Hugo Orlando Gatti (born August 19, 1944) is a retired Argentine professional football goalkeeper237. Over the course of his 26 seasons in the Argentine Primera División, Gatti played a record 765 league games and 52 international appearances, totaling 817 games2. He holds the record for the most appearances in the Argentine league2.
Gatti, nicknamed El Loco (The Madman), was known for his charisma, innovative style, and eccentricity2. He played professionally until age 442.
Career Highlights:
Gatti won three Primera División titles, two Copa Libertadores tournaments, and one Intercontinental Cup, all with Boca Juniors2.
In 1982, he was voted Player of the Year of Argentina2.
The IFFHS ranked him as the third-best Argentine goalkeeper of the 20th Century2.
He saved 26 penalty kicks throughout his career, which is tied for the most in Primera División2.
Playing Style:
Gatti developed a goalkeeping style that relied on positional play rather than reflexes2. He often left the penalty area to act as an additional player in both defense and attack, and he was one of the first to use his feet, head, and chest to control the ball2. He was also a pioneer of the achique technique, which involves running out to challenge opposing players2.
Club Career:
Early career Gatti began his career with Atlanta in the Argentine sixth division and made his Primera División debut in 19622.
River Plate From 1964 to 1968, he played 77 matches for River Plate2.
Gimnasia y Esgrima Between 1969 and 1974, Gatti appeared in 244 league matches for Gimnasia y Esgrima2.
Unión de Santa Fe In 1975, he joined Unión de Santa Fe2.
Boca Juniors Gatti played for Boca Juniors from 1976 to 1988, where he became a legend2. He played 381 league matches and 47 Copa Libertadores matches for the club and is the goalkeeper with the most appearances in Boca Juniors history2.
International Career:
Gatti earned 18 caps with the Argentina national team between 1967 and 197723. He was part of the 1966 World Cup squad but did not play2.
Post-Retirement:
Since retiring, Gatti has remained involved in football as a columnist and commentator2.
In February 2025, Gatti stated that Cristiano Ronaldo has always been better than Lionel Messi1.