Helenio Herrera Biography: Football Team, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Wife

Helenio Herrera Gavilán was an Argentine-French football player and manager widely celebrated for his remarkable coaching achievements, especially with Inter Milan in the 1960s.

Under his leadership, Inter won three Serie A titles and two consecutive European Cups, earning him the nickname “Il Mago” (The Wizard) due to his groundbreaking tactics. These included innovative psychological preparation for players and the strategic use of a sweeper.

Herrera also enjoyed great success in Spain, securing four La Liga titles with Atlético Madrid and FC Barcelona, solidifying his legacy as one of football’s most excellent managers.

Profile

• Full Name: Helenio Herrera Gavilán
• Stage Name: Helenio Herrera
• Born: 10 April 1910
• Death date: 9 November 1997
• Age: 87 years old
• Birthplace: Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Nationality: Argentine–French
• Occupation: Argentine-French football player and manager
• Height: 1.75 m
• Parent: Francisco Herrera ,Maria Gavilán Martínez
• Siblings: Aurora Herrera
• Spouse: 3
• Children: Francis Herrera, Hélène Herrera, Linda Herrera, Daniéle Herrera, Helenio Angel Herrera, Rocío Herrera, Helios Herrera, Luna Herrera
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

Helenio Herrera Gavilán was born on April 10, 1910, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Francisco Herrera and Maria Gavilán Martínez.

His father, Francisco, was an exiled anarchist from Andalusia who worked as a carpenter, while his mother, Maria, worked as a cleaner. He had an older sister named Aurore.

Although it is unclear whether he attended formal school, details about his educational background remain unknown.

Herrera was of Spanish descent, as his parents were from Spain. His religious beliefs were not publicly disclosed.

Career

Helenio Herrera began his career as a football player before transitioning into management. As a full-back, he played primarily for Stade Français and later became a player-coach at CSM Puteaux.

His playing career included stints at several French clubs, including FCO Charleville, where he earned a few caps for the France national team.

During World War II, he played for clubs like Red Star Paris and Stade Français, eventually transitioning into management with Puteaux in 1944, where he retired from playing in 1945 at 35.

Herrera’s managerial career took off in the late 1940s with Real Valladolid, where his tactical acumen began to shine.

He then moved to Spain, managing Atlético Madrid, where he won two La Liga titles, and later enjoyed successful spells with Málaga, Deportivo de La Coruña, and Sevilla.

In 1957, he joined Barcelona, winning multiple titles, including La Liga twice, but was forced to leave due to disagreements with star player Ladislao Kubala.

After briefly returning to Barcelona in the early 1980s, Herrera continued to build his legendary status in football.

His most renowned period came at Inter Milan between 1960 and 1968. Under his leadership, the club won three Serie A titles and two consecutive European Cups, transforming Inter into one of the most dominant teams in Europe.

Herrera’s tactical innovations, such as using a sweeper and emphasizing discipline and psychological preparation, earned him the nickname “Il Mago” (The Wizard). He revolutionized football management, making the coach a central figure in the team’s success.

After leaving Inter Milan, Herrera had stints with AS Roma and other clubs, but his earlier successes ensured his place among the most excellent managers in football history.

Known for his famous quote, “ten players play a better game than eleven,” he emphasized teamwork over individual stardom.

His legacy lives on, influencing modern coaching methods and having a lasting impact on the game.

Social Media

Helenio Herrera does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Helenio Herrera, the famous football manager, was married three times and fathered eight children.

His life was complex, and his strong authoritarian nature influenced his relationships with players and family dynamics.

His first significant marriage was to Maria Morilla Pérez, with whom he had a son, Helenio Angel. Later in life, Herrera also adopted a daughter named Luna.

His children included Francis (1937), Hélène (1938), Linda (1941), Daniéle (1942), Helenio Angel (1952), Rocío (1957), Helios (1972), and Luna (1974).

He had three sons and five daughters, five of whom were born in France, two in Spain, and one in Italy.

Despite his professional success, Herrera’s personal life was marked by a desire to control, both within his family and in his football career.

Net Worth

Helenio Herrera’s net worth and financial status are not publicly known.

However, during his time at Roma in 1968, he was the highest-paid football manager in the world, earning an estimated annual salary of £150,000.

His successful managerial career, which included numerous championships and European titles, likely contributed to a significant financial standing, but exact details about his total net worth remain unavailable.