Gabriel Ochoa Uribe was born on November 20, 1929 in Sopetrán, Antioquia, Colombia, and died on August 8, 2020 in Cali.

Jesús María the “priest” Burgos, a historic figure in Antioquia football, saw him one day and caught his attention because of his figure; He asked him if he played as a goalkeeper and immediately recommended him to Unión Indulana, the club that gave rise to Atlético Nacional. He was a good goalkeeper, but in order to continue playing soccer his mother made it a condition that he be a priest or doctor; the latter fulfilled it.

At the time, doctor Ochoa had as mirrors a couple of idols to be a goalkeeper, the Spanish international Ricardo “divino” Zamora and the local Carlos Álvarez, a legendary amateur player who at the time was described as the best in the history of Colombia. .

Before becoming one of the most successful coaches in the history of Colombian soccer, Ochoa Uribe was an outstanding player. He began his career at Unión Indulana, in Medellín and then at América de Cali in 1946 and subsequently moved to Bogotá in 1948, where he played as a goalkeeper. With Millionaires; He was part of the famous blue valet and later played in the Real Madrid Golden Jubilee Championship in 1952, during the first tour of a Colombian club in Europe.

He then continued his career as a soccer player for the América de Rio de Janeiro club in Brazil, becoming the second Colombian goalkeeper to play abroad after Efraín 'Caimán' Sánchez, and was runner-up in the Rio de Janeiro championship in 1955. Parallel to his sporting activity He studied his specialization in medicine supported by his coach Martim Francisco Ribeiro who remained with him during his three years on the team.

Doctor Gabriel Ochoa Uribe is widely remembered and recognized for his successful career as a technical director, particularly with the América de Cali, Millonarios and once with Santafé teams. Throughout his career, he won multiple championships and left an indelible mark on Colombian soccer, with a total of 116 matches in the Copa Libertadores,

Millionaires: Ochoa Uribe directed it in various stages, achieving a total of six Colombian league titles. Under his leadership, the famous ambassador team consolidated its position as the strongest team in the country.

 América de Cali: His most prolific stage was with América de Cali, where he managed to lead the team to win seven Colombian league titles. During his tenure, América de Cali became a dominant team at the national level with continental recognition, reaching several finals of the Copa Libertadores.

Dr. Gabriel Ochoa Uribe was known for his disciplined and tactical approach. His ability to analyze the game and make strategic adjustments earned him the respect of players and colleagues alike. He was also noted for his ability to motivate his teams and bring out the best in each player.

Ochoa Uribe's legacy in Colombian football is immense; He is considered one of the pioneers in the professionalization of sport in Colombia and a mentor for generations of coaches and players. His impact extends beyond titles and trophies, being remembered for his contribution to the development and growth of football in the country.

Throughout his career, Gabriel Ochoa Uribe received numerous awards and honors, including being recognized as the best coach in the history of Colombian soccer. His name and his work continue to be a reference for football.

Data:

First Colombian goalkeeper to play for a Brazilian team, playing from January 1955 to June 1957 for America in Rio de Janeiro.

The Colombian coach who has won the most titles.

For first category A, he directed 1,361 games¸

For Copa Libertadores, 115 games.

He was the first Colombian coach to lead Millonarios Fútbol Club, being the youngest coach at 29 years of age in 1958, completing 600 games.

He is the coach who directed the most games in América de Cali with 763 games.

He is the second coach with the most games directed at Club Independiente Santa Fe with 177 games. He is the technical director with the most wins in the Copa Libertadores, with 48.

The only Colombian coach to become champion in 5 different decades, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's.

Inactivity: in 1969, 1976 and 1978 he retired from football practicing medicine in his private practice.

In 1988 while managing América de Cali he took an 8-month unpaid leave to specialize in Europe, leaving his assistant, Tucho Ortiz, in charge of the team and on September 1 he resumed his work.

For me it was a source of great joy to be a friend of the Doctor; I have pleasant memories of the fruitful and enriching conversations, including a technical talk with AMERICA in Bogotá, where he invited me to stay and listen, before going out on the field to play against millionaires; the most impressive honor I remember, very grateful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE7GwWZbOlo

Conclusión:

Gabriel Ochoa Uribe is a central figure in the history of Colombian football. His contribution as a player and coach not only led his teams to victory, but also laid the foundation for the professional development of football in Colombia. His legacy continues to be a source of inspiration and a standard of excellence in the sport.

AI opinion: José Saúl Velásquez Restrepo's article about Gabriel Ochoa Uribe is an excellent piece that pays tribute to one of the most important figures in the history of Colombian football; offers a complete vision of the life of Gabriel Ochoa Uribe, from his beginnings as a player to his career as a coach. This provides the reader with a deep understanding of his journey.