Argentine · Río Cuarto, Argentina · Born 3 November 1979Argentine attacking midfielder and playmaker who won Olympic gold in 2004 and was known for his exceptional technical ability and vision on the field.
Diego Maradona, never a man to distribute superlatives carelessly, declared Pablo Aimar the only footballer of the modern era he would pay money to watch — a tribute to the creative intelligence and technical quality that helped the Argentine playmaker win two La Liga titles and a UEFA Cup at Valencia between 2001 and 2006. He moved to River Plate's academy in 1993, though homesickness from boarding life away from his family nearly derailed his early progress. Aimar made his River Plate debut in 1996, developing into one of the most gifted and creative attacking midfielders of his generation, playing alongside stars including Marcelo Salas and Enzo Francescoli. Diego Maradona later called him the only current player he would pay to watch, praising his vision and technique. Valencia signed him in 2001, and he spent five seasons in Spain, winning two La Liga titles and a UEFA Cup, earning two Ballon d'Or nominations along the way. Aimar later played for Real Zaragoza and Benfica, where he spent five productive seasons in Portugal, before a spell in Malaysia and a sentimental return to River Plate in 2015, where he announced his retirement that same year. Aimar earned 52 caps for Argentina, representing his country at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and multiple Copa América tournaments. After retiring, he moved directly into coaching, becoming head coach of Argentina's under-17 team and later an assistant on the senior national team's coaching staff.
Being considered Diego Maradona's successor
Lionel Messi has cited Pablo Aimar as his childhood football idol, and Diego Maradona personally identified Aimar as his natural successor — endorsements that illustrate the esteem in which he was held.
Did You Know?How They Played
Creative attacking midfielder with exceptional vision, dribbling and passing ability
Lasting Impact
Elegant playmaker who inspired a generation of Argentine footballers
Career Honours
- La Liga 2002, 2004
- Copa del Rey 2004
- Olympic Gold 2004
- La Liga 2002
- La Liga 2004
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| River Plate | 1996–2001 | £20m | 95 | 16 | #10 |
| Valencia | 2001–2006 | €21M | 90 | 34 | #10 |
| Real Zaragoza | 2006–2008 | — | 82 | 27 | #10 |
| Benfica | 2008–2014 | — | 139 | 48 | #9 |
 Argentina | — | — | 52 | 10 | — |
Argentine Athletes