Football Biography

Juan Sebastián Verón

“Juanse”

Argentine · La Plata, Argentina · Born 9 March 1975

Midfielder

caps

2000, 2006

serie a

2009

copa libertadores

£28.1m

man utd fee

Imperious Argentine playmaker nicknamed 'La Brujita' whose sublime technique and vision graced Lazio, Manchester United and Inter Milan.

Juan Sebastián Verón was born in La Plata, Argentina on 9 March 1975. Son of Argentine legend 'El Witchón' Verón, Juan Sebastián — nicknamed 'La Brujita' (The Little Witch) — was one of the most gifted deep-lying playmakers of his generation. He rose to prominence at Estudiantes and Sampdoria before a meteoric move to Lazio in 1999, where he was outstanding in their Serie A and Coppa Italia double season (2000). He won the UEFA Super Cup with Lazio in 1999. Manchester United paid £28.1m for him in 2001 — a British record — though he struggled to reproduce his best form consistently at Old Trafford. A move to Chelsea in 2003 was similarly frustrating. He flourished again at Inter Milan (2004-06), winning Serie A. He later returned to Estudiantes, winning the Copa Libertadores in 2009. He earned 72 caps for Argentina.

Best Known For

Serie A 2000 (Lazio), 2006 (Inter)

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?

Honours & Achievements

Career Honours

Serie A 2000 (Lazio), 2006 (Inter)
Coppa Italia 2000
Copa Libertadores 2009

Career Journey

Timeline

1975 👶 Born in La Plata, Argentina

2014 🏁 Retired from professional sport

🏟️ Estudiantes

🏟️ Sampdoria

🏟️ Lazio

🏟️ Chelsea (2003-2004)

🏆 Serie A 2000 (Lazio), 2006 (Inter)

🏆 Coppa Italia 2000

🏆 Copa Libertadores 2009

Caps	72
Serie A	2000, 2006
Copa Libertadores	2009
Man Utd Fee	£28.1m

Club	Shirt No	Apps	Goals
Estudiantes	#10	—	11
Sampdoria	#4	91	5
Lazio	#4	100	3
Chelsea (2003-2004)	#4	155	7

Nationality	Argentine
Born	9 March 1975 (age 51)
Birth Place	La Plata, Argentina
Position	Midfielder
Retired	2014
Clubs	Estudiantes (1993-96), Sampdoria (1996-99), Lazio (1999-2001), Manchester United (2001-03), Chelsea (2003-04), Inter Milan (2004-06), Chelsea (2006), Estudiantes (2006-12)
Est. Net Worth	$15m

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

5 common questions about Juan Sebastián Verón

Why was Juan Sebastián Verón known as 'La Brujita'?

The nickname 'La Brujita' (Little Witch) was passed down from his father 'El Witchón' (The Big Witch) — a reference to his magical, bewitching style of play.

Did Verón succeed at Manchester United?

Mixed — he showed flashes of brilliance but never consistently hit the heights that justified his £28.1m fee. Sir Alex Ferguson admitted the purchase did not work as planned.

What did Verón win with Lazio?

Verón was outstanding during Lazio's 1999-2000 season when they won the Serie A and Coppa Italia double, playing some of the best football of his career.

What was Verón's most famous international moment?

His stunning 25-yard thunderbolt against England at the 1998 World Cup, curled into the top corner, is regarded as one of the greatest goals in World Cup history.

When was Juan Sebastián Verón born?

Juan Sebastián Verón was born on 9 March 1975 in La Plata, Argentina.

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