Leonardo Balerdi

On August 31, 2018, Leonardo Balerdi was officially promoted to Boca Juniors' first team. This marked a significant step in his professional career as he began training and playing with the senior squad. Balerdi had been part of Boca's youth academy and his talent and performance in the reserves caught the attention of the coaching staff, leading to his elevation. This move placed him on a path that would eventually lead to international recognition.

Leonardo Balerdi signed with Borussia Dortmund on January 12, 2019. The German club secured Balerdi on a five-year contract from Boca Juniors, with a reported transfer fee of €15 million. Dortmund saw Balerdi as a potential future star, given his defensive skills and versatility on the field. His transfer to a top European league marked another crucial advancement in his footballing career, and it was noteworthy as Dortmund usually scouts young talent for long-term development.

Leonardo Balerdi made his official debut for Borussia Dortmund on March 13, 2019, in a Bundesliga match against VfB Stuttgart. Although Balerdi had joined the club in January, his introduction to the squad was gradual. His debut was seen as a positive step as he adapted to the pace and style of German football. Borussia Dortmund fans and staff were eager to see how the young defender would evolve in the league known for developing young players.

In July 2019, Leonardo Balerdi participated in the Copa América with the Argentina national team. Although he did not see much playing time, being part of the squad was an important experience for him as he trained alongside top Argentine players. The tournament significantly raised his profile internationally and provided valuable exposure to high-level competition. Balerdi's involvement with the national team highlighted his growing reputation as a promising defender.

On July 1, 2020, Leonardo Balerdi was loaned to Olympique de Marseille from Borussia Dortmund for the 2020-2021 season. The loan included an option to buy, which demonstrated Marseille's interest in possibly securing his services permanently. Balerdi sought more playing time to develop his skills, and the move was seen as mutually beneficial. While in Ligue 1, Balerdi aimed to solidify his place as a regular starter and gain experience at the top level of French football.

Leonardo Balerdi's loan move was made permanent on July 3, 2021, as Olympique de Marseille exercised the purchase option at the end of his loan spell. The permanent transfer reflected Balerdi's successful adaptation to the team and his contribution to their defense line. Marseille were willing to invest in the young defender due to his performances during the loan, making him a key part of their squad going forward in the Ligue 1 competition.

Leonardo Balerdi scored his first goal for Olympique de Marseille on August 20, 2022, in a Ligue 1 match against Nantes. The goal marked a milestone in Balerdi's career at Marseille, highlighting his growing influence at the club. Scoring as a defender also demonstrated his ability to contribute to the team's offensive plays from set-pieces, thereby enhancing his reputation as a versatile and capable player both defensively and offensively.

On October 16, 2022, Leonardo Balerdi reached the milestone of 50 appearances for Olympique de Marseille in official matches. This achievement underscored his importance to the team and his consistent performances. Balerdi had become a regular in the Marseille defense, thanks to his reliable defensive skills and ability to read the game effectively. His continued presence in the team solidified his status as a key player in the Ligue 1 club.

Despite not making the final squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Leonardo Balerdi was called up by Argentina for their World Cup Qualifiers. This call-up indicated the Argentine national team's recognition of Balerdi's talents and potential contributions. Being involved in the qualifiers provided him a vital opportunity to display his skills on an international platform and added to his experience with the national team setup.

Leonardo Balerdi played an instrumental role in Olympique de Marseille's campaign as they secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League by finishing third in Ligue 1 in the 2022-2023 season. His contributions to the team's strong defensive record were pivotal in securing the necessary points throughout the season. This achievement marked a notable success in Balerdi's club career, providing him with the chance to compete at Europe's top club level.