Oscar Ruggeri
El Cabezón: World Cup winner and Argentine defensive legend.
Oscar Alfredo Ruggeri (born 26 January 1962) is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as centre-back. Nicknamed El Cabezón ("The Big-head One"), Ruggeri achieved success at the international level with the Argentina national team, being part of the teams that won the 1986 FIFA World Cup, two editions of the Copa América and the 1992 FIFA Confederations Cup. At the club level, Ruggeri's most successful stint was with Argentine club River Plate, where he won the 1986 Copa Libertadores (also the club's first title win in this tournament) the 1986 Copa Interamericana and the 1986 Intercontinental Cup. Known for his rough style of play when marking opposing players and aerial ability, Ruggeri is considered one of the all-time best defenders to come out of Argentina. Following his retirement as a player, Ruggeri turned to managing, where he held posts in Argentina, Mexico and Spain. His last job as a manager was in 2006 with Argentine club San Lorenzo. Since then, Ruggeri went on to have a career on Argentine television, as commentator on football shows. He is currently a member of 90 Minutos de Fútbol, which airs on ESPN Argentina Latin America.
- Role:
- Centre-back
- National Team Caps:
- 97
- Major Tournament Wins:
- 1986 FIFA World Cup, 1992 FIFA Confederations Cup, Copa América (1991, 1993)
- Signature Trait:
- Rough style of play and aerial ability
- Key Club Affiliations:
- Boca Juniors, River Plate, Logroñes, Real Madrid, Vélez Sarsfield, Ancona, Améri
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Ruggeri started his career at Boca Juniors, playing alongside Diego Maradona, with whom he won a league title in 1981. In 1985, he moved to rivals River Plate, where he won the Copa Libertadores, the Intercontinental Cup and another league title in 1986. In 1988, he left for Europe where he played for Spanish clubs Logroñes and Real Madrid, where he won yet another league championship. He also played for Vélez Sarsfield, Ancona in Italy, América in Mexico, San Lorenzo and Lanús, where he ended his career. During his career he represented his country in three World Cups, captaining Argentina in the final two games of the 1994 competition, after Diego Maradona was expelled from the tournament. Ruggeri was also a key piece in the Argentina teams that won the trophy in 1986 and lost the final to West Germany in 1990. After losing to Romania in the 1994 tournament, Ruggeri retired from international football, having played 97 international games, an Argentine record until it was surpassed by Diego Simeone. With the Argentina national team he also won two consecutive Copa América titles (1991 and 1993), and the 1992 FIFA Confederations Cup.
In Their Own Story
In 2006, after concluding his managerial career with San Lorenzo, Ruggeri transitioned into media, becoming a familiar voice on Argentine television. He currently serves as a commentator for '90 Minutos de Fútbol' on ESPN Argentina Latin America. His personal life also intersects with the sport; his son, Stephan, is a professional footballer following in his footsteps. In 2016, Ruggeri stepped out of the technical role to appear on the 2016 edition of 'Bailando por un Sueño' alongside his daughter, Candela. His career statistics reflect a total of 97 international games, an Argentine record that stood until it was surpassed by Diego Simeone.
Reader's Guide
Ruggeri's son, Stephan, is a professional footballer. Ruggeri himself appeared on the 2016 edition of Bailando por un Sueño with his daughter, Candela.
Did You Know?
- Ruggeri captained Argentina in the final two games of the 1994 World Cup after Diego Maradona was expelled from the tournament.
- He played 97 international games for Argentina, a national record until Diego Simeone surpassed it.
- Ruggeri won the 1991 South American Footballer of the Year award.
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