Fernando Gago, the former Real Madrid and Argentina midfielder who now coaches Universidad de Chile, was rushed to surgery in Chile after suffering a heart attack immediately after a match. The club said he is “in good condition” and remains under medical supervision.
The incident happened on Thursday night, June 19, 2026, after Universidad de Chile beat O’Higgins 2-0. Local media reported that Gago was taken to a medical center and operated on in the past few hours.
The club said in a statement that its coach is undergoing a series of cardiovascular tests and will not lead training. “He is in good condition and accompanied by our medical staff,” Universidad de Chile added.
Gago will miss the team’s next matches, including Sunday’s Chilean Cup game against Santiago Wanderers. Assistant coach Fabrizio Coloccini will take charge temporarily. Gago made 121 appearances for Real Madrid between the 2006-07 and 2011-12 seasons, winning two Spanish league titles, and also played for Valencia, Boca Juniors, Vélez, and Roma. He earned 61 caps for Argentina and reached the 2014 World Cup final.