Beyond his gambetas, and his “breakwater” of hip unforgettable, the player left much more in the memory of the fans.
The Burrito, Ariel Arnaldo Ortega turns 51 on March 4, 2025. And in his football career, he left countless memories for his magic, both in River Plate as in the Argentine National Teambeyond the rest of the teams where he played. His way of gambeteing and leaving rivals along the way, was undoubtedly one of the things that most enjoyed seeing River’s fans and the rest of football lovers.
After a successful career, passing through Europe and with great performances in the Argentine National Team, he retired having returned to the club of his loves and leaving unforgettable goals for the fans. He also integrated a team of Newells Old Boys from Rosario that was fearsome, along with Scocco, Belluschi and a hierarchy squad.
Ariel Ortega
Ariel Ortega and his choice of three best goals
His way of carrying the ball and deceiving those who marked it was incredible, fantastic to see as a spectator, but also converted goals worthy of his hierarchy, not only stacking rivals, but also defining with tremendous quality. Many will remember goals of all colors, but he himself has these 3 among his favorites.
The goal to Ferro in 1996
Without a doubt this goal describes what was as a player. With the ball at the feet, entering the rival area seemed impossible to take it out. He passed his rivals as cones, and when he had very little angle of definition, he resolved to chop it to the goalkeeper who could do nothing but be a luxury spectator of an art work.
Goal to Ireland
Similar, but playing for the Argentine National Team, signed a true work of art when receiving a pass inside the area, making a defender pass with a quick hitch and, when it seemed that the options to define were finished, he found a very complicated hole for normal players, not for him.
Gol to Inter
In his passage through Italian football, playing for Sampdoria, with a simple touch he gave the entire possible quality sample. At a difficult angle and with an archer halfway he made one of the most beautiful goals that he remembered in the history of world football over the goalkeeper, as he had as usual.
What’s the life of Ariel “Burrito” Ortega today
In his last years of career, El Burrito had a presence in the media for a problem with alcohol and parties, which was complicating his stay in River. At present, after retirement, he focused on maintaining a balance in his personal life, prioritizing the family. In addition, it is found in the River world, playing in the senior team and also being an inspiration for the new youth generations of the lower ones of the club.
Currently, the athlete dedicates his days to training youth in River Plate, ensuring that this work allows him to “form players and people.”
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
