AI, THE MASTER HUMBERTO “TURRON” ÁLVAREZ
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NACIONAL CAMPEON 1954
June 13, 1929 –
Humberto Álvarez, nicknamed "Turrón," is born in Medellín.
He began his career with Atlético Municipal, the team that would later become Atlético Nacional, and was part of the first generation of Colombian professional football.
As a creative midfielder and natural leader, he was a key player in Nacional's first professional championship, leaving an indelible mark on the club's history.
Humberto Álvarez, nicknamed "Turrón" for his strong character and gentle manner, was born in the capital of Antioquia.
Master Timeline
June 13, 1929 –
Humberto Álvarez, nicknamed “Turrón” for his strong character and gentle manner, is born in Medellín. He comes into the world in the capital of Antioquia.
Late 1940s – Professional debut
He began his career with Atlético Municipal, the team that would later become Atlético Nacional, being part of the first generation of Colombian professional football.
1954 – First title for Nacional
As a creative midfielder and born leader, he was a key player in winning Nacional's first professional championship, leaving an indelible mark on the club's history.
1957 – South American Championship in Lima
He represents Colombia in the South American Championship, showcasing his talent against the continent's powers.
1958 – The savior of Nacional
leads the so-called “natillera,” a solidarity campaign that saved Nacional from a serious financial crisis.
1960 – Time at Deportivo Cali
He played one season at Deportivo Cali, demonstrating that his quality transcends colors and regions.
1961 – Final steps as a player
He closes his career at Independiente Medellín, consolidating himself as one of the few figures who shone with the two giants of Antioquia football.
Golden Anecdote – Praise for Di Stéfano
Alfredo Di Stéfano, a Real Madrid legend, once said in Europe: “In Colombia there’s someone better than me, and they call him Turrón .” Words that reflect his greatness.
June 9, 2019 – Farewell to the maestro.
He died in Medellín at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of elegant football, loyalty to his homeland, and an inspiration that transcends generations.
Humberto “Turrón” Álvarez: the maestro who enchanted Colombian football, leaving a legacy of elegant football, loyalty to his homeland, and an inspiration that transcends generations.
As president of Difútbol, I had the honor of inviting Dr. Gabriel Ochoa Uribe—a great connoisseur of world football and, of course, of Colombian football—to give a lecture at a coaching course in Medellín. He graciously accepted.
Accompanied by Ramiro Monsalve, I received him at the Rionegro airport. We had barely met, and the conversation quickly turned, as expected, to football. I couldn't help but ask him:
Doctor, of all the Colombian footballers, who has been the best? Without hesitation, he replied:
Turrón Álvarez was an extraordinary player.
He reminded me that in Millonarios' international friendlies, he was called up to reinforce the roster because his talent guaranteed a spectacle.
He was respected and admired by his contemporaries: in a chronicle by Don Carlos Serna (may he rest in peace), he places him on a pedestal, comparing him to the great figures he saw. In El Colombiano , after the famous 7-2 win on a Saturday night, they insinuated: “It's worth building a monument to him.” Hernán Peláez wrote: “He was born out of time,” and Fernando Paternóster stated that, if he could, he would buy him to watch him play in his backyard. Rodrigo Fonnegra said that he “could unbalance a defense with a single look,” and Mario Agudelo was one of his greatest admirers.
Gabriel Muñoz López, the unforgettable commentator of the draw against Russia in Chile, also has it clear:
“For me, the best player I saw in Colombian stadiums was Humberto “Turrón” Álvarez. He never left Medellín, despite receiving offers from Millonarios, Deportivo Cali, and international clubs. Millos wanted him several times, but only managed to get him on loan.”
Talent, character, and leadership: Historian Guillermo Ruiz described him as: “Intelligent when it came to showing off to his teammates, skillful and resourceful in dribbling, talented, creative, with a great eye for passing to the best-placed player: a star.”
He didn't live off the glory, but he enjoyed it. He played for Nacional and Independiente Medellín, and was in the plans of teams in Italy, Spain, and Brazil. The professionals of his time considered him a standard-bearer: with his head held high, without complexes, with quality, handling of both legs, a good header, ball control, temperament, and a winning mentality. He had a knack for alternating between short and long plays, and an elegance that was “very much his own.” On and off the field, he was a leader.
Professor Hugo Gallego Villa, in his Football Manifesto, highlights his talent for magical assists, his dribbling skills, and his intelligence in playing and instilling influence. He also recalls Di Stéfano's famous quote: "There's someone better than me, and he plays in Colombia." For Gallego, "Turrón Álvarez was a complete team: intelligence, talent, technique, skill, and the character to command respect. He had all the merits to be the first world-class Colombian footballer."
My experience with the Maestro: I was fortunate enough to begin playing under his direction in the Millonarios youth team, sponsored by the capital's club and coached by Dr. Gabriel Ochoa. He then took me to Vicuña-DIM, eventually joining the professional reserve team and competing in a Dimayor tournament. That's how I got to know him and learned to understand him. Yes, he had a bad temper... but what a quality person he was!
He was a believer and respectful of God; he taught with joy; broad, clear, concrete, and direct. He was haughty, impeccably presented, strict, reliable, a good friend and counselor. I learned many of these virtues from him. Already retired from soccer and with an injured knee, he played with us in training... and he was "over the top," playing on one leg!
Eternal legacy:Humberto "Turrón" Álvarez was much more than a footballer: he was a role model, a teacher, and a man of integrity. The affection and respect felt by those who knew him is the best monument one can erect to him. His name is inscribed in the living memory of Colombian football as an example of talent, loyalty, and greatness.
