Despite being a rather small and unassuming country, Argentina boasts amazing Football athletes and a fierce pride and support for their successful teams. When talking about famous Argentinean Football players, however, 5 stand out above the rest.
Ricardo Bochini
Ricardo Bochini
One of the most unexpected success stories is that of Ricardo Bochini. While not as well known outside of Argentina, he is famous as a “one club man” as he has played for El Bocha for 20 years of his career. Sometimes lost in the mix with teammate Carlos Bilardo, Ricardo doesn’t quite get all the field time he deserves because of their very similar playing style.
Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona was part of a devastating and unexpected defeat in 1982 but is much better known for his very young age, starting to play professionally at just 16 years of age in the mid 70s. He then led Argentina to the Primera in 1978 at age 17 with an impressive 22 goals scored gaining him the nickname El Pibe de Oro. Maradona is recognized for some of his charity and social work in his home community.
Mario Alberto Kempes
Mario Alberto Kempes
Mario Alberto Kempes is as known for his potential as he is his failure. As a very talented player he was teemed up with Maradona for what was a highly talked about World Cup in Spain 1982. The duo did not prove enough to pull it off and they went home with a crippling defeat for what was arguably the most talented team present. People still speak of the defeat to this day and it can be heard in slang references to failure in some regions of Argentina.
Hernan Crespo
Hernan Crespo
Hernan Crespo has the 2nd highest scoring record including his performance by 2010 od scoring 35 goals in a total of 64 game. Crespo has been called the ultimate goal poacher and is further impressive in that he scored most of his goals while playing as a substitute. Hernan Crespo enjoys a little bit of a playboy reputation but also is known for his serious dedication to the game.
Gabriel Batistuta
Gabriel Batistuta
Of course what list would be complete without all time highest scoring player in Argentine National history, Gabriel Batistuta. “Batigol” Batistuta has also been in more than 10 world cups dating back to his first one in 1994. Now passing the days away playing Polo in Argentina, Gabriel Batistuta will forever remain one of the Argentinean greats.
Argentina has undoubtedly turned out some of the best football players of all time, and each fan has their own list of five favorites. With so many famous Argentina football players to choose from, indeed 2 lists could not even have the same players on them.
