Best Argentine Midfielders of all time: Argentina is famous for its love of tango and football. The country has produced some amazing midfielders in soccer who have shown incredible skills, strategic thinking, and determination. These midfielders have played a big part in many exciting and emotional moments in the sport.
Best Argentine Midfielders of all time
Get ready to be impressed by their fancy moves, smart passes, and strong will as we explore the magic of these Argentine midfield legends and appreciate their impact on the world of soccer.
5. Éver Banega
- Date of Birth (age): 29 June 1988 (35)
- Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
- Position(s): Midfielder
Ranked 5th among the best Argentine midfielders, Éver Banega is a versatile playmaker known for his technical skills, vision, and precise passing. He played for Boca Juniors and Valencia, winning the 2008 Copa del Rey.
At Sevilla, he secured three Europa League trophies. Banega represented Argentina in the 2018 World Cup and earned an Olympic medal in 2008.
Roberto Mancini, who used to coach Banega at Internazionale, spoke highly of him. Mancini said, “Banega is a midfielder who likes to do a bit of everything. He can start by playing close to the forward and then move back to get the ball. He plays for Argentina, has skill and personality, and I believe he will be very helpful to us.”
4. Fernando Gago
- Date of Birth (age): 10 April 1986 (37)
- Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Position(s): Defensive midfielder
In the 4th spot for the ”Best Argentine Midfielders” is Fernando Gago. He excelled in a holding role at Boca Juniors, acting as a deep-lying playmaker with his smart passing and playmaking skills. Gago drew comparisons to Fernando Redondo for his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
Gago played for Boca Juniors, Real Madrid, Roma, Valencia, and Vélez Sarsfield during his 16-year club career, marked by several serious injuries. He’s currently the head coach of Liga MX club Guadalajara. As an international player from 2007 to 2017, Gago represented Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Copa América in 2007, 2011, and 2015, and won a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics.
Described as a “very dynamic footballer” by Real Madrid, Gago is known for his ball movement, vision, ability to cover ground, and ball protection skills.
3. Juan Sebastián Verón
- Date of Birth (age): 9 March 1975 (48)
- Height: 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Position(s): Midfielder
Juan Sebastián Verón, known as “La Brujita” (The Little Witch), holds the 3rd spot in our ranking of the ”Best Argentine Midfielders.” Starting his career at Estudiantes, he played for Boca Juniors, Lazio, Internazionale, Manchester United, and Chelsea. He returned to Estudiantes in 2006 and retired in 2014, briefly coming back for the 2017 Copa Libertadores.
Verón earned 72 caps for Argentina from 1996 to 2010, scoring nine goals. He participated in three FIFA World Cups and the 2007 Copa América, where he secured a runners-up medal. Pelé included him in the FIFA 100 list of the greatest living footballers in 2004.
Known for his strength, athleticism, tenacity, and hard work, Verón showcased pace, good footwork, technical ability, vision, creativity, and an impressive passing range. He possessed a powerful shot with both feet and was a skilled set-piece taker, delivering strong and bending free kicks with his right foot.
2. Américo Gallego
- Date of Birth (age): 25 April 1955 (68)
- Height: 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
- Position(s): Central Midfielder
Taking the 2nd spot among the ”Best Argentine Midfielders” is Américo Gallego. He began his football journey in Rosario, Argentina, at the age of 5, playing for Club Alianza Sport. Gallego made his debut for Newell’s Old Boys at just 14.
At 19, he entered the Argentine league in 1974, initially seeing little action but quickly securing a starting spot during the 1975 season. Gallego represented Argentina at the 1975 Pan American Games and was part of the national team that won the 1978 FIFA World Cup. After three more years at Newell’s, he transferred to River Plate.
Gallego spent seven years at River Plate, retiring at the end of the 1987/88 season. He became a legend at River, captaining the team to their first Copa Libertadores, Intercontinental Cup, and Copa Interamericana titles.
Known as “El Tolo,” Gallego’s illustrious career included 440 Argentine league appearances and 35 goals over 14 years.
1. Diego Simeone
Date of Birth (age): 28 April 1970 (53)
Height: 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s): Midfielder
Diego Simeone claims the top spot among the ”Best Argentine Midfielders” for his dynamic and complete playing style. Renowned for his tenacity and versatility, Simeone could adeptly win balls, start attacks, and score goals.
In a career spanning clubs like Atlético Madrid, Inter Milan, and Lazio, he earned domestic and international success, showcasing leadership, tactical brilliance, and a relentless work ethic.
Transitioning to coaching, Simeone’s impact at Atlético Madrid has been monumental. Breaking the Real Madrid-Barcelona duopoly, he secured La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey, UEFA Europa Leagues, and UEFA Super Cups, establishing Atlético as a major force.
Known for his combative playing style and inspired by legends like Falcão and Lothar Matthäus, Simeone’s legacy as both a player and a manager has left an indelible mark on Argentine football. He also Ranked first in Highest Paid Soccer Coaches in the World in 2024.
