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OA
Football Biography

Ossie Ardiles

“Ossie”

Argentine · Córdoba, Argentina · Born 3 August 1952

Midfielder
311
apps
25
goals
63
argentina caps
1
world cup

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World Cup-winning Argentine midfielder whose dazzling skill and audacious move to Tottenham in 1978 changed English football forever.

Osvaldo César Ardiles was born in Córdoba, Argentina on 3 August 1952. A key member of Argentina's 1978 World Cup-winning squad, he made a sensational move to Tottenham Hotspur alongside compatriot Ricky Villa — one of the first major foreign transfers to English football. His close control, passing and tireless running transformed Spurs and he became a beloved figure, making 311 appearances over ten seasons. He won two FA Cups (1981, 1982) and the UEFA Cup in 1984. The Falklands War in 1982 forced a temporary loan to Paris Saint-Germain. He earned 63 caps for Argentina. After retiring, he managed several clubs including Tottenham, West Brom and Newcastle.

Best Known For

World Cup 1978

He and Ricky Villa were among the first high-profile foreign players to join an English club, and Spurs fans immortalised him in the iconic song 'Ossie's Dream'.

Did You Know?
Honours & Achievements

Career Honours

  • World Cup 1978
  • FA Cup 2x
  • UEFA Cup 1984
Career Journey

Timeline

1952 👶 Born in Córdoba, Argentina
1989 🏁 Retired from professional sport
🏟️ Huácan
🏟️ Tottenham
🏟️ QPR
🏟️ QPR (1988-1989)
🏆 World Cup 1978
🏆 FA Cup 2x
🏆 UEFA Cup 1984
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

5 common questions about Ossie Ardiles

He joined in 1978, shortly after winning the World Cup with Argentina, in a transfer that was revolutionary for English football.

The conflict between Britain and Argentina in 1982 made his position at Spurs untenable temporarily, and he went on loan to Paris Saint-Germain.

It was a novelty single recorded with the Spurs squad for the 1981 FA Cup final, featuring Ardiles singing, and it became an iconic football song.

He earned 63 caps for Argentina and was a key member of the 1978 World Cup-winning squad.

Ossie Ardiles was born on 3 August 1952 in Córdoba, Argentina.

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Career Timeline — Ossie Ardiles
1952
Born in Córdoba, Argentina
1989
Retired from professional sport
—
Huácan
Huácan
—
Tottenham
Tottenham
—
QPR
QPR
—
QPR (1988-1989)
QPR (1988-1989)
—
World Cup 1978
—
FA Cup 2x
—
UEFA Cup 1984