Osvaldo Salvador Escudero

Osvaldo Salvador Escudero, known as 'Pichi', is a former Argentine footballer and coach, celebrated for his dynamic play as a right winger. Born 64 years ago, he gained prominence in the 1979 FIFA U-20 World Cup, winning the tournament alongside Diego Maradona. Escudero had a diverse club career, representing notable teams including Boca Juniors and Racing Club, before pioneering the way for foreign players in Japan as one of the first to join Urawa Red Diamonds in the early 1990s. After retiring from professional play, he remained involved in football, coaching youth teams and reflecting on his experiences in Japan, where he adapted to a new culture and discipline. Recently, he commented on River Plate’s upcoming match against Urawa in the Club World Cup, urging them not to underestimate their opponents.