Carlos Diarte


Carlos Martínez Diarte, better known as Lobo, was a Paraguayan football striker and coach.

Career

As player

Diarte started his career in Olimpia Asunción and at the age of 16 he made his debut in the professional squad, helping Olimpia win the Paraguayan championship in 1971. His speed and goal-scoring skills were soon noticed by teams all around Europe, and in 1973 he signed for Real Zaragoza of Spain where he was part of the famous "Zaraguayos" group. In 1976, Diarte signed for Valencia CF where he would be part of a formidable attacking line along with Mario Kempes and Johnny Rep. Diarte also played for UD Salamanca, Real Betis and AS Saint-Étienne of France.
In 1987, he returned to Olimpia Asunción to retire. In that year, he helped the team win the Paraguayan championship. Diarte was also part of the Paraguay national football team for several years.

As coach

Once Diarte retired as a footballer he became a coach and managed several teams including Valencia CF, Deportivo Alginet, Atlético Madrid B, UD Salamanca and Gimnàstic de Tarragona all from Spain; Atl. Colegiales, Guaraní and Olimpia from Paraguay. He also managed the Equatorial Guinea national football team before being diagnosed with cancer.

Death

Diarte died of cancer on 29 June 2011.

Titles