Javier Saviola
Javier Saviola is a retired Argentine forward known for his dribbling, sharp movement, and natural finishing instinct. Nicknamed "El Conejo" (The Rabbit), he starred at River Plate, Barcelona, and several top European clubs, while also shining for Argentina in youth and senior competitions.
📌 Club Career
| Years | Club | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998–2001 | River Plate | 86 | 45 |
| 2001–2007 | Barcelona | 123 | 49 |
| 2004–2005 | → Monaco (loan) | 29 | 7 |
| 2005–2006 | → Sevilla (loan) | 29 | 9 |
| 2007–2009 | Real Madrid | 17 | 4 |
| 2009–2012 | Benfica | 69 | 24 |
| 2012–2013 | Málaga | 27 | 8 |
| 2013–2014 | Olympiacos | 26 | 12 |
| 2015–2016 | River Plate | 14 | 0 |
| 2016 | FC Andorra | 3 | 0 |
| Total | 423 | 158 | |
🌍 International Career
| Years | Team | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–2011 | Argentina | 40 | 11 |
Saviola also starred for Argentina U20, winning the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship and finishing as top scorer with 11 goals, one of the best youth tournament performances ever.
🏆 Honours
River Plate
- Argentine Primera División: 1999 Apertura, 2000 Clausura
Barcelona
- UEFA Cup runner-up: 2002–03
Sevilla
- UEFA Cup: 2005–06
- UEFA Super Cup: 2006
Real Madrid
- La Liga: 2007–08
- Supercopa de España: 2008
Benfica
- Primeira Liga: 2009–10
- Taça da Liga: 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12
Olympiacos
- Super League Greece: 2013–14
Argentina
- Olympic Gold Medal: 2004
- Copa América runner-up: 2004
⭐ Individual Awards
- South American Footballer of the Year: 1999
- FIFA World Youth Championship Golden Shoe: 2001
- FIFA World Youth Championship Golden Ball: 2001
- La Liga Breakthrough Player: 2001–02
🎨 Style of Play
Nicknamed "El Conejo", Saviola was quick, intelligent, and opportunistic in front of goal. Despite his small frame, he possessed excellent dribbling, acceleration, and an eye for goal. A versatile forward, he thrived playing off the shoulder of defenders or in deeper creative roles.
👔 Post-retirement Career
After retiring in 2016, Saviola pursued coaching and also played futsal at an amateur level. He later became a pundit and football ambassador, staying connected with the game he lit up for nearly two decades.