Argentine · Buenos Aires · Born 11 December 1981Explosive and nimble Argentine forward nicknamed 'El Conejo' (The Rabbit) who was one of Europe's most coveted strikers in the early 2000s.
Javier Pedro Saviola Fernández was born on 11 December 1981 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and made his debut for River Plate at just 16, quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting young forwards in South American football. Nicknamed "El Conejo" (The Rabbit) for his quickness and darting runs, he helped River win the 1999 Apertura and 2000 Clausura championships and was named South American Footballer of the Year in 1999, drawing media comparisons to Diego Maradona. Saviola broke Maradona's own record to become the youngest player ever to win the Golden Boot in Argentine football, and moved to Barcelona in 2001 for £15 million, obtaining Spanish citizenship shortly afterward. He spent six seasons in Catalonia, including loan spells at Monaco and Sevilla, before joining Real Madrid in 2007. Saviola's international career peaked at youth level: he won the Golden Ball and Golden Boot at the 2001 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and captured Olympic gold with Argentina at the 2004 Athens Games. He went on to play for Benfica, Málaga, Olympiacos, and Hellas Verona, winning domestic league titles in four different countries — Argentina, Spain, Portugal, and Greece. Saviola earned caps for Argentina across a seven-year senior international career, representing his country at the 2006 World Cup and the 2004 Copa América final. He was named the youngest player on Pelé's FIFA 100 list of the greatest living footballers in 2004, and retired in 2016 back at River Plate, the club where his career had begun.
Being one of the most promising young strikers of his generation
He won the Golden Boot at the 2001 U-20 World Cup and was considered one of the world's most exciting young forwards — Barcelona paid 24m for him when he was just 19.
Did You Know?How They Played
Clinical finisher with excellent movement in the box and pace
Lasting Impact
Talented striker whose early promise was never fully realized at the highest level
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 2004
- La Liga 2008 (Real Madrid)
- Olympic Gold Medal 2004
- La Liga 2004-05
- Copa del Rey 2009
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River Plate | 1998–2001 | — | 86 | 45 |
| Barcelona | 2001–2007 | — | 123 | 49 |
| Monaco | 2004–2005 | loan | 29 | 7 |
| Sevilla | 2005–2006 | loan | 29 | 9 |
| Real Madrid | 2007–2009 | — | 17 | 4 |
| Benfica | 2009–2012 | — | 69 | 24 |
| Málaga | 2012–2013 | — | 27 | 8 |
| Olympiacos | 2013–2014 | — | 26 | 12 |
| Verona | 2014–2015 | — | 15 | 1 |
| River Plate | 2015–2016 | — | 14 | 0 |
 Argentina | — | — | 40 | 11 |
Argentine Athletes