Alcides Sosa, the Legend Who Built the Albirroja's Wall, Passes Away

Paraguay mourns the loss of Alcides Sosa Ovelar, a towering figure in the nation's football history, who passed away at 82. Known affectionately as "El muro que piensa" (The Thinking Wall), Sosa left an indelible mark on both Paraguayan club football and the national team, the Albirroja. His legacy is perhaps best encapsulated by an astonishing record: 75 Copa Libertadores appearances without a single red card. This remarkable feat speaks volumes about his style of play – a blend of uncompromising defense and exceptional sportsmanship that earned him immense respect across the continent. Sosa's influence extended to the national team, where he earned 48 caps and captained Paraguay during the 1975 Copa América. It was during this tournament that he famously marked Pelé, a testament to his defensive prowess against the era's greatest player. His leadership and tactical intelligence were instrumental in shaping Paraguay's reputation for an impenetrable defense, a characteristic that has long defined Paraguayan football. Sosa's passing is a profound loss, but his contributions and the standard he set for defenders will continue to inspire future generations of Paraguayan footballers. His memory will be cherished by clubs like Guaraní and Olimpia, where he also left a significant legacy.

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We deeply regret the passing of Alcides Sosa, a distinguished footballer and captain of the professional football squad during one of the most brilliant stages of our Club and the Paraguayan National Team. To his family and friends, our deepest condolences.