The World Futsal Association (AMF) reports with great sorrow the sad news that has shaken the world of futsal: the passing of Professor Eladio Baez, the first great master of the discipline, which occurred this Tuesday, January 28, 2026 in the capital of Paraguay, Asunción, the birthplace of the distinguished pioneer.
He would have turned 92 on May 28th. From a very young age he embraced teaching, as he was unable to continue practicing first football and then futsal, due to an injury.
As defined by the remembered Paraguayan futsal star, Dr. Roberto Nuzzarello (author of the winning goal for the Paraguayan national team in the final of the first Intercontinental Cup, won on the Brazilians' own field in Belo Horizonte by 3 to 2 in March 1980 under the guidance of Professor Baez), "he was a master of masters and as a person even better, a born winner on the field and in life.".
All the major successes of the Paraguayan national teams, both senior and youth, beginning with the first South American title won in January 1965 at the first international cup ever played in the world, held at the Comuneros Stadium in Asunción, featured his participation as a coach, first as head coach and later as technical advisor. His career was marked by world, intercontinental, and South American titles at the senior, youth, and club levels.
He was a true success story and a great promoter of the teaching of strategies and tactics, which he not only put at the service of his country but also in international forums and as a responsible director and trainer of the first generations of technicians in Colombia, where he is respected and dearly loved.
The World Futsal Association extends its condolences and prayers for Christian resignation to his wife Ana Alfaro, his sons Gustavo and Ramiro, and his grandchildren Milo and Gaia.
Just as his time on earth was crowned by constant success that earned him the appreciation of friends and strangers alike, his integrity, his teachings and examples project his figure and affection for Eternity.
