Argentine · La Plata, Argentina · Born 9 March 1975Imperious Argentine playmaker nicknamed 'La Brujita' whose sublime technique and vision graced Lazio, Manchester United and Inter Milan.
Juan Sebastián Verón was born on 9 March 1975 in La Plata, Argentina, the son of Juan Ramón Verón, a professional footballer nicknamed "La Bruja" (The Witch) who starred for Estudiantes and Argentina in the 1960s and 70s. Juan Sebastián began his own career at Estudiantes in 1994, before a brief spell at Boca Juniors led him to Italy, where he would spend the most decorated years of his career. Verón joined Sampdoria in 1996, then Parma in 1998, playing alongside Gianluigi Buffon, Lilian Thuram, and Fabio Cannavaro in a talented squad that won the Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup in 1999. He moved to Lazio that year for £18 million, helping the club win a rare Serie A title, before Manchester United signed him for a British record fee in 2001. Verón struggled to consistently justify his transfer fee in England, though he won the Premier League and Champions League with United and later Chelsea, with a productive loan spell at Inter Milan in between. He returned to Estudiantes in 2006, helping the club win the 2009 Copa Libertadores as club captain, a deeply emotional achievement in his home city of La Plata. Verón earned dozens of caps for Argentina across a 14-year international career, representing his country at three World Cups. His father, Juan Ramón, died on 27 May 2025 at 81, in the same city of La Plata where both father and son built their footballing legacies.
Being one of Argentina's most creative midfielders of his generation
He scored one of the all-time great World Cup goals against England in 1998 — a 25-yard thunderbolt into the top corner that left David Seaman helpless, though England ultimately won on penalties.
Did You Know?How They Played
Deep-lying playmaker with exceptional passing range, vision and leadership qualities
Lasting Impact
Regarded as one of the finest Argentine playmakers who excelled in Serie A and captained his national team
Career Honours
- Serie A 2000 (Lazio), 2006 (Inter)
- Coppa Italia 2000
- Copa Libertadores 2009
- UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1999
- UEFA Super Cup 2000
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estudiantes LP | 1994–1996 | — | 60 | 7 |
| Boca Juniors | 1996–1996 | — | 17 | 4 |
| Sampdoria | 1996–1998 | — | 61 | 7 |
| Parma | 1998–1999 | — | 26 | 1 |
| Lazio | 1999–2001 | — | 53 | 11 |
| Manchester United | 2001–2003 | £28.1m | 51 | 7 |
| Chelsea | 2003–2007 | — | 7 | 1 |
| Inter Milan | 2004–2006 | loan | 49 | 3 |
| Estudiantes LP | 2006–2007 | loan | 30 | 2 |
| Estudiantes LP | 2007–2012 | — | 107 | 18 |
| Brandsen | 2012–2012 | — | 28 | 7 |
| Estudiantes LP | 2013–2014 | — | 21 | 0 |
| Estudiantes LP | 2017–2017 | — | 0 | 0 |
 Argentina | — | — | 73 | 9 |
Argentine Athletes