Javier Saviola
Attack
WORLD LEGEND
Argentina
Javier Saviola about playing in the Legends Charity Game:
Representing Argentina has been, and will always be, the proudest moment of my career. However, I cannot overlook the profound impact and professional growth I experienced during my time in Europe. Coming back to play in Lisbon is truly a dream come true. I have wonderful memories from my time there, especially that unforgettable moment when we lifted the Primeira Liga trophy in the 2009/2010 season. That’s why coming back, sharing the pitch with incredible players, and contributing to such a meaningful charitable cause is, without a doubt, a true honour.
About
Representing both Barcelona and Real Madrid, Javier Saviola was a top-class attacker who shone for both club and country across a distinguished career.
His career took him all over the world, playing in Argentina, Spain, France, Portugal, Greece and Italy and was once touted to be the next Argentinian superstar from his early breakthrough.
CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS
International Level
At U20 level, he became the U20 World Cup top scorer in history with 11 goals in seven games. He then earned an Olympic gold medal at Athens 2004 before going onto become a key figure in the senior squad. He was called up to the Copa America, Confederations Cup and 2006 World Cup but he retired from international football in 2009, age 28.
Club Level
Winning 12 trophies across five clubs and four countries is some achievement. Those included league titles in Greece, Portugal, Spain and Argentina and his standout achievements were his Copa Libertadores and UEFA Cup triumphs. Some may even remember the moment he managed to nutmeg both David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane in the same El Clasico clash.
Personal Honours
He was crowned the South American Player of the Year in 1999, aged just 18 which sparked huge hype and promise for the teenage talent. His best goal scoring runs came whilst at Barcelona, netting 44 league goals across three seasons.
INTERNATIONAL CAREER
Argentina (2000-2007)
39 apps, 11 goals
CLUB HISTORY
River Plate (1998-2001) 86 apps, 45 goals
Barcelona (2001-2007) 123 apps, 49 goals
Monaco (Loan - 2004-2005) 29 apps, 7 goals
Sevilla (Loan - 2005-2006) 29 apps, 9 goals
Real Madrid (2007-2009 17 apps, 4 goals
Benfica (2009-2012) 69 apps, 24 goals
Malaga (2012-2013) 27 apps, 8 goals
Olympiakos (2013-2014) 26 apps, 12 goals
Verona (2014-2015) 15 apps, 1 goal
River Plate (2015-16) 14 apps, 0 goal