Ramiro Blacut, who made history as the first South American player to join FC Bayern Munich, has passed away at the age of 80 in his native Bolivia. Blacut’s association with the German football club, although brief due to a career-ending injury, left a lasting impact on both the club and Bolivian football.
Blacut joined Bayern Munich in the mid-1960s, becoming part of the squad from 1964 to 1966. Despite not making a competitive appearance for Bayern due to a cruciate ligament injury, his presence as a pioneer for South American players in European football is remembered fondly. His journey with Bayern began during a language course in Kochel, Upper Bavaria, where he was preparing for his studies. It was here that he caught the attention of Bayern’s coach Zlatko Cajkovski, who invited him to join the squad.
During his time with Bayern, Blacut had the opportunity to train alongside legendary players such as Franz Beckenbauer, Sepp Maier, and Gerd Müller. In a past interview with FC Bayern’s members’ magazine "51," Blacut recalled Beckenbauer as a “great teammate” and praised his sportsmanship and dedication.
After completing his studies in Munich in 1967, Blacut continued his football career in Peru and Bolivia, where he played at the top-flight level. He later transitioned into coaching, earning his coaching badge in Germany and serving as Bolivia’s national team coach on multiple occasions. His contributions to Bolivian football have cemented his legacy as one of the country’s most significant football personalities.
The news of Blacut’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media. FC Bayern München expressed their sorrow, noting, “FC Bayern is deeply saddened over the loss of Ramiro Blacut, who has died at the age of 80. Sending our condolences to the first South American player in #FCBayern history.” Other fans and friends also shared their condolences online. Marco Tabone commented, “Rest in peace,” while Sissi Pame TBeltran remarked, “One of the best Bolivian players and the first Latin American player in FC Bayern, rest in peace.”
Blacut’s legacy will continue to be celebrated in both Bolivia and Germany, where his pioneering spirit and dedication to football are remembered with respect and admiration.