The best Argentinian footballers of all time

In Argentina, football is more than just a sport; it is a passion that runs deep through the veins of the nation. Like much of South America, the love for the game transcends boundaries, uniting people across generations and regions. From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the remote corners of Patagonia, football is not just a game; it's a way of life, a source of pride, and an integral part of Argentina’s cultural identity.

As a result, the nation has produced some of the finest footballers we have ever seen, making competition for places in this difficult list, with some many world-class players to choose from. With that being said, let's take a look at the greatest Argentinian footballers of all time!

Do we still need to introduce this man? Lionel Messi is considered the best player ever by many, and his 2022 World Cup triumph has only reinforced his legendary status.

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A god to Argentinians and Neapolitans alike, Diego Maradona was the man who guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986. He is revered ever since as one of the greatest football icons ever.

A Real Madrid legend and two-time Ballon d'Or winner, Alfredo Di Stéfano represented Argentina and Spain at international level. His club career was dominated by a long and highly successful spell at Real Madrid, the club with which he won five European Cups.

A 1978 FIFA World Cup hero, Mario Kempes is one of the greats of Argentinian football. Kempes played for River Plate and Valencia, among other clubs, snatching three trophies with the latter side.

A man with technical skills like no other. Juan Román Riquelme excelled at Boca Juniors and Spanish side Villarreal, helping the Yellow Submarine reach the Champions League semi-finals. He also represented his country on 51 occasions, scoring 17 goals.

With 'Batigol' as his nickname, Gabriel Batistuta was a fearsome striker in his prime. The Argentinian made a name for himself at Fiorentina and AS Roma, before retiring at Al-Arabi SC.

A legend of Argentinian club Independiente, Ricardo Bochini is a five-time Copa Libertadores winner and 1986 world champion.

Known as 'Il Muro' (The Wall), Walter Samuel was a formidable centre-back. After early success at Boca Juniors, including a Copa Libertadores win, he moved to Europe and became a defensive stalwart at Roma and Inter Milan. At Inter, he was integral to their historic 2010 treble.

Two-time world champion Daniel Passarella surely deserves a spot in this list. He has earned 70 caps for La Albiceleste, scoring 22 goals, and is a seven-time league winner with River Plate.

One of the two goalkeepers on this list, Ubaldo Matildo Fillol is a 1978 world champion and a seven-time Argentinian league winner. Fillol was known for his excellent reflexes, denying many a striker a goal in his career.

Enrique Omar Sívori played for River Plate, Juventus and Napoli, showing his goalscoring ability for many years. He also represented Argentina during its successful 1957 Copa América campaign.

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One of Argentina's most capped players, Javier Mascherano is generally regarded as one of the greats of his generation in his home country. The midfielder/defender played for River Plate, Corinthians, West Ham, Liverpool and FC Barcelona, ​​winning 19 (!) trophies with the latter club.

Javier Zanetti served Internazionale for almost two decades, amassing trophies, including five league titles and one Champions League. With 143 caps for Argentina, Zanetti was also a regular for his country.

Known for his long blonde hair, Claudio Caniggia celebrated successes with Argentina, River Plate and Rangers. Cannigia impressed with his speed, earning him the nickname 'The Son of the Wind'.

Pablo Aimar, nicknamed El Payaso (The Clown), was a masterful playmaker renowned for his creativity, vision, and technical skill. Rising to fame with River Plate, he went on to shine at Valencia, winning two La Liga titles and reaching the UEFA Champions League final. Aimar's artistry on the pitch inspired a generation, with Lionel Messi citing him as a childhood idol.

One of the best Argentinian defenders ever, Roberto Ayala built himself a successful career in Europe, including spells at Napoli, AC Milan and Valencia.

One of the most clinical strikers of his generation, Hernan Crespo scored 35 goals in 64 appearances for his country. At club level, he has excelled at AC Parma, Lazio and Internazionale.

A Manchester City legend, Sergio Agüero is one of the greatest Argentinian forwards ever. 'Kun kun' scored 260 goals for the Citizens, earning himself a statue outside the Etihad Stadium.

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A pioneer in international goalkeeping, Amadeo Carrizo played more than 500 games for River Plate. He is a five-time Argentinian league winner and a one-time Colombian champion.

Spending his entire career at Boca Juniors, Antonio Rattin is a true legend of the Buenos Aires club. The defensive midfielder won five league titles with the Blue and Gold, while also representing his country on 34 occasions.

René Houseman was known for his dribbling skills and is considered one of the greatest Argentinian wingers of all time. He was part of La Albiceleste's 1978 World Cup winning team, scoring one goal in the tournament.

Another legendary winger, Oreste Osmar Corbatta is an icon of Racing Club, winning two league titles with the Argentinian club.

Fernando Redondo was a stylish, left-footed midfielder, who played for Argentinos Juniors, CD Tenerife, Real Madrid and AC Milan. Redondo lifted three Champions Leagues and crowned himself Italian and Spanish champion.

Ángel Labruna was a fearsome striker in his prime, scoring 294 goals for River Plate. Labruna won the Argentinian league on nine occasions and also lifted two Copa Américas with La Albiceleste.

Ángel Di María is without a doubt one of the greatest Argentinian wingers ever. 'The Noodle' impressed at Benfica, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, and lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

Emiliano Martinez rose to prominence following an injury to Bernd Leno while the pair were both at Arsenal. During his time as the starter, Martinez went on to win an FA Cup and a Community Shield with the Gunners and earned his place as Argentina's number one. Since then, he has solidified himself as one of his nation's greats, playing a huge role in the 2021 Copa America triumph before making one of the greatest saves in World Cup history to help Argentina win Qatar 2022.

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