Ezequiel Lavezzi: The Dynamic Career of Argentina's Versatile Forward
Ezequiel Iván Lavezzi, known affectionately as el Pocho ("the Chubby One"), established himself as one of the most exciting forwards of his generation. From the competitive leagues of Argentina to the glamour of Paris and the tactical rigors of Italy, Lavezzi's career was defined by his pace, creativity, and ability to perform on the biggest stages of world football.
Born on May 3, 1985, in Villa Gobernador Gálvez, Argentina, Lavezzi's journey took him through several of the world's most prestigious clubs, where he evolved from a promising youth talent into a seasoned international veteran.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Ezequiel Iván Lavezzi
- Positions: Forward and Winger
- Major Club Honors: 3 Ligue 1 titles, 1 Coppa Italia, 2 Coupes de la Ligue, and 1 Coupe de France.
- International Success: Olympic Gold Medal (2008), FIFA World Cup Runner-up (2014).
- Career Total: 460 club appearances and 137 goals.
Early Career and Rise in Argentina
Lavezzi began his footballing journey in the youth ranks of Coronel Aguirre, Boca Juniors, and Estudiantes. He made his professional breakthrough at Estudiantes (BA), where he impressed during the 2003–04 season with 17 goals in 39 appearances.
His potential caught the eye of Italian side Genoa, who purchased him in 2004 for €1 million. However, he was immediately loaned back to Argentina to play for San Lorenzo. At just 19 years old, Lavezzi became a standout performer in the Apertura 2004 tournament, finishing as the fourth top scorer with eight goals.
The Napoli Era: Becoming a Star
In 2007, Lavezzi signed with Napoli, a move that would define the peak of his individual brilliance. He made an immediate impact, scoring the first hat-trick by a Napoli player in 14 years during a Coppa Italia match against Pisa. His league debut goal against Udinese on September 2, 2007, sparked media acclaim, with reports proclaiming that "Napoli's star is born."
Lavezzi's time in Naples was marked by high-energy performances and a strong partnership with strike partner Edinson Cavani. He became a key figure in the club's resurgence, scoring crucial goals in the Champions League against Chelsea and Internazionale. The pinnacle of his tenure came on May 20, 2012, when Napoli defeated Juventus 2–0 to win the Coppa Italia, the club's first trophy in over two decades.
Success in France with Paris Saint-Germain
Lavezzi's success in Italy led to a €26.5 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on July 2, 2012. In France, he transitioned from a primary star to a vital component of a star-studded squad. He played a pivotal role in PSG's dominance of French football, helping the club secure three consecutive Ligue 1 titles.
Beyond domestic league success, Lavezzi was instrumental in PSG's European ambitions. He scored key goals against Dynamo Kyiv and Valencia CF, helping the club reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 1995. During his time in Paris, he also won two Coupes de la Ligue and one Coupe de France.
Final Chapter in China
In February 2016, Lavezzi moved to the Chinese Super League, signing a two-year deal with Hebei China Fortune. While his time in China was productive—scoring 35 goals in 74 appearances—his debut season was hampered by an injury sustained while on international duty during the Copa América.
International Career with Argentina
Lavezzi represented the Argentina national team from 2007 to 2017. His international journey began with a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he scored two goals during the tournament.
He was a mainstay in the squad during a period of high achievement and heartbreak. Lavezzi helped Argentina reach the final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, providing assists for Lionel Messi and Marcos Rojo. He also reached the finals of the 2015 Copa América and the 2016 Copa América Centenario.
One of his most memorable international performances came during the Copa América Centenario in 2016, where he was named Man of the Match in a victory over Bolivia and scored in the semi-final against the United States before a broken elbow ruled him out of the final.
Career Summary
| Team/National Team | Appearances | Goals | Major Honors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estudiantes (BA) | 39 | 17 | - |
| San Lorenzo | 84 | 25 | Argentine Primera División (2007) |
| Napoli | 156 | 38 | Coppa Italia (2012) |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 107 | 22 | 3x Ligue 1, 1x Coupe de France |
| Hebei China Fortune | 74 | 35 | - |
| Argentina (Senior) | 51 | 9 | World Cup Runner-up (2014) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Lavezzi's nickname and what does it mean?
Lavezzi was known as "el Pocho," which translates to "the Chubby One."
Which clubs did Ezequiel Lavezzi play for during his professional career?
He played for Estudiantes (BA), San Lorenzo, Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain, and Hebei China Fortune.
What are Lavezzi's most significant achievements with the Argentina national team?
His most significant achievements include winning an Olympic Gold Medal in 2008 and finishing as a runner-up in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, as well as the 2015 and 2016 Copa América tournaments.
How much was Lavezzi's transfer fee from Napoli to PSG?
Paris Saint-Germain paid a transfer fee of €26.5 million to acquire Lavezzi from Napoli in 2012.
Did Lavezzi win any trophies in France?
Yes, during his time at PSG, he won three Ligue 1 championships, two Coupes de la Ligue, one Coupe de France, and one Trophée des Champions.