Rolando Schiavi

Boca Juniors defender (2001–2005): 186 games, 22 goals, seven major titles.

Rolando Carlos Schiavi (born 18 January 1973) is an Argentine retired football defender, best known for his defining years at Boca Juniors. Between 2001 and 2005, he played 186 games for the club, netting 22 goals in total, with 122 of those appearances coming in league matches where he scored 12 times. His tenure was marked by immense success, securing seven major titles and one minor title during his time at La Bombonera.

Quick Facts

Full name: Rolando Carlos Schiavi
Height: 1.91 m / 6 ft 3 in
Born: 18 January 1973
Birthplace: Lincoln, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Position: Centre back

Lore & Background

Schiavi began his journey in the lower leagues with Argentino de Rosario before moving to Argentinos Juniors in 1995, where he spent six years honing his craft. His arrival at Boca Juniors in 2001 marked a turning point, transforming him into a central figure of the club's golden era. He played 186 games for the Xeneizes, contributing 22 goals and helping secure seven major titles. After departing for Spanish side Hércules CF in 2006 for €550,000, his European stint was brief. He returned to South America with Grêmio in 2007 before rejoining Argentina's Newell's Old Boys later that same year during the June–July transfer window. A standout moment occurred on 2 November 2008, when he scored the decisive penalty in a 1–0 victory over Rosario Central in the Rosario derby.

Reader's Guide

Following his retirement from playing, Schiavi transitioned into coaching, appointed assistant coach under Martín Palermo at Arsenal de Sarandí in April 2014. He held this role until the end of the year before moving on. On 9 January 2015, he took charge as the reserve team manager for his beloved Boca Juniors. He remained in this capacity until December 2019, when he was fired. Throughout his career, Schiavi's trophy cabinet grew with Argentine Primera División titles (2003 Apertura, 2005 Apertura), Copa Argentina (2012), Copa Libertadores (2003), Copa Sudamericana (2004, 2005), Recopa Sudamericana (2005), and the Intercontinental Cup (2003). He also added a Campeonato Gaúcho (2007) with Grêmio and another Copa Libertadores (2009) with Estudiantes.

Did You Know?

He made his international debut as an 80th-minute substitute for Sebastián Domínguez in a 1–0 loss to Paraguay.
Estudiantes de La Plata paid US$100,000 plus insurance and wages to loan Schiavi for the 2009 Copa Libertadores run.