Juan Román Riquelme facts for kids

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Juan Román Riquelme

Riquelme in 2019
Personal information
Full name	Juan Román Riquelme
Date of birth	(1978-06-24) 24 June 1978 (age 46)
Place of birth	San Fernando, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Height	1.82 m (5 ft 11+1⁄2 in)
Playing position	Attacking midfielder
Club information
Current club	Boca Juniors (president)
Youth career
1992–1996	Argentinos Juniors
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1996–2002	Boca Juniors	151	(38)
2002–2005	Barcelona	30	(3)
2003–2005	→ Villarreal (loan)	68	(23)
2005–2007	Villarreal	38	(13)
2007	→ Boca Juniors (loan)	15	(2)
2007–2014	Boca Juniors	126	(24)
2014–2015	Argentinos Juniors	15	(3)
Total		443	(106)
National team
1997–1998	Argentina U20	21	(7)
2000	Argentina U23	3	(1)
2008	Argentina Olympic (O.P.)	6	(1)
1997–2008	Argentina	51	(17)
Honours Men's football Representing  Argentina Summer Olympics Gold 2008 Beijing Team FIFA U-20 World Cup Winner 1997 Malaysia South American Youth Football Championship Winner 1997 Chile Copa América Runner-up 2007 Venezuela FIFA Confederations Cup Runner-up 2005 Germany
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Juan Román Riquelme (born June 24, 1978) is a famous Argentine former professional footballer. He is now the president of Boca Juniors, a club where he played most of his career. Many people think he is one of the greatest playmakers of all time.

Riquelme played as an attacking midfielder from 1996 to 2015. He started his career with Boca Juniors, winning many titles. These included five Primera División titles, three Copa Libertadores, and one Intercontinental Cup. In 2002, he moved to Barcelona in Spain. His time there was short because he didn't get along well with the coach, Louis van Gaal. Riquelme then joined Villarreal, first on loan and then permanently. He helped Villarreal finish third in the league in 2004–05 La Liga and reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time.

Riquelme went back to Boca Juniors in 2007. He won the Copa Libertadores again, becoming the top scorer and best player. He later won two more league titles and a Copa Argentina with Boca. Riquelme announced he would leave Boca in 2012 after losing the Copa Libertadores final. After a break, he returned to play for Boca in 2013. He officially left in 2014 when his contract was not renewed. He briefly played for Argentinos Juniors in 2014 before retiring in January 2015.

For the Argentina national team, Riquelme had great success as a youth player. He won the 1997 South American U-20 Championship and the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship. He played 57 times for the senior team between 1997 and 2008, scoring 17 goals. He also played in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Riquelme captained the Olympic team to a gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics with Lionel Messi.

Riquelme was named Argentina's footballer of the year four times. He was also the South American Footballer of the Year in 2001. He was nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2006 and 2007. He was also nominated for the Ballon d'Or in 2005 and 2007.

Club Career

Early Years

Riquelme was born into a large family, one day before Argentina won the 1978 World Cup. He started playing football in his hometown, San Fernando. He tried out for the junior teams of Argentinos Juniors and was signed. He played as a central midfielder. Both Boca Juniors and River Plate noticed him when he was a youth player. In 1996, Riquelme moved from Argentinos Juniors to Boca Juniors.

Boca Juniors (1996–2001)

On November 10, 1996, Riquelme made his first team debut for Boca Juniors at age 18. This was in a 2–0 win against Unión de Santa Fe. Two weeks later, he scored his first goal. Riquelme helped Boca end a long period without winning championships. In 1998, coach Carlos Bianchi joined the team and trusted Riquelme to lead.

Riquelme, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, and Martín Palermo formed a strong attacking group. Boca won the 1998 Apertura title without losing a game. This also qualified them for the 2000 Copa Libertadores. The team had a very successful season, winning the 1999 Clausura and going 40 games undefeated. Riquelme was chosen for the South American Team of the Year.

In the 1999–2000 season, Boca won the Copa Libertadores again. They beat Palmeiras in a penalty shootout. Riquelme played very well, especially against rivals River Plate. Boca's success continued in the 2000–01 season, winning the Apertura 2000. The biggest moment was the Intercontinental Cup final against Real Madrid. Boca won the match, and Riquelme was a star, helping with a goal and controlling the game. In 2001, Boca won the Copa Libertadores again, beating Mexican Cruz Azul in the finals. Riquelme was named the MVP of the tournament and also won the South American Footballer of the Year award.

Riquelme's last season at Boca (2001–02) was not as successful. Coach Carlos Bianchi left, and Riquelme had disagreements with the club president about his contract.

Barcelona (2002–03)

In July 2002, Riquelme moved to Barcelona in Spain. He had played seven successful seasons with Boca Juniors, winning many titles. Before he left, his brother was kidnapped. Riquelme helped get his brother released, which was one reason he decided to leave Boca.

The Barcelona coach, Louis van Gaal, did not seem to want Riquelme. He rarely played him and often put him in a different position, like a winger. Riquelme found it hard to play his best. He mostly played in the Copa del Rey and scored one goal in the UEFA Champions League. The team struggled, and Van Gaal was fired. Riquelme's situation did not improve much.

Villarreal (2003–06)

Riquelme, with Diego Forlán and Sebastián Viera, during a training session with Villarreal in 2005

When Barcelona signed Ronaldinho, they had too many foreign players. So, Riquelme was loaned to Villarreal for two years. He played with other Argentine players there.

At the end of the 2004–05 season, a Spanish newspaper called Marca gave Riquelme the "Most Artistic Player" award. He was also nominated for the 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year award. He scored 15 goals in 35 games, his best record yet. Villarreal finished in third place, their highest ever. To keep him, Villarreal bought most of his rights from Barcelona. They also gave Riquelme a four-year contract.

On April 25, 2006, Villarreal reached the Champions League semi-finals. In the second game against Arsenal, the goalkeeper saved a penalty kick from Riquelme. If he had scored, the game would have gone to extra time. The game ended 0–0, and Villarreal was knocked out.

Return to Boca Juniors (2007–14)

2007 Loan

After some problems at Villarreal, Riquelme agreed to a five-month loan back to Boca Juniors in February 2007. He joined Boca for the 2007 Torneo Clausura. He scored his first goal back at Boca in a 1–1 draw against Independiente. His first goal in the 2007 Copa Libertadores came against Toluca. Boca finished second in their group and moved to the knockout stages.

In the knockout stages, Boca faced Vélez Sarsfield and Club Libertad. Riquelme scored important goals in these games. In the semi-finals against Cúcuta Deportivo, Riquelme scored a free kick. Boca won and reached the 2007 Copa Libertadores Final against Grêmio.

In the first game of the final, Riquelme helped with a goal and then scored one himself. Boca won 3–0. In the second game, Riquelme scored two more goals, helping Boca win their sixth Copa Libertadores title. Boca Juniors then qualified for the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup. Riquelme was named the Most Valuable Player of the competition.

2007–08 Season

In August 2007, Boca Juniors tried to sign Riquelme permanently. The negotiations were difficult because Villarreal wanted a high price. On August 30, 2007, it was announced that Atlético Madrid had signed Riquelme, but the deal fell through. On November 26, 2007, Riquelme and Villarreal agreed that he could return to Boca Juniors in January 2008.

Boca paid a large fee to buy Riquelme, making it the most expensive transfer for an Argentine player at the time. Riquelme signed a contract until 2010. He could not play in the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup because he was not registered in time.

During the 2007–08 Argentine Primera División season, Riquelme played ten league games and scored one goal. He helped Boca win the Superclásico against River Plate. In the 2008 Copa Libertadores, Riquelme scored four goals. Boca reached the semi-finals but lost to Fluminense.

2008–09 Season

In August 2008, Riquelme scored a free-kick in the 2008 Recopa Sudamericana to help Boca Juniors win the title.

2009–10 Season

Two moments of Riquelme during his second tenure on Boca Juniors, (left): in the 2009 Audi Cup; (right): in a friendly v RCD Espanyol in 2011

On April 12, 2010, Riquelme scored a goal in Boca's 4–0 win against Arsenal de Sarandí.

2011–12 Season

Riquelme played his first game of the 2011–12 Argentine Primera División season in June 2011. He scored his first goal in August. Boca finished first in the 2011 Torneo Clausura, winning the title without losing a game. This qualified them for the 2012 Copa Libertadores.

Riquelme also played in the 2011–12 Copa Argentina. He helped Boca win a penalty shootout against Deportivo Santamarina. He scored important goals in the 2012 Torneo Clausura and the 2012 Copa Libertadores. Boca finished second in their group and moved to the knockout stages.

Boca played against Unión Española from Chile in the round of 16. Riquelme scored and assisted goals, helping Boca win both games. In the quarter-finals, Boca faced Fluminense. Riquelme helped Boca score the only goal in the first game. Boca won the tie and reached the semi-finals. Boca then beat Deportivo Merlo in the Copa Argentina semi-finals.

After beating club Universidad de Chile in the Copa Libertadores semi-finals, Boca played Corinthians in the final. Boca lost 3–1 over two games. After the loss, Riquelme announced he would leave the club. He said he did not have enough energy to continue playing. Boca later won the 2011–12 Copa Argentina without Riquelme.

2013–14 Season

On February 8, 2013, it was confirmed that Riquelme would return to Boca Juniors. He played a key role in a match against Corinthians in the Copa Libertadores, scoring a goal and helping Boca win.

On March 30, 2014, Riquelme scored a free kick in the Superclásico against River Plate. However, Boca still lost the game 2–1.

Argentinos Juniors (2014)

On July 17, 2014, Riquelme signed with Argentinos Juniors. He scored his first goal for his new club in his very first game.

Retirement

On January 25, 2015, Riquelme officially announced his retirement from football. He thanked the Paraguayan club Cerro Porteño, who had offered him a contract. Riquelme's farewell match happened eight years later, on June 25, 2023, in Buenos Aires. Boca Juniors played against the Argentina national team. Lionel Messi captained the Argentina team. Boca won the match 5–3.

International Career

Youth Teams

1997 South American Youth Championship

In 1997, Riquelme was called up to the Argentina national under-20 football team. This was for the 1997 South American Youth Championship in Chile. He played in all 9 games and scored three goals. Argentina won the tournament, their second South American Youth Championship. Riquelme was chosen for the team of the tournament. Argentina's win meant they qualified for the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship in Malaysia.

1997 FIFA World Youth Championship

Riquelme was the captain of Argentina for the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship. He played in all three group stage games. He scored against Hungary and Canada. In the final group game against Australia, Riquelme scored a penalty. Argentina finished second in their group and moved to the next stage. They beat England, Brazil, and the Republic of Ireland. In the final, they came from behind to beat Uruguay 2–1. Argentina won their third FIFA World Youth Championship. Riquelme scored four goals in the tournament.

1998 Toulon Tournament

In May 1998, Riquelme was again part of Argentina's under-20 team for the 1998 Toulon Tournament in France. Argentina won the final 2–0 against France. Riquelme played all five matches and was named the best player of the tournament.

Senior Team

1999 Copa América

Riquelme was part of Argentina's squad for the 1999 Copa América in Paraguay. He played in Argentina's first group game, a 3–1 win against Ecuador. He also played against Colombia and Uruguay. Argentina finished second in their group and faced Brazil in the quarter-finals. Argentina lost 2–1.

2005 FIFA Confederations Cup

Riquelme #8 before the kick-off of the final

Riquelme was chosen for the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup in June. He scored in Argentina's first game against Tunisia. He also scored two penalties against Australia and Germany. Argentina finished with seven points and moved to the next round.

On June 26, Argentina faced Mexico in the semi-final. The game was tied, and Argentina won 6–5 on penalties. On June 29, Argentina played Brazil in the final. Argentina lost 4–1. Riquelme received the Silver Ball award as the second-best player in the tournament.

2006 FIFA World Cup

Riquelme was in Argentina's squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He wore the number 10 shirt for the first time. Argentina was in a tough group with Netherlands, Serbia and Montenegro, and the Ivory Coast. On June 10, he started in Argentina's first game against Ivory Coast. He helped Javier Saviola score a goal.

On June 16, Argentina beat Serbia and Montenegro 6–0. Riquelme was key in a play that led to a goal after 24 passes. He also helped Hernán Crespo score. Riquelme was named Man of the Match. Argentina drew 0–0 with the Netherlands and finished first in their group.

On June 24, Argentina faced Mexico in the round of 16. Riquelme helped Hernán Crespo score a goal from a corner kick. Argentina won in extra time. Argentina then faced hosts Germany in the quarter-finals. Riquelme helped Roberto Ayala score from a corner kick, giving Argentina a 1–0 lead. Germany later equalized, and the game went to a penalty shootout. Germany won 4–2.

2007 Copa América

Riquelme #10 celebrates a goal against Peru at the 2007 Copa América

On June 26, 2007, Riquelme was called up to the national team for the 2007 Copa América. He played in Argentina's first game, a 4–1 win against the United States. On July 2, Riquelme scored two goals against Colombia.

Argentina won all their group games. On July 8, Argentina faced Peru in the quarter-finals. Riquelme scored two more goals and helped Messi score. In the semi-final on July 11, Argentina beat Mexico 3–0. Riquelme helped with the first goal and scored his fifth goal of the tournament from a penalty. On July 15, Argentina faced Brazil in the final. Argentina lost 3–0. Riquelme scored five goals in the tournament, making him the second-highest goalscorer.

2008 Summer Olympics

Riquelme scoring a penalty against Brazil

In August 2008, Riquelme was chosen as an older player for Argentina's squad for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. He was also named captain. Argentina was in Group A with Ivory Coast, Australia, and Serbia. On August 7, Riquelme played in Argentina's first game, a 2–1 win against Ivory Coast. Argentina won all their group games.

On August 16, Argentina beat the Netherlands 2–1 in the quarter-finals. On August 19, Argentina faced Brazil in the semi-finals. Riquelme scored a penalty, helping Argentina win 3–0. On August 23, Argentina played Nigeria in the final. Argentina won 1–0, winning their second gold medal in a row at the Summer Olympics.

Style of Play

Juan Román Riquelme was known as a "classic number ten" in football. This means he was a very creative attacking midfielder. He was famous for his elegant style, great passing, and vision on the field. He could see plays before they happened and make amazing passes. He was also good at controlling the ball and dribbling.

Riquelme usually played behind the strikers, helping to set up goals. He could also play deeper in midfield, controlling the pace of the game. He is seen as one of the "last true number 10s" because of his unique playmaking skills. He was also excellent at taking free kicks. While very talented, he was not very fast and sometimes had disagreements with coaches.

Second Vice-President

On December 8, 2019, Juan Román Riquelme was elected as the Second Vice-President of Boca Juniors. He was part of a team that won with a record number of votes. They officially started their roles on December 13, 2019.

On March 7, 2020, Riquelme won his first title as Second Vice-President. Boca Juniors won the 2019–20 Superliga.

In 2023, Riquelme ran for the overall club presidency and won with almost 65% of the votes. This election had a very high number of members voting.

Personal Life

Riquelme's brother, Sebastián, is also a professional footballer.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Scores and results list Argentina's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Riquelme goal.

List of international goals scored by Juan Román Riquelme

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	30 April 2003	June 11 Stadium, Tripoli, Libya	Libya	2–1	3–1	Friendly
2	17 November 2004	El Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina	Venezuela	2–1	3–2	2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
3	8 June 2005	El Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina	Brazil	2–0	3–1	2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
4	15 June 2005	Stadium Cologne, Cologne, Germany	Tunisia	1–0	2–1	2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
5	18 June 2005	EasyCredit-Stadion, Nuremberg, Germany	Australia	2–0	4–2	2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
6	21 June 2005	EasyCredit-Stadion, Nuremberg, Germany	Germany	1–1	2–2	2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
7	9 October 2005	El Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina	Peru	1–0	2–0	2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
8	16 November 2005	Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha, Qatar	Qatar	1–0	3–0	Friendly
9	2 July 2007	José Pachencho Romero, Maracaibo, Venezuela	Colombia	2–1	4–2	2007 Copa América
10				3–1
11	8 July 2007	Estadio Metropolitano, Barquisimeto, Venezuela	Peru	1–0	4–0	2007 Copa América
12				4–0
13	11 July 2007	Polideportivo Cachamay, Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela	Mexico	3–0	3–0	2007 Copa América
14	13 October 2007	El Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina	Chile	1–0	2–0	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
15				2–0
16	17 November 2007	El Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina	Bolivia	2–0	3–0	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
17				3–0

Honours

Boca Juniors

• Argentine Primera División: 1998 Apertura, 1999 Clausura, 2000 Apertura, 2008 Apertura, 2011 Apertura
• Copa Argentina: 2012
• Copa Libertadores: 2000, 2001, 2007
• Recopa Sudamericana: 2008
• Intercontinental Cup: 2000

Villarreal

• UEFA Intertoto Cup: 2004

Argentina U20

• FIFA World Youth Championship: 1997
• South American U-20 Championship: 1997

Argentina U21

• Toulon Tournament: 1998

Argentina U23

• Olympic Gold Medal: 2008

Argentina

• Copa América runner-up: 2007
• FIFA Confederations Cup runner-up: 2005

Individual

• Toulon Tournament Best Player: 1998
• South American Team of the Year: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2008, 2011
• Argentine Footballer of the Year: 2000, 2001, 2008, 2011
• Copa Libertadores Most Valuable Player: 2001, 2007
• South American Footballer of the Year: 2001
• La Liga Don Balón Award (Foreign Player of the Year): 2004–05
• Most Artistic Player by Marca: 2005
• FIFA Confederations Cup Silver Ball: 2005
• FIFA World Cup top assist provider: 2006
• Copa Libertadores Player of the Week: May 8–10/2012
• The Best Argentine midfielder by Olé: 2012
• The Best local Argentine player by Olé: 2012
• The Historical Team for Copa Libertadores of all time
• FIFPro World XI Nominee: 2006, 2007
• Ballon d'Or Nominee: 2005, 2007 (14th)

See also

In Spanish: Juan Román Riquelme para niños