Argentine Footballer of the Year: History of the Olimpia Award
In the world of South American sports, few accolades carry as much prestige as the Olimpia Awards. Among these, the Argentine Footballer of the Year—known formally in Spanish as the Olimpia de Plata al Mejor Futbolista (Silver Olimpia to the Best Footballer)—stands as the definitive recognition of excellence in association football within Argentina.
Presented annually every December in Buenos Aires, the award is bestowed by the Association of Sports Journalists of Argentina (Círculo de Periodistas Deportivos de la República Argentina). Since its inception 56 years ago in 1970, it has tracked the evolution of the game, from the domestic dominance of the 1970s to the global era of modern superstars.
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Evolution of the Award Criteria
The criteria for winning the Olimpia de Plata have shifted over the decades to reflect the changing landscape of professional football. Originally, the award was given to a single individual—either the best Argentine player of the season (regardless of where they played) or the best foreign player competing in the local league.
A significant milestone occurred in 1978 when Mario Kempes became the first Argentine playing abroad to receive the honor, following his pivotal role in Argentina's World Cup victory while playing for Valencia CF in Spain. Later, in 1985, Uruguayan legend Enzo Francescoli became the first foreign player to be named the Footballer of the Year while playing for River Plate.
The 2008 Split
Starting in 2008, the award was split into two distinct categories to ensure fair recognition across different competitive environments:
- Olimpia de Plata al Fútbol Local: Awarded to the best player competing within the Argentine domestic league.
- Olimpia de Plata al Fútbol del Exterior: Awarded to the best Argentine player competing in foreign leagues.
Key Facts
- Record Holder: Lionel Messi holds the all-time record with 16 wins.
- Consecutive Streak: Lionel Messi once won the award seven times in a row.
- First Recipient: Héctor Yazalde won the inaugural award in 1970.
- Current Holder: The 2024 award was won by Emiliano Martínez.
- Most Recent Winner: Ángel Di María is the 2025 recipient (his 2nd award).
- Governing Body: Presented by the Association of Sports Journalists of Argentina.
Historical Performance and Record Holders
The history of the Olimpia award is a mirror of Argentina's footballing golden ages. While the early years saw a variety of winners from clubs like Independiente and River Plate, the modern era has been defined by the unprecedented dominance of Lionel Messi.
Beyond Messi, the award has frequently recognized other icons of the sport. Diego Maradona and Juan Román Riquelme both secured the trophy four times, cementing their status as legendary figures in the Argentine game.
| Player | Total Wins |
|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 16 |
| Diego Maradona | 4 |
| Juan Román Riquelme | 4 |
| Juan Sebastián Verón | 2 |
| Carlos Tevez | 2 |
| Enzo Francescoli | 2 |
| Ángel Di María | 2 |
Notable Winners and Achievements
The award often coincides with major international triumphs. For instance, Emiliano Martínez won in 2024 following his success in the Copa América and receiving the Yashin Trophy. Similarly, Mario Kempes (1978) and Diego Maradona (1986) were honored during the years they led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory.
The award also recognizes versatility, honoring goalkeepers like Ubaldo Fillol (1977), Hugo Gatti (1982), and Sergio Goycochea (1990) for their exceptional contributions to the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won the Argentine Footballer of the Year award the most?
Lionel Messi holds the record with 16 wins, including a streak of seven consecutive awards.
What is the difference between the local and exterior awards?
Since 2008, the award has been split: the local award goes to the best player in the Argentine league, while the exterior award goes to the best Argentine player playing in a foreign league.
Who was the first foreign player to win the award?
Uruguayan player Enzo Francescoli was the first foreign footballer to receive the honor in 1985 while playing for River Plate.
When is the Olimpia award typically presented?
The award is presented annually in December in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Who is the current holder of the award?
As of the most recent records, Emiliano Martínez is the 2024 holder, and Ángel Di María has been awarded for 2025.