Explore the remarkable timeline of Javier Saviola, the Argentine football legend. From his early days at River Plate to his international stints with clubs like FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, delve into the milestones, achievements, and pivotal moments that shaped Saviola's illustrious career.
Javier Pedro Saviola Fernández was born on December 11, 1981, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He began his football career at an early age and was quickly recognized for his talent. Saviola started playing in the youth teams and eventually joined the prestigious River Plate football club, where he made his professional debut.
On October 18, 1998, Javier Saviola made his professional debut for River Plate against Gimnasia y Esgrima. Despite his young age, he quickly became a key player for the club, known for his speed, skill, and ability to score goals. Saviola's performances attracted attention from top European clubs.
In July 2001, Javier Saviola signed with FC Barcelona for a transfer fee reportedly over 15 million euros. He became one of the youngest players to join the team, playing alongside stars like Ronaldinho and Xavi. Saviola enjoyed several successful seasons, making significant contributions with his goals.
In January 2004, FC Barcelona agreed to loan Javier Saviola to AS Monaco for the remainder of the season. The move allowed Saviola to gain valuable experience in the French Ligue 1 and the Champions League. He scored several important goals, helping the team to achieve some critical results during his loan.
Javier Saviola was part of the Argentina national team that won the gold medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics. The team went through the tournament undefeated, with Saviola contributing as a forward. This Olympic success was one of the highlights of Saviola's international career.
In September 2006, Javier Saviola signed with Real Madrid, joining their rich squad of talents. Saviola faced competition for starting places but contributed when called upon. His transfer to Real Madrid marked a significant stage in his career, as he moved from FC Barcelona's rivals to the Spanish capital's giants.
Javier Saviola signed with Benfica in July 2009, seeking to revive his career in the Portuguese league. At Benfica, Saviola rediscovered his form, helping the team to win the Primeira Liga in his first season. His performances were lauded by fans and critics, marking a successful period in his club career.
In September 2012, Saviola returned to Spain's La Liga, joining Málaga CF on a free transfer. His experience and quality added depth to the squad, and he played an essential role in Málaga's UEFA Champions League campaign, reaching the quarter-finals. This move marked a successful return to Spanish football.
On June 30, 2015, Javier Saviola announced his retirement from professional football. His career spanned over 17 years, during which he played for several top clubs across Europe and won numerous titles. Saviola's legacy is remembered by fans as a talented forward who made significant contributions to his teams.
In January 2016, after retiring as a player, Javier Saviola began his coaching career. He took up a role with FC Ordino in Andorra, starting his journey towards becoming a football manager. This step marked the transition from player to coach, as Saviola aimed to pass on his knowledge of the game to future generations.
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