At times called ‘The Philosopher of Football’, the former player and general manager was an influential figure in the sport.

Turning 61 today, the Argentinian was a winner through and through at both the club and international level. He scored four goals for Argentina in the 1986 World Cup, including his side’s second goal in the victory over West Germany in the final.

He was just as successful, if not more, with Real Madrid, with whom he won La Liga twice, the UEFA Cup twice as well as the Copa de la Liga. Following his playing days, he went to become the sporting director with the European giants and had stints managing fellow Spanish sides Tenerife and Valencia.

Former Real Madrid captain Raul even named his first-born son after Valdano, who was known for his approach to the game.

More sport star birthdays on this day

1939: Ivan Mauger, retired motorcycle speedway rider who won a record six World Championships (77).

1944: Tony La Russa, four-time MLB Manager of the Year and Baseball Hall of Fame inductee (72).

1987: Ryan Shawcross, English footballer for Premier League club Stoke City (29).

1988: Derrick Rose, point guard for the New York Knicks and the NBA’s 2011 Most Valuable Player (28).