stints at Unión de Santa Fe, a return to Torito, and a notable goal against Instituto that helped pave the way to top-tier football. He later played for Huracán, Chacarita, and Unión de Sunchales, rounding out a varied playing career before moving into coaching.
The club announced that all football-related weekend activities would be suspended following the news. With the approval of the Argentine Football Association and the Liga Profesional, the scheduled Friday night match against Racing at the Presidente Perón stadium was postponed, and officials have not yet announced a new date for that game. The decision reflects the club’s solidarity with the family and its respect for the broader football community during a difficult time.
As fans and teammates mourn, the focus remains on honoring Manrique’s contributions to Velez Sarsfield and the impact he had across youth, reserve, and senior levels. His leadership and dedication left a lasting imprint on players who moved through the club’s ranks, and his memory will be carried forward in the routines and mentoring he established for younger generations in the sport. This moment underscores the human side of professional football and the strong bonds that bind clubs, players, and coaches alike.
The football world extends its condolences to Manrique’s family, friends, and colleagues. The community remembers not only his achievements on the field but also the everyday mentorship and support he offered to aspiring players. In these moments of collective mourning, the sport’s values—resilience, teamwork, and solidarity—are brought to the fore, reminding everyone of the human story that lies behind the game. [Goal]