Argentine attacking midfielder and playmaker who won Olympic gold in 2004 and was known for his exceptional technical ability and vision on the field.
Pablo Cesar Aimar Giordano was born in Río Cuarto, Córdoba on 3 November 1979. A mercurial, left-footed attacking midfielder with sublime dribbling ability and an exceptional eye for a pass, Aimar was lionised by Diego Maradona as his natural successor. He came through River Plate and dazzled in the Argentine league before Valencia paid a then-Argentine record fee of £20m in 2001. At Mestalla he won La Liga in 2002 and 2004, the Copa del Rey in 2004 and the UEFA Champions League runners-up medal in 2001. Despite his talent, injuries increasingly hampered him. He moved to Zaragoza in 2006, then to Benfica and back to River Plate. For Argentina he earned 52 caps and scored 10 goals, winning the 2004 Olympic gold. His technical brilliance made him an idol for a generation of Argentine footballers, including Lionel Messi, who has cited Aimar as his childhood hero.
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 | — | 95 | 16 | #10 |
| Valencia | 2001–2006 | €21M | 90 | 34 | #10 |
| Real Zaragoza | 2006–2008 | — | 82 | 27 | #10 |
| Benfica | 2008–2014 | — | 139 | 48 | #9 |
| Argentine | — | — | 52 | 10 | — |