Roberto Chale, the “Terrible Child” of Peruvian football, has died

Legend of the Peruvian National Team and the ‘U’ passed away at the age of 77 after a hard battle against illness

Roberto Chalea historic Peruvian national team footballer who participated in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, passed away yesterday at the age of 77, as a result of a serious illness that weakened his body in recent years. Today is a day of mourning that fills national football with deep sorrow.

In mid-2023, Chale Olarte presented a worsening of the diabetes which he suffered from, which caused him too many problems in the following months and constant admissions to the hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins.

By the beginning of 2024, exactly in March, the situation of the former national midfielder was more delicate, given that he presented major health problems, generating concern among his family and closest friends.

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Six months later, the life of the Niño Terrible was extinguished amid the shock of all those who were by his side as well as those who always remembered him for his undeniable sense of humor and vast knowledge of Peruvian soccer, which he served for more than five decades between his role as a soccer player and technical director.

Born in the town of Barrios Altos, in the city of Lima, Roberto Chale discovered his passion for the king of sports when he was in primary school. Later, he decided to make his love the profession that would lead him to history with the Bicolor. Thus, in the mid-60s he made his official debut representing the now defunct Centro Iqueño.

PATH

Later, he managed to take the most important step of his career by joining Universitario de Deportes, the team he loved, forming a historic midfield alongside Luis Cruzado (1941-2013) and Hernán Castañeda (1945). He remained there for five uninterrupted seasons defending the shield of the ‘U’, winning 3 national championships (1966-1967-1969).

In between, Chale reached the top representing the Peruvian national team under the orders of coach Walter Pereira ‘Didí’, with whom he became an undisputed starter in the 1970 South American Qualifiers. His most memorable participation in that circuit was in the epic victory against Argentina, in La Bombonera, where he showed off his mischief by making fun of Juan Carlos Rulli, whom he irritated by putting the ball on his head when the match was heating up.

El Niño Terrible also achieved the historic qualification for the World Cup in Mexico after defeating the Albiceleste. In that unforgettable event he played all the matches (4) and had the honor of celebrating a goal in the group stage against Morocco (3-0). His last game with the Peruvian jersey was in 1973 when he was in the ranks of Defensor Lima. In addition to having two more stages with Universitario, Roberto Chale played for Sport Boys, Sporting Cristal and Deportivo Municipal as well as for Valencia FC in Venezuela and Universidad Católica in Ecuador.

LEAVE A MARK

His sensitive passing occurred tonight, September 10, almost two months before his birthday, next November 24, along with his family and loved ones. The national World Cup player was considered one of the greatest footballers in the history of the ‘Bicolor’.

Roberto Chale’s mark on Peruvian football is indelible, especially for the national club with which he managed to become three-time champion. Through its official X account (formerly Twitter) the cream club shared a sensitive message.

“The Club Universitario de Deportes regrets the sensitive death of Don Roberto Chale Olarte, a legend of the creams who was 3 times national champion as a footballer and 2 times as a technical director. Rest in peace, Maestro!”reads the post.

GOODBYE TO THE DT

Although the former Peruvian footballer was a ‘crema’ at heart, Roberto Chale also wore the ‘blue and white’ jersey. In September 2005, ‘El Niño Terrible’ played 18 games with Alianza Lima. The club from Victoria mourned the death of the man who was its strategist and a great figure in Peruvian football.

“Club Alianza Lima regrets the sensitive death of Roberto Chale, former player, coach and leader of Peruvian football. We extend our condolences to his family, friends and football fans in general. Rest in peace, Mr. Roberto.”wrote the ‘Intimate’ team in X.