Argentine football is not only known for the passion of its fans and the million-dollar transfers of its stars to Europe, but also for the incredible life stories behind those figures who today lift international cups. These footballers went from poverty to glory, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and in the lives of millions of fans.
Through effort, dedication and talent, players like Maradona They managed to overcome the adversities of their childhood to reach the top of world football. The inspiring stories of some legends of this very popular sport are worthy of a movie and are worth telling.
Argentine footballers who were poor and became rich
Carlos Tevez
The town’s player, as some journalists nicknamed him, was born in Fort Apacheone of the most humble neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, where poverty and violence were commonplace. His passion for soccer led him to stand out on the dirt fields of the neighborhood, until Boca Juniors He signed him for his lower divisions. As the years went by, theApache“was gaining recognition, which allowed him to make the international leap, first in the Corinthians of Brazil, and then in the West Ham of England.
Tevez continued his career in elite clubs such as Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventusreaping important titles such as Champions League and multiple national leagues. He was also a key player in the argentine national teamwhere he participated in several international tournaments, although he did not manage to win the World Cup. After retiring from Boca Juniors, Tevez remains linked to football from other angles and is a figure of inspiration for those seeking to escape poverty through sport.
Sergio Aguero
The “Kun” Agüero was born in the neighborhood of Quilmesin the south of Greater Buenos Aires, where his family faced serious economic difficulties. Since he was little he showed his talent with the ball, and at just 15 years old he made his debut in the first of Independentbecoming the youngest player to do so. His speed and scoring ability quickly led him to be signed by the Atlético de Madrid.
In Europe, Agüero shone, especially in the Manchester City, where he became top scorer in club history and won multiple titles, including five Premier League. In the Argentine national team, Agüero was a reference for years and managed to be crowned champion of the Copa América in 2021. Although he had to retire prematurely due to heart problems, “Kun” continues to be active in the media and on streaming platforms, maintaining his popularity.
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Angel Di Maria
This scoundrel at heart grew up in a humble home in Rosarywhere his family struggled to make ends meet. Since he was little, he worked selling coal with his father to help at home, but his talent in soccer led him to be discovered by Central Rosarywhere he began his professional career. His ability on the field caught the attention of European clubs, and Di María was signed by the Benficawhich marked the beginning of his success on the old continent.
After passing through real Madridwhere he won the Champions League, and a brief stay in “Manchester United,”the noodle” found stability in the Paris Saint-Germain where he shone in several seasons. With the Argentine team, he was crucial in obtaining the Copa America 2021scoring the goal of the final. The greatest achievement of this football legend’s career was obtaining the World Cup where he scored the second goal in the final against France. On July 11, 2024, he played his last game with the Albiceleste when he was crowned champion of Améria again against Colombia.
Pablo Migliore
Migliore had a childhood marked by poverty in the neighborhood of Villa LuganoBuenos Aires. His love for football took him to the youth teams of Boca Juniorswhere he trained as an archer. However, his life was surrounded by controversies due to his relationship with brave bar of Boca, which even led him to jail for covering up a barrabrava. Despite this scandal, the player managed to continue his career in Argentine football.
He played on teams like San Lorenzo and Racingwhere he was a starter and had outstanding performances. Although he was never called up for the Argentine national team, Migliore managed to stay in soccer for several years and today he continues to be linked to the sport on an amateur basis, participating in local tournaments. His story is a clear example of how opportunities in sport can be both a lifeline and a challenge.
Lucas Viatri
Lucas knew poverty firsthand, which led him to make wrong decisions in his youth. In 2008, he was arrested for robbing a hair salon, and spent several months in prison. However, after serving his sentence, he found a second chance in football. Boca Juniors welcomed him into their ranks, where he debuted as a striker and helped the club win several local titles.
Throughout his career, Viatri played for different teams in Argentina and abroad, although he never managed to establish himself as an international star. His time in professional football allowed him to change his life and that of his family, proving that second chances exist. Today he continues to play in the minor leagues, staying active in the sport and away from the problems of the past.
Diego Maradona
Without a doubt, Digo’s story is the most emblematic example of improvement in Argentine football. Born in Villa Fiorito, one of the poorest areas of Greater Buenos Aires, Maradona lived a childhood full of deprivation. However, his talent was discovered at an early age, and at the age of 16 he was already playing in the first of Argentinos Juniors. His incredible skill led him to Boca Juniors and, later, to Europe, where he became a legend in the Naples of Italy.
Maradona not only won titles with the teams he played for, but he also led the Argentine team to win the 1986 World Cupestablishing himself as one of the best players in the history of football. Despite his life full of excesses and personal problems, Maradona’s legacy lives on. Until the day of his death in 2020, “The Diego” He continued to be a revered figure both in Argentina and around the world.
Source: Ambito
