When you think of Tottenham Hotspur’s golden imports of the late 1970s, two names immediately spring to mind — Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa. They came from the land of tango, political turbulence, and a World Cup triumph, and they arrived in North London to ticker tape parades and the promise of glory. Yet while Ardiles dazzled with his perpetual motion and clever passing, it was Villa who wrote himself into English football folklore with a mazy dribble, a slaloming run, and a finish that would forever be remembered as one of Wembley’s greatest moments.
PART ONE
Ricardo Julio Villa was born on 18 August 1952 in Roque Pérez, a small town in Buenos Aires province, where football was more than a pastime; it was a way of life. Like so many Argentine children, Villa’s earliest education came not in classrooms but on the uneven streets and patches of grass where boys honed their craft with makeshift balls. His talent was evident early, and it wasn’t long before Quilmes, one of Argentina’s historic clubs, brought him into their fold.
At Quilmes Atlético Club, Villa began to show flashes of the midfielder he would become. He was tall for his age, standing at over six feet, which in Argentine football circles was unusual for a midfielder, but he combined that stature with elegant feet, a calm temperament, and an eye for the unexpected. His ability to glide past opponents without appearing to break into a sweat gave him a unique presence. Moreover, it was clear even in those formative years that Villa was not one for panic. He played the game at his own tempo, a trait that both enthralled fans and occasionally exasperated managers.
From Quilmes, Villa moved to Atlético Tucumán in the mid-1970s. This was an important stepping stone, for here he would develop the resilience and tactical awareness that Argentine football demands. Tucumán gave him not only playing time but also responsibility, and in 1975, he helped the side win the Torneo Regional Federación Tucumana, a triumph that placed him firmly on the radar of bigger clubs. That success also proved to him that he could be a decisive figure in a team’s fortunes, a lesson that would echo in his career abroad.
After his success with Tucumán, Villa earned a move to Racing Club de Avellaneda, one of Argentina’s “big five.” Racing had a history steeped in tradition and a fan base that demanded flair and commitment in equal measure. At Racing, Villa further polished his craft. He became known for his smooth passing, his ability to carry the ball through midfield, and his composure in front of goal. His height made him a danger in the air, but unlike many midfielders of his size, he was equally comfortable dribbling past smaller, quicker opponents.
By the mid-1970s, Argentina’s football landscape was electric. Clubs like River Plate and Boca Juniors dominated headlines, but the national team, under coach César Luis Menotti, was preparing for the biggest challenge of all — the 1978 FIFA World Cup, to be staged on home soil. Menotti wanted a blend of flair, discipline, and tactical control, and Villa, by then at Racing, found himself in the orbit of the national squad.
Villa’s inclusion in the Argentine squad for the 1978 World Cup was both a personal triumph and a reflection of the reputation he had built in the domestic game. Argentina’s tournament would end in glory, though Villa’s role was largely limited. He made two substitute appearances in the second round, not quite enough to stamp his authority on the tournament but more than enough to secure his place in history as part of a World Cup-winning squad.
It is often said that being part of a winning team, even in a peripheral role, changes a player’s career trajectory. And so it proved for Villa. While Ardiles dazzled with his metronomic passing and industry, Villa provided the quiet assurance of a versatile midfielder who could adapt to different roles. Moreover, his status as a World Cup winner made him attractive to European clubs looking for South American flair. Thus, when Tottenham Hotspur’s manager Keith Burkinshaw set his sights on strengthening his squad with international quality, Villa and Ardiles became his prime targets.
PART TWO
In the summer of 1978, English football was still basking in the afterglow of Liverpool’s European dominance and Nottingham Forest’s remarkable rise under Brian Clough. But Tottenham, relegated in 1977 and newly promoted back to the First Division in 1978, needed something to re-establish their status. Burkinshaw’s bold move was to bring in two World Cup winners from Argentina — Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa.
Their arrival caused a sensation. On July 19, 1978, both players were unveiled at White Hart Lane to a ticker tape reception that would have made Hollywood jealous. Fans flocked to welcome their new heroes, and the press dubbed the pair the “Argentine marvels.” It was a statement of intent by Spurs, a declaration that they would not just settle for survival but would chase silverware.
Villa wasted no time making his mark. On his debut against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, he scored, immediately endearing himself to supporters. His long stride and calm finish hinted at the moments of magic he would later deliver. Furthermore, his partnership with Ardiles quickly became a talking point, as Spurs fans dreamed of South American flair lighting up the First Division.
Adapting to English football was never easy for overseas players in the late 1970s. The pitches were often heavy, the tackles fierce, and the referees less protective than their continental counterparts. Yet Villa’s style — languid but effective, elegant but decisive — began to win admirers. He scored goals, created chances, and played his part in establishing Spurs as a competitive force.
Over the next few seasons, Villa became a fixture in the Tottenham midfield. He wasn’t prolific, but his 25 goals in 179 appearances for the club included some spectacular strikes. His height gave him an edge, his technical skill gave him class, and his cool temperament gave him composure in the tightest situations. If Ardiles was the dynamo, Villa was the artist, painting moments of beauty on the canvas of English football.
Every footballer dreams of leaving behind a signature moment, something that will forever be associated with their name. For Ricky Villa, that moment came on 14 May 1981, in the replay of the FA Cup Final against Manchester City.
The first match, played on 9 May, had ended 1-1. Tommy Hutchison scored for City, only to see his own goal level the match for Spurs. The replay, held five days later at Wembley, would produce one of the most dramatic finals in FA Cup history.
Villa had been substituted in the first game, a decision that reportedly left him crestfallen. Determined to prove himself, he entered the replay with a point to make. And in just the 8th minute, he opened the scoring with a neat finish, giving Spurs the lead. City fought back, with Steve MacKenzie and Kevin Reeves turning the tide. But then Garth Crooks equalised for Spurs, setting the stage for Villa’s unforgettable moment.
In the 76th minute, Villa collected the ball outside the box. What followed was a run that seemed to defy the laws of defending. He weaved past one, then another, then skipped through two more City players before calmly slotting the ball past Joe Corrigan. It was a goal of grace and guile, a goal that perfectly encapsulated Villa’s style — unhurried, elegant, yet devastatingly effective.
Spurs won 3-2, and Villa’s wonder goal was voted by fans in 2001 as Wembley’s Goal of the Century. It wasn’t just a goal; it was a piece of art, immortalised in highlight reels and etched into the memories of all who saw it. That night, Ricky Villa became a legend.
The 1981 triumph cemented Villa’s place in Spurs history, but football always offers new challenges. The following year, Spurs once again reached the FA Cup Final, this time against Queens Park Rangers. However, Villa did not play in the final due to political tensions. The Falklands War had broken out between Britain and Argentina, and the sensitivities of the time meant that Villa was withdrawn from the squad.
Nevertheless, Spurs triumphed again, winning 1-0 after a replay, with Glenn Hoddle scoring the decisive penalty. Villa may not have been on the pitch, but his contribution to Spurs’ cup runs was undeniable. In addition, Spurs reached the 1982 League Cup Final, though they were beaten by Liverpool, who were then at the height of their powers.
As the seasons progressed, Villa’s influence began to wane. He was still capable of brilliance, but injuries and the physical demands of English football took their toll. By 1983, his time at Spurs was nearing its end. Yet he left behind a legacy not measured merely in statistics but in memories — moments of magic, surges of joy, and that one extraordinary run at Wembley.
After leaving Spurs, Villa returned to South America, where he continued his playing career. He had spells in Argentina, Colombia, and the United States, bringing his experience and flair to a variety of teams. Eventually, he wound down his career with Defensa y Justicia, a lower-league Argentine side, where he played until retiring in 1989. Unlike many who fade quietly into obscurity, Villa carried with him the reputation of a World Cup winner and an FA Cup hero.
Villa never entirely disappeared from the footballing stage. In 1991, he represented Argentina in the World Cup of Masters, a tournament for veterans of the game. True to form, he marked his presence by scoring against England in the opening round, proving that his knack for big moments had never deserted him.
Later, in the 1990s, Villa turned his attention to politics, an unusual step for a former footballer but one that reflected his interest in community and leadership. He eventually returned to football administration