Ezequiel Barco
Argentine attacking midfielder and winger for Spartak Moscow, formerly of Atlanta United.
Esequiel Omar Barco (born 29 March 1999) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder and winger for Russian Premier League team Spartak Moscow.
- Tenure
- 2018–2022
Lore & Background
Born in Villa Gobernador Gálvez, Barco began his career with Independiente. He was promoted to the first team and made his debut during the 2016–17 season. Barco played two seasons with Independiente before signing with American side Atlanta United in 2018. At the international level, Barco has represented Argentina at the under-20's.
In Their Own Story
The stadium hummed with noise as the referee placed the ball on the spot. It was a quiet moment amidst the roar of the Georgia Dome crowd, just before the transfer to Mercedes-Benz Stadium fully took hold in fan memory. Barco stepped up, eyes locked on the far post. He didn't rush; he breathed. The strike curled perfectly over the wall, dipping into the top corner against New York City FC. For that brief second, time stopped. It wasn't just a goal; it was a statement of intent for the franchise.
Reader's Guide
Barco joined Atlanta United on 19 January 2018 as a designated player. He made his debut on 15 April 2018 against New York City FC and scored his first goal on 5 May 2018 against the Chicago Fire. He was a substitute in MLS Cup 2018, the Campeones Cup, and started in the U.S. Open Cup final in 2019. He later joined River Plate on loan in January 2022, with the move becoming permanent on 1 January 2024. He signed a three-year contract with Spartak Moscow on 25 July 2024.
Did You Know?
- Barco's transfer fee to Atlanta United was reported to be $15 million, a club record for Atlanta United at the time.
- He scored the equalizer in the second leg of the 2017 Copa Sudamericana Final via a penalty kick.
- Barco won the MLS Cup, U.S. Open Cup, and Campeones Cup with Atlanta United.
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