The football community in Santander province is mourning the loss of Gabriel Carrillo Iregui, former manager of Atlético Bucaramanga and a highly influential figure in the club’s recent history. Carrillo passed away this , after a battle with lung cancer, according to reports.
Carrillo was 67 years old. His cancer had metastasized to multiple organs, ultimately proving fatal. Throughout his illness, he remained resilient, dedicating his life to building teams and sports projects with seriousness, and passion.
Born in Bogotá, Carrillo considered Bucaramanga his home and left a lasting impact on Colombian professional football. He most recently served as Atlético Bucaramanga’s sports manager, a position he held until . However, his legacy at the club extends far beyond that specific role.
A Builder of Football Projects
Carrillo’s career spanned multiple clubs, demonstrating a consistent ability to build successful teams. He played a key role in the ascensions of Real Cartagena, Uniautónoma, and Jaguares de Córdoba to the Primera División. He also led Jaguares de Córdoba to a historic qualification for the Copa Sudamericana, a significant achievement for the Montería-based team.
His most memorable period with Atlético Bucaramanga came during the club’s promotion in 2015. Working alongside manager Willy Rodríguez, Carrillo assembled a strong squad that returned the ‘leopardo’ team to the top tier of Colombian football. He had previously been instrumental in keeping the team in the top flight during a difficult period starting in 2001, and subsequently built competitive rosters that rekindled the fans’ enthusiasm.
Carrillo was described as a “man of overalls and swamp boots,” someone who understood football from the ground up. He was known for his early mornings, meticulous attention to player nutrition and hydration, and strict financial management to ensure timely salaries and bonuses.
His seriousness and integrity earned him the respect of Dimayor (the Colombian professional football league) and numerous other leaders in the country. He wasn’t a man who sought the spotlight, preferring to let results speak for themselves. He possessed a rare ability to understand the inner workings of a football club, identifying its needs, strengths, and weaknesses.
Even in his later years, Carrillo remained active in football, investing in youth development and supporting new generations of sports entrepreneurs.
Carrillo’s passing leaves a significant void in Colombian football. He is remembered not only for his successes but also for his honest and principled approach to leadership. Atlético Bucaramanga, the Colombian football community, and all who knew him are mourning his loss and celebrating his contributions.
As columnist Felipe Zarruk noted, Gabriel Carrillo was a man who understood the fundamentals. His legacy will endure through the clubs he helped build, the players he mentored, and the values he championed.
