Exequiel Palacios

Exequiel Alejandro Palacios is an Argentine professional footballer born on October 5, 1998, in Famaillá, Tucumán, Argentina. He is known for his role as a midfielder and particularly recognized for his strategic play and ball control. Palacios' future in football was apparent from an early age, and he went on to rise through the ranks of Argentine football, starting his career with River Plate.

Exequiel Palacios made his professional debut for River Plate on November 8, 2015, in a match against Newell's Old Boys. Coming through River Plate's youth academy, Palacios quickly rose through the ranks to become a key player for the team. His performance and skill on the field during his early years with River Plate earned him recognition as one of Argentina's promising young talents.

Exequiel Palacios made his international debut for the Argentina national team on November 20, 2018, in a friendly match against Mexico. His selection at such a young age was a testament to his refined skills and potential on the international football scene. Since his debut, Palacios has been a regular call-up for Argentina, contributing to their midfield strength with his dynamic play.

On December 9, 2018, Exequiel Palacios played a crucial role in helping River Plate secure the Copa Libertadores title in a historic match against Boca Juniors, held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. The match, considered one of the most thrilling in Copa Libertadores history, highlighted Palacios’ ability to perform at the highest level and significantly boosted his reputation on the international stage.

Exequiel Palacios was named in the Argentine Primera División Team of the Year for 2019. This accolade recognized his exceptional performance throughout the season, where his contributions to River Plate were pivotal in their successful campaign. Being acknowledged as one of the league's top players further underscored his growing influence in Argentine football before moving to Europe.

On December 16, 2019, Exequiel Palacios signed with Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen, marking a significant step in his professional career as he transitioned from the Argentine league to European football. The transfer deal was reportedly worth around €17 million, and Palacios joined Leverkusen in January 2020, expected to bolster their midfield with his skillset honed in Argentina.

On November 7, 2020, Exequiel Palacios suffered a major injury during an international match between Argentina and Paraguay. He fractured a small bone in his spine following a heavy challenge that left him out of action for several months. This injury was a significant setback in his career, impacting his contributions on the field until he made a full recovery and returned to competitive play.

Exequiel Palacios was part of the Argentina national team that won the Copa America on July 10, 2021. The tournament took place in Brazil, and Argentina's victory marked their first major international title in 28 years, with a 1-0 win over Brazil in the final. Palacios played an integral role in the squad, showcasing his talents and contributing to Argentina's success on the South American stage.

Exequiel Palacios scored his first goal in the Bundesliga for Bayer Leverkusen on April 12, 2022. This milestone was achieved during a thrilling match against VfB Stuttgart, ending in a 4-3 victory for Leverkusen. Palacios' goal was a defining moment, as it showcased his growth and adaptation to the demands of European football, solidifying his role within the team.

On June 17, 2023, Exequiel Palacios won the UEFA Europa League with Bayer Leverkusen. The victory marked a major achievement in Palacios' European career. Playing a critical role throughout the tournament, Palacios demonstrated his abilities on a grand stage, cementing his status as a key player for his club. The win contributed to enhancing his reputation as a midfielder capable of influencing the game at top levels.