Argentine professional football player
“ Juan Riquelme ” redirects here. For the accessory bishop of Seville, see Juan Riquelme ( bishop )
Juan Román Riquelme ( spanish pronunciation : [ ˈxwan roˈman riˈkelme ] ; born 24 June 1978 ) is an Argentine former professional football player and current 2nd vice-president of Argentine Club Atlético Boca Juniors, where he is besides responsible of the football department, including youth academy and women ‘s sections. [ 1 ]

Playing as an midfielder in the classical “ Enganche ” function, he spent most of his career play for Boca Juniors, where he won ten titles, including three Copa Libertadores de América and one Intercontinental Cup, where they defeated Real Madrid 2-1. In 2002 he was transferred to FC Barcelona, but his prison term at the baseball club was inadequate due to his fights with the team ‘s coach, Louis Van Gaal. [ 2 ] Román would end up signing at Villareal, where he would have his most crucial moments in Europe, achieving a third position in the league and reaching the semifinals of the Champions League for the beginning time in the history of the “ S ubmarino Amarillo “. ultimately, in 2007 he would return to Boca Juniors, where he would get the Copa Libertadores again, being the top scorer and MVP of the competition. In his one-third hertz with the “ Xeneize “, he would win two more league titles and an Copa Argentina, and he would resign from the club twice ; in 2012 after losing the concluding of the Copa Libertadores and in 2014 after the baseball club president of the united states decided not to renew his contract. In the Argentina national team, Riquelme would be successful in the youth divisions, winning the 1997 south american U-20 Championship and the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship in Malaysia. He would debut with the aged team in 1997, and would play the 2006 and 2010 South american Qualifiers. His only engagement in the World Cup would be in the 2006 edition in Germany. then he would participate in the 2007 Copa América, where he would lose the final to Brazil. then he would lead the U23 team arsenic captain to obtain the gold decoration at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Riquelme was distinguished as Argentina ‘s football player of the year four times and south american football player of the year in 2001, [ 3 ] and was included in the south american team of the Year six times. [ 4 ] He was besides among the nominees for the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2006 and 2007, [ 5 ] [ 6 ] and the Ballon d’Or in 2005 and 2007. [ 7 ] [ 8 ] He is considered by respective journalists, players and coaches as one of the best argentine players of all time, a well as one of the most outstanding midfielders of his position in history. [ 9 ] [ 10 ] [ 11 ]

Club career [edit ]

early on years [edit ]

Riquelme was born as the firstborn of 11 children in a poor syndicate, one day before Argentina won the 1978 World Cup. He began playing football in the localities of San Fernando, playing for different local clubs, before gaining the opportunity to trial with the junior teams of Argentinos Juniors. After trialling, he was signed by the club where he began playing as a central midfielder. Boca Juniors and River Plate spotted him when he was a young musician for Argentinos Juniors. In 1995, however, Riquelme was transferred from Argentinos Juniors U-20 to Boca Juniors U-20 for a fee of US $ 800,000, during an operation insisted by trainer Carlos Salvador Bilardo which led to the then president of Boca Juniors, Mauricio Macri, establishing versatile purchases of Argentinos Juniors youth players .

Boca Juniors ( 1996–01 ) [edit ]

On 10 November 1996, aged 18, Riquelme made his Primera División debut in a 2–0 gain against Unión de Santa Fe. Two weeks former, he scored his first aged finish in a 6–0 wallow over Huracán. After making his debut, Riquelme began a retentive travel to break a streak of no championships for the team since winning the Apertura 1992. In the 1996-97 season, Bilardo would be fired and replaced by Héctor “ Bambino ” Veira, but after Diego Maradona ‘s second return to Boca, Román would be relegated from the first team. After about obtaining the backing in the 1997-98 season, by July 1998 Veira would be replaced by coach Carlos Bianchi, who would amply trust Riquelme to command the team. Forming a successful trio in attack with winger Guillermo Barros Schelotto and kernel forward Martín Palermo, Boca would once again win a deed after eight years, by becoming the 1998 Apertura champions undefeated. This would besides earn the team a qualification for the 2000 edition of the Copa Libertadores, where Boca would make his recurrence after six years. The season would be highly successful, with the team winning the 1999 Clausura and reaching a historic 40-game undefeated bell ringer. Riquelme entered the south american team of the year for the first gear time, totaling 47 games played and 10 goals scored. In the 1999-00 season, Boca became ace of America once again after beating Palmeiras on the penalti-shootout. Riquelme had an excellent performance during the rival, highlighting his match against rivals River Plate for the second leg of the quarterfinals, where he scored a goal, assisted in another, and made a historic play where he nutmegged from his behind to the River defender Mario Yepes. Boca ‘s successes would continue in the 2000-01 season, winning the Apertura 2000. however, the highest point would be the final of the Intercontinental Cup against Real Madrid, who at that fourth dimension was in the process of forming Los Galácticos, with the sign of the Ballon d’Or Luis Figo. Against all odds, Boca ended up winning the match, and Riquelme would be one of the stars assisting for Martín Palermo ‘s moment goal with a 30-meter musket ball, and controlling the pace of play in the end minutes, to which Madrid ‘s defenders Claude Makélélé and Geremi could n’t hold second. During 2001, Boca would not obtain any local deed, but would win again in the Copa Libertadores, defeating mexican Cruz Azul in the finals again through penalties. This fourth dimension Román would have an outstanding operation against Palmeiras in the semifinal series, where the Argentine midfielder managed to give an help in the first gear leg and score a finish in the second leg. Riquelme would be chosen the MVP of the tournament, and would besides win the south american Footballer of the Year award for the first gear prison term in his career. As the champions of Copa Libertadores his side faced 2001 UEFA Champions League winners Bayern Munich in the Intercontinental Cup final which ended in a 0–1 frustration for his club. [ 12 ] The close of the 2001-02 season, Riquelme ‘s last in Boca, would not be ampere successful as the former ones, the main causal agent being the deviation of Carlos Bianchi in the summer of 2001, due to his differences with the president of the united states of the golf club Mauricio Macri. Riquelme would besides have his differences with him due to the inadequate give of his contract, to which Riquelme would demonstrate in a peer against River Plate for the 2001 Clausura where he celebrated in front man of the president ‘s box, putting his hands to his auricle in protest .

Barcelona ( 2002–03 ) [edit ]

In July 2002, after seven successful seasons with Boca Juniors which brought him and the club six major titles, including the Intercontinental Cup and the Copa Libertadores in 2000, Riquelme was transferred to Barcelona in Spain for a reported € 11 million transfer fee. [ 13 ] shortly before his passing, his brother, Cristian, was kidnapped ; Riquelme negotiated for his brother ‘s free and finally paid the ransom, late stating this was one of the reasons why he chose to leave Boca. Barça coach Louis van Gaal described Riquelme as a “ political sign ” [ 14 ] and treated him with apathy. When the Dutchman did play him, he did so rarely, deploying him as a winger. frankincense, the player was ineffective to find his form during a time period of largely substitute appearances, losing his topographic point in the foremost team. He played chiefly – as a crank – in the Copa del Rey, and netted the game ‘s only goal in a rare UEFA Champions League starting opportunity, at Club Brugge in the group stage. Barcelona ‘s temper would be critical in every way, with Van Gaal being fired mid-season. This would not change the situation of Riquelme at all, who would continue as a substitute .

Villarreal ( 2003–06 ) [edit ]

When Barcelona signed Ronaldinho, the clubhouse exceeded the maximum alien players that spanish teams were allowed, prompting Riquelme ‘s biennial loanword move to Villarreal. There, he played alongside three compatriots : Rodolfo Arruabarrena, Gonzalo Rodríguez and Juan Pablo Sorín. At the end of the 2004–05 season, spanish sports newspaper Marca awarded Riquelme with the claim of Most Artistic Player, besides earning himself a nomination for the 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year award after scoring a career-best 15 goals in 35 games. The Valencian golf club finished the season in its best-ever situation in third place, and in an effort to keep hold of him, bought up 75 % of his rights from Barcelona for up to €8 million, depending on Villarreal performance in the future two seasons. Villarreal besides gave Riquelme a four-year contract extension, [ 15 ] with the caution that 25 % of any subsequent transplant tip would be provided to Barça should Villarreal sell him. A peculiar narrow situation arose when, on 7 December 2005, Villarreal beat french clubhouse Lille 1–0 to win its Champions League group, knocking out english giants Manchester United and advancing to the knockout stages in the club ‘s debut season in the main continental contest. Because of a article in the transfer contract with Barcelona, Villarreal had to pay €1 million to the Catalan golf club. additionally, the contract included two early “ €1 million clauses ” : One if Villarreal finished in one of the top four league positions in 2005–06, and an identical clause for the following temper. On 25 April 2006, as Villarreal reached the last-four in the Champions League, in the second peg against Arsenal, Jens Lehmann saved a Riquelme punishment that would have taken the match to extra time. The game ended 0–0 at El Madrigal. [ 16 ] Riquelme scored his foremost goal of the 2006–07 season in a 3–2 home victory against Real Zaragoza on 24 September 2006. He scored a penalty in the 79th infinitesimal to give Villarreal their one-third goal of the match. [ 17 ] Riquelme went on to make precisely 13 league appearances during the first half of the 2006–07 La Liga and played no region in the 2006–07 Copa del Rey .

render to Boca Juniors ( 2007–14 ) [edit ]

2007 loan [edit ]

Everyone feels the game in their own different way. People say I never smile when I play but I ‘ve never seen [ Zinedine ] Zidane laugh, whether he ‘s winning or suffer, and he ’ s the greatest there ‘s been for the last ten-spot years .

Riquelme in 2006, on his character on the pitch. [ 18 ]
Following a tense site between player, the Villarreal display panel of directors and coach Manuel Pellegrini, Riquelme accepted a five-month loan back to Boca Juniors from February 2007 until 30 June 2007. [ 19 ] [ 20 ] He joined Boca for the 2007 Torneo Clausura of the 2007–08 Argentine Primera División season, debuting during the 2007 Torneo Clausura in a 1–1 home hook against Rosario Central on 17 February 2007. He scored his first finish for Boca – in his newest scrimp – in a 1–1 home pull against Independiente on 9 March 2007. He scored in the 54th minute to level the scores. [ 21 ] His beginning goal of the 2007 Copa Libertadores came in Boca ‘s third group-stage peer against Mexico ‘s Toluca on 22 March 2007. Riquelme scored in the 23rd moment, Boca ‘s second base goal of the couple in an eventual 3–0 home victory. Boca finished in second put of their respective group with ten-spot points, advancing to the hard stages of the competition. During the smasher stages of the contest, Boca faced Vélez Sarsfield in the rung of 16 fixtures. During the inaugural branch on 2 May 2007, Riquelme scored in the first base moment as Boca claimed a 3–0 home victory. Having progressed to the quarter-finals, Boca Juniors faced Paraguayan side Club Libertad. During the second-leg of the quarter-finals, played on 24 May 2007, Riquelme scored Boca ‘s first goal in the 61st infinitesimal of the match as they claimed a 2–0 away victory and a 3–1 aggregate leave, ensuring progress to the semi-finals. During Boca ‘s second-leg semi-final fixture against Colombia ‘s Cúcuta Deportivo on 7 June 2007, Riquelme scored a 44th-minute unblock gripe, scoring Boca ‘s first goal of their 3–0 home victory. After winning 4–3 [ 22 ] on aggregate, Boca advanced to the 2007 Copa Libertadores Final, where they would face brazilian side Grêmio in June 2007. During the beginning leg on 13 June, Riquelme, via a free-kick, play hitter Martín Palermo who passed the ball across the side of goal for Rodrigo Palacio to score in the 18th hour. During the moment half, Riquelme scored the 2–0 finish in 73rd-minute through a free-kick, with Boca finally winning 3–0 at home. In the second leg, played away on 20 June, Riquelme scored a second-half double to give Boca Juniors a 2–0 victory and their sixth Copa Libertadores title. Boca Juniors consequently qualified for the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup, and Riquelme was awarded as the contest ‘s Most Valuable Player .

2007–08 season [edit ]

In August 2007, it was reported that Boca had given up hope of re-signing Riquelme. A few days later, however, the situation changed, with Boca director Juan Carlos Crespi expressing assurance in the player ‘s return “ within 10 days ”. The negotiations stalled when Villarreal ‘s counteroffered to sell Riquelme only in exchange for €4 million, Rodrigo Palacio and half the rights to either Mauro Boselli or Jonathan Maidana, terms which were rejected by Boca. On 30 August 2007, however, it was announced Riquelme had been signed by Atlético Madrid for a tip of €8 million, though the cope fell done at the last moment, leaving Riquelme a Villarreal player. He was given the number 16 shirt for the 2007–08 season. then, on 26 November 2007, Riquelme reached an agreement with Villarreal to allow his re-joining Boca Juniors when the next transportation window re-opened, in January 2008. [ 23 ] Boca opted to pay Villarreal US $ 15 million to purchase Riquelme, while Villarreal would pay Riquelme ‘s wage on behalf of Boca Juniors for remainder of the 2007–08 acting season, which was approximately €3 million. The deal was the most expensive fee paid to an Argentine for its respective actor in history. Riquelme subsequently signed a contract lasting from the end of 2007 to 2010. He was unable to participate in the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup as he was not registered by FIFA in time to be able to compete at the tournament. During the entire 2007–08 Argentine Primera División season, Riquelme would only go on to make ten league appearances and score one league finish. His first base match of 2007–08 came in a 1–1 draw against Rosario Central during the 2008 Torneo Clausura. On 4 May 2008, he assisted Sebastián Battaglia in scoring Boca ‘s only finish in their 1–0 home victory in the Superclásico with River Plate. Riquelme had taken a recess which was played to Battaglia, who headed the ball into the net in the 14th minute. During Boca ‘s last 2008 Copa Libertadores group-stage regular against Maracaibo on 22 April 2008, Riquelme assisted defender Gabriel Paletta in scoring Boca ‘s first gear finish when his free-kick was played towards Paletta, who headed the ball into the web in the tenth hour. Riquelme then scored Boca ‘s third base goal in the 74th minute with a close-ranged chip as Boca claimed a 3–0 home victory and finished in second placement of their respective group, qualifying for the smasher stages of the contest. During the first-leg of the turn of 16 degree on 30 April 2008, Riquelme side footed the ball into the web in the sixth hour after receiving a elapse from Álvaro González. Boca went on to win the match 2–1 and finally claimed a 4–2 aggregate winnings. The club then faced Fluminense in the semi-final stages. In the first leg on 28 May 2008, Riquelme scored in the 12th moment of the match to give Boca a 1–0 run after receiving a pas from Rodrigo Palacio, who played the ball across goal for Riquelme to convert. In the 65th minute, Riquelme scored from a free-kick which gave Boca a 2–1 spark advance before Fluminense again equalized. The second leg saw Fluminense frustration Boca Juniors 3–1, eliminating the Argentine side 5–3 on sum. Riquelme had scored four goals in the competition .

2008–09 season [edit ]

In October 2008, Boca Juniors centre-back Julio César Cáceres had a very public conflict with his teammate Riquelme, when during an interview on a Paraguayan radio station in Asunción, during his trail with his national team, Cáceres questioned Riquelme ‘s motivation. He claimed that, “ In some matches, he is obviously running and in others he is passive. He seems to be mentally saturated. He seems to have more motivation when he plays for his state. ” Riquelme responded by saying, in a telephone interview on the Fox Sports cable channel, “ He does n’t know what I feel for the club. I take part in pre-match concentration barely like the early players and I did n’t have a vacation because I chose to play in the [ Olympic ] Games. When we won the gold, I ran to the airport so I could play in the ( Recopa Sudamericana 2008 ) concluding. ” He added, “ These things should be kept in the dressing-room, he ‘s broken all the codes of football. ” [ 24 ] After Boca won the Superclásico bowler hat match over Buenos Aires rivals River Plate on 21 October 2008, Cáceres said that the conflict “ has been left behind ”, adding that the kinship between the two players had improved. [ 25 ] During the second branch of the 2008 Recopa Sudamericana, Riquelme scored a 91st hour free-kick to equalize the scores for Boca Juniors at 2–2 against Arsenal de Sarandí on 27 August 2008. Boca Juniors won the link 5–3 on sum .

2009–10 temper [edit ]

On 12 April 2010, Riquelme scored Boca ‘s third goal in the 47th minute of their 4–0 home victory against Arsenal de Sarandí. [ 26 ]

2011–12 season [edit ]

Riquelme ‘s foremost appearance in the 2011–12 Argentine Primera División season came during the 2011 Torneo Apertura in a 1–1 home draw against Banfield on 12 June 2011. [ 27 ] He scored his foremost goal of the 2011 Torneo Apertura in a 4–0 home victory against Unión de Santa Fé on 15 August ; his was Boca ‘s third goal, coming in the 83rd minute. [ 28 ] Boca finished in first station of the 2011 Torneo Clausura with 43 points, going undefeated in 19 league games. They had claimed the title for the foremost clock time in four years, securing reservation to the 2012 Copa Libertadores. Riquelme ‘s foremost appearances in the 2011–12 Copa Argentina came in a 1–1 puff against Deportivo Santamarina on 2 February 2012. He assisted Facundo Roncaglia in scoring Boca ‘s equalizing finish of the equal when he lobbed a loose kick to Roncaglia, who headed the ball into the web in the 63rd moment. The match was decided via punishment shoot-out which Boca won 4–3. [ 29 ] Riquelme ‘s beginning appearance of the 2012 Torneo Clausura came in a 2–0 home victory against Olimpo de Bahía Blanca on 10 February 2012, when he was substituted off of the field in the 79th minute for Cristian Chávez. [ 30 ] Four days late, he debuted in the 2012 Copa Libertadores in a 0–0 away describe against Venezuelan side Zamora on 14 February. [ 31 ] Riquelme scored his first base goal of the 2012 Torneo Clausura in a 2–0 home victory against Newell ‘s Old Boys on 26 February ; it was Boca ‘s irregular goal, coming in the eightieth hour. [ 32 ] Two weeks later, Riquelme scored Boca ‘s second goal in their 5–4 home plate defeat against Independiente on 11 March. [ 33 ] Another two weeks later, Riquelme scored Boca ‘s second goal in their 2–2 base withdraw against Lanús on 25 March. He scored in the 41st infinitesimal of the peer to give Boca a 2–0 lead before the latter scored two second half goals to equalize. [ 34 ] In Boca ‘s last Copa Libertadores group-stage meet, against Zamora on 18 April, Riquelme scored Boca ‘s second finish in the 75th hour of their 2–0 home plate victory. The gain earned them a second-place ending in their respective group with 13 points, advancing the side to the knockout stages of the contest. [ 35 ] here, Boca were drawn against Chilean baseball club Unión Española at the polish of 16 stage. During the first branch on 2 May, Riquelme scored Boca ‘s first goal of the match in the 25th infinitesimal, which gave them a 1–0 lead. In the 90th minute of the match, Riquelme assisted Boca in scoring their second goal of the match when he passed the ball towards the left hand side of the finish into the path of Pablo Mouche, who crossed the ball across the expression of goal for Santiago Silva to head home the winner in the eventual 2–1 home victory. [ 36 ] During the irregular peg, on 9 May, Riquelme assisted Boca in scoring their first goal of the couple when he played a free-kick to Juan Insaurralde, who scored in the 26th moment. During the moment half, Riquelme dribbled past the Unión Española defenders and played the ball to Pablo Mouchem who scored Boca ‘s moment goal in the fiftieth minute. Riquelme then scored Boca ‘s one-third goal in the 68th moment as Boca won the away equal, 3–2. [ 37 ]

I ‘m quitting now. I love this cabaret, I love the fans and I ‘ll always be grateful because I am, and will constantly be, a Boca fan. I feel empty immediately though .

Riquelme in 2012, on leaving Boca. [ 18 ]
During the quarter-final stages of the Copa Libertadores, Boca were drawn against Fluminense. During the first peg in Buenos Aires on 17 May, Riquelme assisted Boca in scoring the lone goal of the match when he played a ball through to Darío Cvitanich, who set up Pablo Mouche to score in the 51st minute of the 1–0 victory. [ 38 ] Boca drew 1–1 in the moment leg on 23 May, earning a 2–1 aggregate score and a spot in the semi-finals. On 3 June 2012, Boca faced Primera B Nacional second division club Deportivo Merlo in the semi-finals of the Copa Argentina. In the 57th minute of the equal, Riquelme, initially taking a free-kick in front of finish, played a promptly one-two with a teammate and curled the ball into the left side of the internet, giving them a 1–0. Boca held on to the 1–0 run until the 89th moment when Deportivo Merlo equalized. The match was finally decide via punishment shoot-out which Boca won 5–4. [ 39 ] After Boca Juniors had eliminated Chilean cabaret Universidad de Chile in the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores, Boca faced Corinthians in the two-legged concluding. Riquelme participated in both matches of the 3–1 aggregate defeat, immediately announcing his retirement from the club after the 2–0 second-leg away kill in São Paulo on 4 July. Riquelme, who at the time was 34 years honest-to-god, stated that he would be leaving the club as a leave of not have enough energy left to continue. Riquelme admitted he would quit Boca as he had nothing more left to give because he was exhausted, and besides signalled that he needed a break from football. [ 40 ] Without the presence of Riquelme, Boca went on to win the 2011–12 Copa Argentina when they defeated Racing Club in a 2–1 victory on 8 August .

2012–13 transfer guess [edit ]

On 18 October 2012, it was reported that Riquelme ‘s agentive role, Daniel Bolotnicoff, had denied reports that any australian A-League club had contacted him to show an interest in signing Riquelme, as he had been linked with Melbourne Heart and Western Sydney Wanderers. [ 41 ] On 5 January 2013, it was reported that Riquelme about joined Major League Soccer ( MLS ) side Chivas USA when he was to follow former coach Carlos Bianchi in a trip to the United States, as the latter was going to be head bus of the MLS club. Bianchi was then announced as Boca ‘s first-team coach ten days subsequently, which led to Riquelme ‘s reduplication that he would not re-join Boca Juniors as a player. [ 42 ] In January 2013, after much speculation that Riquelme was headed to join Palmeiras, it was announced by newly appointed club president of the united states Paulo Nobre that Palmeiras had to refrain from signing Riquelme due to fiscal terms and Riquelme ‘s asking wage. [ 43 ] [ 44 ] On 26 January 2013, Riquelme confessed that he did not miss playing football and that his last options would be to play for Argentinos Juniors or Tigre. [ 45 ] On 30 January 2013, it was officially reported that Argentinos Juniors president Luis Seguira had announced that the clubhouse would make an extend for Riquelme. [ 46 ] On 31 January 2013, it was then reported that Riquelme had visited Tigre ‘s intendent, Sergio Massa, in order to discuss the possibility of his arrival at the clubhouse. [ 47 ] On 3 February 2013, it was reported that, after assorted negotiations, Riquelme had accepted the offer to play for Tigre and that the discussion and confirmation of his contract was the lone thing which remained to be done until his official sign with the club. [ 48 ]

Read more: Lille OSC

On 4 February 2013, it was reported that Riquelme had stated that he was prepared to return to Boca Juniors and that he had contacted Boca passenger car Carlos Bianchi that he would be available to return. [ 49 ]

2013–14 temper [edit ]

It was confirmed on 8 February 2013 that Riquelme would return to Boca Juniors. He was highly decisive at the second catch against Corinthians at the Copa Libertadores, scoring a goal from the midfield and knocking off the reigning FIFA Club World Cup champions. [ 50 ] [ 51 ] On 30 March 2014, Riquelme scored a free complain in the Superclásico, but could not stop his team from losing 2–1 against River Plate .

Argentinos Juniors ( 2014 ) [edit ]

On 17 July 2014, it was confirmed that Riquelme would sign with Argentinos Juniors. He scored his first base goal with his new cabaret on his first base game against Boca Unidos. [ 52 ]

retirement [edit ]

On 23 January 2015, it was reported that Riquelme would travel to Asunción on Saturday 24 January to close the condense offer from Primera División Paraguaya clubhouse Cerro Porteño, which would be worth US $ 110,000 per calendar month, a wage which Riquelme had asked to receive. [ 53 ] It was late confirmed that Riquelme ‘s wage would make his shrink the most expensive in the state. [ 54 ] On 25 January 2015, Riquelme formally announced his retirement from football via ESPN and ultimately gave thanks to Cerro Porteño. [ 55 ]

International career [edit ]

In 1997, after a successful stint with Argentina ‘s under-20 team, Riquelme was called up to the Argentina national team by coach Daniel Passarella for their last qualify match for the 1998 World Cup on 16 November 1997. The pit was played at the stadium of Boca Juniors, La Bombonera, where a 19-year-old Riquelme debuted for Argentina when he entered the field in the last minutes of the 1–1 draw against Colombia. His first gear major tournament for Argentina was at the 1999 Copa América. In 2000, Riquelme participated at the 2000 CONMEBOL Men Pre-Olympic Tournament, which saw Argentina fail to qualify for the 2000 Summer Olympics. He appeared three times and scored one goal during the competition. [ 56 ] [ 57 ] [ 58 ] Riquelme scored his first international goal in a 3–1 away victory during a friendly against Libya in Tripoli on 30 April 2003. On 17 November 2004, Riquelme scored his second international goal for Argentina during a 3–2 home victory in a 2006 FIFA World Cup reservation meet against Venezuela. Before departing for the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup, Riquelme scored in Argentina ‘s 3–1 home plate victory against Brazil on 8 June, during their 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires. On 9 October 2005, Riquelme scored his seventh international goal in a 2–0 home plate victory against Peru during a 2006 FIFA World Cup reservation peer. Riquelme scored a punishment in the 81st infinitesimal. Riquelme ‘s eighth international goal came in a 1–0 victory over Qatar in a friendly match in Doha on 16 November 2005. In 2006, Riquelme was named captain of the Argentina national football team by newly coach Alfio Basile. After a 3–0 defeat again in Brazil, Riquelme had received a draw of criticism and province for the get the better of. This affected the health of Riquelme ‘s mother, who had been hospitalized twice in two months after the 2006 World Cup, and this led to Riquelme publicly announcing his international retirement from the Argentina national team on 13 September 2006. At that point, Riquelme had made 37 international appearances and had scored eight goals. [ 59 ] [ 60 ] On 13 October 2007, Riquelme emerged from three months of inaction at Villarreal to score two free-kicks in a 2–0 winnings against Chile to get Argentina off to a winning start in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. On 17 November, Riquelme again netted twice in Argentina ‘s 3–0 home victory against Bolivia, again during a 2010 World Cup qualifier match. This brought him to a total of 17 international goals. In March 2009, Riquelme decided to retire from the national team after a disagreement with coach Diego Maradona. [ 61 ] Former director Sergio Batista stated he would have liked for Riquelme to return to international play, hinting at the possibility of the player appearing in a friendly with Spain in August 2010, [ 62 ] which finally did not happen. In 2011, Riquelme was called up to the Argentina national team by coach Alejandro Sabella for the Superclásico de las Américas, however he finally withdrew his position from the squad due to injuries from club matches which would leave him unable to complete two games in a matter of days. [ 63 ]

youth [edit ]

1997 south american english Youth Championship [edit ]

Under coach José Pekerman, Riquelme was called up to the Argentina home under-20 football team for the 1997 South american Youth Championship held in Chile. He played in all 9 matches of the tournament and scored three goals. Argentina went on to win the tournament, gaining their second South American Youth Championship in thirty years. Riquelme, aboard Walter Samuel and Pablo Aimar, were selected in the team of the tournament, by a group of journalists who were registered at the tournament. [ 64 ] Argentina ‘s acquire secured their qualification for the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship in Malaysia .

1997 FIFA World Youth Championship [edit ]

Riquleme was selected as captain of Argentina for the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship and played in all three group stage matches. He scored Argentina ‘s third goal in the fiftieth moment of their 3–0 victory against Hungary on 18 June 1997. [ 65 ] He then scored a 55th-minute achiever in Argentina ‘s 2–1 acquire against Canada on 20 June 1997. [ 66 ] In Argentina ‘s final group stage match, against Australia, Riquelme scored an 88th-minute penalty to level the scores at 3–3 before Australia scored a 90th-minute penalty to win the crippled. [ 67 ] Argentina had gained six points and finished in second in their group, advancing to the stage of the tournament. On 26 June 1997, Argentina faced England in the round of 16, where Riquelme scored a tenth-minute penalty as Argentina claimed a 2–1 victory. [ 68 ] Argentina went on to defeat Brazil 2–0 in the quarter-final, [ 69 ] the Republic of Ireland 1–0 in the semi-final, [ 70 ] and came from behind to beat uruguay 2–1 in the final, claiming their third FIFA World Youth Championship. [ 71 ] Riquelme had scored four goals for the tournament and Argentina were awarded with the FIFA Fair Play Award .

1998 Toulon Tournament [edit ]

In May 1998, José Pékerman again included Riquelme in Argentina ‘s under-20 squad for the 1998 Toulon Tournament, held in France. Argentina triumphed 2–0 against France in the final as Riquelme played all five matches of the tournament and was named as Player of the Tournament .

aged [edit ]

1999 Copa América [edit ]

Riquelme was included in Argentina ‘s 22-man team for the 1999 Copa América in Paraguay, wearing the number 22 shirt. He was one of six Boca Juniors players selected in the police squad. He played in Argentina ‘s opening group stage pit, a 3–1 victory against Ecuador on 1 July 1999. He was replaced in the 90th minute for Diego Cagna. in Argentina ‘s second group stage fastness, on 4 July 1999, Riquelme played the entire 90 minutes in a 3–0 loss against Colombia. On 7 July 1999, he again played the full 90 minutes in Argentina ‘s third group stage match, a 2–0 victory over Uruguay. Argentina finished in moment place of their respective group with six points, facing Brazil in the quarter-finals on 11 July 1999. Riquelme played in the entire match of Argentina ‘s 2–1 defeat, having been in front 1–0 until the 32nd minute of the catch. [ 72 ]

2005 FIFA Confederations Cup [edit ]

Riquelme # 8 before the kick-off of the final examination Under erstwhile national young team coach José Pékerman, Riquelme was selected for the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup in June, where he wore the number 8 shirt. He played in Argentina ‘s opening group stage meet against Tunisia on 15 June, opening the marking for Argentina by converting a penalty in the 33rd moment as Argentina finally claimed a 2–1 victory. [ 73 ] On 18 June, Argentina faced Australia in the moment group stage match. already winning 1–0, Riquelme scored a 31st-minute penalty to give Argentina a 2–0 lead as they went on to win 4–2. [ 74 ] In Argentina ‘s third group stage match, against hosts Germany on 21 June, Riquelme scored a 33rd-minute counterweight for Argentina fair four minutes after Germany had taken the leave. [ 75 ] The equal finished at 2–2 as Argentina had claimed seven points, along with Germany, and progressed to the future round of the tournament. On 26 June, Argentina faced Mexico in the semi-final. After extra prison term, the match was tied at 1–1 and led to a penalty shoot-out. Riquelme converted Argentina ‘s first spot kick back as they won 6–5 on penalties, with Argentina successfully converting each penalty. [ 76 ] On 29 June, Argentina faced Brazil in the final. Riquelme played the full 90 minutes as Argentina were defeated 4–1 at the Commerzbank-Arena in Frankfurt. [ 77 ] Riquelme was awarded as the Silver Ball Winner, being the second best actor at the tournament .

2006 FIFA World Cup [edit ]

Again under coach José Pékerman, Riquelme was included in the Argentina 23-man squad for the 2006 World Cup, where he was given the number 10 shirt for the first prison term in history. Argentina were drawn against Netherlands, Serbia and Montenegro and the Ivory Coast in what was regarded as the tournament ‘s “ group of death “. On 10 June, he started in Argentina ‘s opening group stage meet against the Ivory Coast. Argentina had been leading 1–0 before Riquelme assisted Javier Saviola in scoring Argentina ‘s second base goal in their 2–1 victory. Riquelme was then substituted off of the field for Pablo Aimar in the 93rd infinitesimal. [ 78 ] On 16 June, Argentina faced Serbia and Montenegro in Gelsenkirchen, where Riquelme played the entire 90 minutes of an eventual 6–0 victory for Argentina. Riquelme was the key in a succession of 24 passes made by the Argentine team, setting up their second finish scored by Esteban Cambiasso when he fed Saviola, who slipped a legislate inside for Cambiasso ; Cambiasso then knocked the ball to Hernán Crespo, who back-heeled a return run back to Cambiasso, who then netted from 12 yards. Crespo described the campaign as “ the most beautiful goal ”. [ 14 ] Riquelme besides assisted Argentina in scoring their fourth goal, cursorily taking a free-kick which was played to Lionel Messi, who crossed the ball in for Crespo to score at the far post. Riquelme was awarded as the Man of the Match. [ 79 ] [ 80 ] On 21 June, Argentina drew 0–0 with the Netherlands in Frankfurt in the last group-stage fastness. Riquelme was substituted off in the eightieth infinitesimal for Pablo Aimar as Argentina finished in foremost place of their group, along with the Netherlands, with seven points. [ 81 ] On 24 June, Riquelme celebrated his twenty-eighth birthday as Argentina faced Mexico in the round of 16. After Mexico had taken a sixth-minute lead through Rafael Márquez, Riquelme had taken a corner-kick in the one-tenth minute which saw Hernán Crespo flick the ball into the final. [ 82 ] The pit stayed level until excess meter when Maxi Rodríguez scored in the 98th minute to send Argentina through to the quarter-finals. [ 83 ] Argentina faced hosts Germany in the quarter-finals on 30 June. In the 49th moment, Riquelme delivered in a corner pin-pointing Roberto Ayala, who headered the ball into the internet, giving Argentina a 1–0 lead. Riquelme was then replaced in the 72nd moment by ersatz Esteban Cambiasso. Moments late, Germany had equalized in the eightieth infinitesimal through Miroslav Klose. The meet was decided via a penalty shoot-out, which Germany won 4–2. [ 84 ]

2007 Copa América [edit ]

On 26 June 2007, Riquelme was recalled to the national team by coach Alfio Basile as separate of Argentina ‘s 23-man police squad for 2007 Copa América. During the early good morning after Boca Juniors had claimed the 2007 Copa Libertadores, Riquelme hurriedly returned to Buenos Aires and departed with the Argentina national team to Venezuela for the tournament. On 28 June, Riquelme featured in Argentina ‘s opening group degree match, a 4–1 victory against the United States. [ 85 ] On 2 July, Argentina faced Colombia in their second group stage match. Riquelme netted twice, with a header in the 34th minute and then with a free-kick in the 45th minute, as Argentina won the match, 4–2. [ 86 ] Argentina went on to win their final group stage match against Paraguay on 5 July, finishing in first base place in their group with nine points. [ 87 ] On 8 July, Argentina faced Peru in the quarter-finals, where Riquelme scored another two goals, one with each foot in the 47th and 85th hour, and besides assisted Messi in scoring in the 61st minute of the match. [ 88 ] In the semi-final on 11 July, Argentina defeated Mexico, 3–0, as Riquelme assisted Gabriel Heinze in scoring Argentina ‘s first goal of the match in the 45th minute, and besides scored his fifth goal of the tournament – Argentina ‘s one-third of the match – when he converted a punishment in the sixty-fifth minute. [ 89 ] On 15 July, Argentina faced Brazil in the final. Riquelme played the full 90 minutes of the equal as Argentina were defeated, 3–0. [ 90 ] [ 91 ] Riquelme had scored five goals and was awarded as the tournament ‘s second-leading goalscorer. [ 92 ]

2008 Summer Olympics [edit ]

Riquelme scoring a penalty against Brazil In August 2008, Riquelme was included as one of three over-age players, and besides named captain, by Sergio Batista for Argentina ‘s 19-man squad for the 2008 Summer Olympics football tournament in Beijing. [ 93 ] He had joined Javier Mascherano and Nicolás Pareja as the three over-aged players in the police squad. Argentina were drawn in Group A against the Ivory Coast, Australia and Serbia. On 7 August, Riquelme played the full 90 minutes of Argentina ‘s opening group stagecoach regular as they defeated Ivory Coast 2–1. [ 94 ] Three days late, Riquelme besides played another 90 minutes in Argentina ‘s 1–0 victory against Australia on 10 August. [ 95 ] Riquelme then rested on the bench in Argentina ‘s one-third group-stage regular, giving the captain ‘s armband to Javier Mascherano, where they defeated Serbia 2–0 on 13 August to claim utmost points in the group and to finish in first place. [ 96 ] On 16 August, Riquelme featured in Argentina ‘s 2–1 quarter-final victory against the Netherlands, advancing to the semi-finals. [ 97 ] On 19 August, Argentina faced Brazil in the semi-finals, when after two Sergio Agüero goals, Riquelme scored a 76th-minute penalty to give Argentina a 3–0 victory. [ 98 ] On 23 August, Argentina faced Nigeria in the final in battlefront of 89,102 spectators at the Beijing National Stadium, where Argentina defeated Nigeria 1–0 to claim its second straight Gold Medal at the Summer Olympics. [ 99 ]

style of play [edit ]

Considered one of the best playmakers in the world in his prime, arsenic well as one of the most talented Argentine players of his generation, Riquelme was a “ classical number ten “, who was best known for his deck, flare, and elegance on the lurch, deoxyadenosine monophosphate well as his creative and intelligent travel by. A improbable and slender offensive midfield playmaker, he combined outstanding happen range, vision, prediction, technique, close control, and dribbling skills with prolific goalscoring ability from midfield. A altruistic team player, he normally played in a dislodge cardinal character, operating as an attacking midfielder behind the strikers ( known as the “ enganche ” in Argentina ), but was besides capable of playing in a more recall side as a deep-lying playmaker, due his ability to dictate the tempo of his team ‘s play in midfield, orchestrate attacking moves, and create space and chances for teammates. He has been recognised as one of the “ last true number 10s ” due to his playmaking abilities and unique play style. [ 14 ] [ 100 ] [ 101 ] [ 102 ] [ 103 ] [ 104 ] His skill and creative vogue of play drew comparisons with Diego Maradona, in his youth, [ 105 ] even though, unlike Maradona, Riquelme was neither immediate nor a particularly energetic dribbler. [ 100 ] [ 107 ] A tactically astute player, he besides possessed dear decision-making, and a good understanding of the crippled. furthermore, he was an excellent free kick taker. [ 14 ] [ 100 ] [ 107 ] [ 108 ] Despite his endowment, however, Riquelme was ill-famed for his miss of yard, for being discrepant, and for having an introspective however difficult character, a well as for his poor work-rate, both on the pitch and in train. [ 14 ] [ 100 ] [ 102 ] [ 103 ] [ 104 ] [ 107 ]

moment Vice-President [edit ]

On December 8, 2019, the formula headed by Jorge Amor Ameal, Mario Pergolini and Juan Román Riquelme was chosen with 52.84 % of the votes, achieving the historical record in Argentine football of 20,045 votes in entire. They take office on December 13, 2019. [ 109 ] On Saturday, March 7, 2020 ( 85 days after taking office ), he obtained his foremost title as second Vice-President. Boca Juniors wins the 2019-20 Superliga beating the River Plate led by Marcelo Gallardo in the final stretch. [ 110 ]

personal life sentence [edit ]

Riquelme ‘s brother, Sebastián, is a current professional football player. [ 111 ]

career statistics [edit ]

club [edit ]

[ 112 ]

International [edit ]

Argentina

Year
Apps
Goals

1997
1
0

1999
5
0

2002
1
0

2003
3
1

2004
6
1

2005
13
6

2006
8
0

2007
9
9

2008
5
0

Total
51
17

International goals [edit ]

Argentina score listed first, score column indicates score after each Riquelme goal. Sign ‡ indicates goals scored from a penalty kick.

Honours [edit ]

club [edit ]

Boca Juniors [ 113 ]
Villarreal
Argentinos Juniors

International [edit ]

Argentina U-20 [ 115 ]
Argentina U-21
Argentina [ 113 ] [ 115 ]

individual [edit ]

References [edit ]