There is mourning in South American football. Juan Ramón Verón, better known as 'La Witch', died at the age of 81 In Argentina.
The mythical striker became famous in the last century for his contribution in the three liberating cups achieved by the golden generation of students of La Plata.
In Colombia he also raised trophies, after being crowned champion of the local tournament in 1977 as coach of the Junior of Barranquilla.
“Students of La Plata communicates with deep pain the death of Juan Ramón Verón, undisputed emblem of our historyabsolute reference of our identity and eternal symbol of commitment, humility and belonging that distinguish the club, ”said the official statement of the Argentine team.
His legacy lasted for years after his son's debut as a professional, Juan Sebastián Verón, who made a long career in Europe and was even a World Cup with the Albiceleste team.
Official statement
Students of La Plata communicates with deep pain the death of Juan Ramón Verón, undisputed emblem of our history, absolute reference of our identity and eternal symbol of commitment, humility and belonging that distinguish the club. pic.twitter.com/dNo8ulfleG
– Students of La Plata (@EdeLPOFICIAL) May 27, 2025
According to the Argentine press, 'La Bruja' came with health brokenness for a long time and this month had received the medical discharge after several weeks hospitalized.
“Juan Ramón was 81 years old and He was accompanied by his familywrapped in the love of all their loved ones, ”said the Platense team.
The statement finished saying that “the club accompanies our President Juan Sebastián Verón and his loved ones at this hard time that crosses all members of the Albirroja family.”
“Students say goodbye to one of their maximum legends. His legacy, his integrity and example will live forever in the memory of the institution ”, completes the pronouncement.
Reactions in Colombian football
The death of 'La Witch' Verón has generated multiple reactions in Argentina and Colombia, where they enjoyed their distinguished technique and the scoring capacity for which he became known throughout the continent.
Junior de Barranquilla did not overlook the hard news. “Junior FC and its Board of Directors express their deep regret For the death of Juan Ramón Verón, legend of our club, former emblematic and technical player in 1977 who left an indelible mark on our history, ”said the shark team.
Dimayor also published a posthumous message meaning. “Colombian football sadly dismisses one of its foreign legends. Juan Ramón Verón, who left an indelible brand in the Junior of Barranquilla during his passage through the club where he was part of the first star conquest in the shield in 1977, ”they wrote.
“The Dimayor, on behalf of the entire Colombian football family, extends its most sincere condolences and accompanies their family, friends, friends, already the rojiblanca fans, added the entity.
Junior prepares a tribute to 'La Witch' next Saturday in the Cuadrangular Party in which he will face Tolima Sports at the Metropolitan Stadium.
