Imperious Argentine playmaker nicknamed 'La Brujita' whose sublime technique and vision graced Lazio, Manchester United and Inter Milan.
Juan Sebastián Verón was born in La Plata, Argentina on 9 March 1975. Son of Argentine legend 'El Witchón' Verón, Juan Sebastián — nicknamed 'La Brujita' (The Little Witch) — was one of the most gifted deep-lying playmakers of his generation. He rose to prominence at Estudiantes and Sampdoria before a meteoric move to Lazio in 1999, where he was outstanding in their Serie A and Coppa Italia double season (2000). He won the UEFA Super Cup with Lazio in 1999. Manchester United paid £28.1m for him in 2001 — a British record — though he struggled to reproduce his best form consistently at Old Trafford. A move to Chelsea in 2003 was similarly frustrating. He flourished again at Inter Milan (2004-06), winning Serie A. He later returned to Estudiantes, winning the Copa Libertadores in 2009. He earned 72 caps for Argentina.
Being one of Argentina's most creative midfielders of his generation
He scored one of the all-time great World Cup goals against England in 1998 — a 25-yard thunderbolt into the top corner that left David Seaman helpless, though England ultimately won on penalties.
Did You Know?How They Played
Deep-lying playmaker with exceptional passing range, vision and leadership qualities
Lasting Impact
Regarded as one of the finest Argentine playmakers who excelled in Serie A and captained his national team
Career Honours
- Serie A 2000 (Lazio), 2006 (Inter)
- Coppa Italia 2000
- Copa Libertadores 2009
- UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1999
- UEFA Super Cup 2000
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estudiantes | 2006–2014 | 226 | 11 | #10 |
| Sampdoria | 1996–1998 | 91 | 5 | #4 |
| Lazio | 1999–2001 | 100 | 3 | #4 |
| Boca Juniors | 1995–1996 | 28 | 1 | — |
| Parma | 1996–1998 | 76 | 12 | — |
| Manchester United | 2001–2003 | 82 | 11 | — |
| Inter Milan | 2004–2006 | 67 | 6 | — |
| Chelsea | 2003–2004 | 15 | 7 | #4 |
| Argentine | — | 73 | 9 | — |