When Sunderland bagged a gem of a South American player - 45 years ago today

By Chris Cordner

Digital specialist in nostalgia

Published 3rd Dec 2024, 09:05 BST

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Sunderland created a piece of Black Cats history on this day 45 years ago.

Claudio Marangoni, the classy midfielder, signed for SAFC from San Lorenzo.

Sunderland's Argentinian signing Claudio Marangoni (centre) gets the feel of a Roker shirt in 1979.Sunderland's Argentinian signing Claudio Marangoni (centre) gets the feel of a Roker shirt in 1979.
Sunderland's Argentinian signing Claudio Marangoni (centre) gets the feel of a Roker shirt in 1979.

From the same city as Messi

The Argentinian came from the same city as Lionel Messi and Sunderland unveiled him as their latest signing on December 3, 1979.

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Black Cats manager Ken Knighton described him as a quality player and he was the first SAFC player ever to have been born in South America.

He made 20 appearances for Sunderland and scored three goals but his time on Wearside was short lived and he headed back to Argentina.

Sunderland footballers at Wearmouth CW Bowling Club's new bowling green at Carley Hill in 1980. Pictured left to right are: Steve Whitworth, Claudio Marangoni, Kevin Arnott, Stan Cummins, Tommy Wilson (Welfare Secretary and bowls club chairman), member Albert Fenwick, bowling , Barry Dunn, Shaun Elliott, Bryan Robson, Bill Ogilvie (Welfare Officer NCB), and manager Ken Knighton.Sunderland footballers at Wearmouth CW Bowling Club's new bowling green at Carley Hill in 1980. Pictured left to right are: Steve Whitworth, Claudio Marangoni, Kevin Arnott, Stan Cummins, Tommy Wilson (Welfare Secretary and bowls club chairman), member Albert Fenwick, bowling , Barry Dunn, Shaun Elliott, Bryan Robson, Bill Ogilvie (Welfare Officer NCB), and manager Ken Knighton.
Sunderland footballers at Wearmouth CW Bowling Club's new bowling green at Carley Hill in 1980. Pictured left to right are: Steve Whitworth, Claudio Marangoni, Kevin Arnott, Stan Cummins, Tommy Wilson (Welfare Secretary and bowls club chairman), member Albert Fenwick, bowling , Barry Dunn, Shaun Elliott, Bryan Robson, Bill Ogilvie (Welfare Officer NCB), and manager Ken Knighton.

Played for the Argentinian national team

Three years after he signed for the Black Cats, Claudio made the first of his nine appearances for the Argentinian national side.

Claudio, second right, in action for Sunderland against Shrewsbury in December 1979.Claudio, second right, in action for Sunderland against Shrewsbury in December 1979.
Claudio, second right, in action for Sunderland against Shrewsbury in December 1979. | se

He played for some of South America’s biggest teams such as Independiente and Boca Juniors.

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Claudio, sixth left, is pictured with the SAFC team leaving Roker Park for a preseason trip to Norway in 1980.Claudio, sixth left, is pictured with the SAFC team leaving Roker Park for a preseason trip to Norway in 1980.
Claudio, sixth left, is pictured with the SAFC team leaving Roker Park for a preseason trip to Norway in 1980. | se

After he retired, he founded a soccer school and worked with children from underprivileged backgrounds.

But we want to know what you remember about Sunderland’s first ever South American signing.

Email [email protected] to tell us more.

Related topics:SunderlandSAFCNostalgiaLionel Messi

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