Julián Speroni facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Julián Speroni

Speroni warming up for Crystal Palace in 2015
Personal information
Full name	Julián Maria Speroni
Date of birth	(1979-05-18) 18 May 1979 (age 46)
Place of birth	Buenos Aires, Argentina
Height	1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position(s)	Goalkeeper
Youth career
1997–1999	Platense
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1999–2001	Platense	2	(0)
2001–2004	Dundee	92	(0)
2004–2019	Crystal Palace	371	(0)
Total		465	(0)
International career
1998	Argentina U20	1	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Julián Maria Speroni (born 18 May 1979) is a former professional football player from Argentina. He played as a goalkeeper.

Julián started his career at Platense in Argentina. He then played for three seasons in Scotland with Dundee. In 2004, he moved to Crystal Palace in England. For his first few years at Crystal Palace, he was often a backup goalkeeper. But after 2007, he became the main goalkeeper and played many important matches. He played a total of 405 games for Crystal Palace. Julián left Crystal Palace in May 2019.

Club Career Highlights

Playing for Dundee

Julián Speroni was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He began his career at Club Atlético Platense in his home country. After playing only two professional matches there, he moved to the Scottish team Dundee in 2001. The manager, Ivano Bonetti, had heard good things about Julián's potential.

Julián made his first appearance for Dundee in January 2002. It was a 1-1 draw in the Scottish Cup. He quickly became Dundee's main goalkeeper. He even kept his first "clean sheet" (meaning he didn't let any goals in) in a 1-0 win against Hibernian. Even though Dundee didn't have the best season, Julián was a bright spot.

Before the 2002–03 season, Julián signed a new contract with Dundee. He helped his team reach the Scottish Cup final in 2003. They played against Rangers but lost 1-0. Julián played 46 games that season.

In the 2003–04 season, Julián continued as Dundee's main goalkeeper. He played in his first UEFA Cup match, helping Dundee win 2-0 and keep a clean sheet. The club later faced financial problems. Despite this, Julián's strong performances helped Dundee finish seventh in the league. He played 46 games again that season.

After leaving Dundee, Julián was honored for his time there. In 2015, he had a special "testimonial match" against Dundee. He was also added to the Dundee Hall of Fame.

Time at Crystal Palace

Speroni training with Crystal Palace in 2011.

Julián Speroni joined Crystal Palace in July 2004. The team had just been promoted to the Premier League. He was given the number one shirt.

He made his first appearance for Crystal Palace in a 1-1 draw against Norwich City. However, he struggled in some early games and was replaced by another goalkeeper, Gábor Király. Crystal Palace was relegated from the Premier League that season. Julián played only eight games.

For the next two seasons (2005–06 and 2006–07), Julián was mostly a backup. He played in cup matches and a few league games when the main goalkeeper was injured or rested. He continued to work hard and wait for his chance.

Becoming a Key Player

In the 2007–08 season, Julián became Crystal Palace's main goalkeeper again. He played very well and regained his strong reputation. He helped the team go on a 15-match unbeaten streak. At the end of the season, he played in all 48 league matches. Julián also won the "Player of the Year" award for Crystal Palace. He signed a new contract to stay with the club until 2011.

Speroni taking a goal kick during a match against Watford on 19 April 2008.

Julián continued to be the first-choice goalkeeper in the 2008–09 season. He was a key player for Crystal Palace. He helped the team keep three clean sheets in a row. Even after a leg injury, he quickly returned to play. For the second year in a row, Julián was named Crystal Palace's "Player of the Year."

In the 2009–10 season, Julián was still a top player. He helped the team keep three clean sheets in a row again. Crystal Palace faced financial difficulties that season, which meant they lost points in the league. Despite this, Julián's excellent saves helped the team avoid being relegated to a lower league. He became the first player to win Crystal Palace's "Player of the Year" award three times in a row. He said he wanted to stay at the club for his whole career.

Continued Success and Records

Julián remained Crystal Palace's main goalkeeper in the 2010–11 season. He made his 200th appearance for the club in January 2011. He helped the team avoid relegation again that season.

In the 2011–12 season, Julián helped Crystal Palace set a new record. They went 619 minutes without letting in a goal! He also made his 250th appearance for the club.

The 2012–13 season was very exciting. Julián helped Crystal Palace go on a 14-match unbeaten run. He also saved a penalty kick in one game. He played a big part in Crystal Palace getting promoted back to the Premier League after eight years. They won the play-off final against Watford 1-0. Julián played 49 games that season.

Speroni (number one in a green shirt) prepares to defend, as West Ham United prepares to take a corner kick on 28 February 2015.

In the 2013–14 season, Julián played in the Premier League again after nine years. His strong performances helped Crystal Palace stay in the league. He kept three clean sheets in a row towards the end of the season. For the fourth time, Julián was named Crystal Palace's Player of the Year. He signed a new contract to stay with the club.

In the 2014–15 season, Julián continued to be the main goalkeeper. He broke a club record by making his 347th league appearance for Crystal Palace as a goalkeeper. This was more than any other goalkeeper in the club's history. He signed another one-year contract extension.

Later Years at Palace

In the 2015–16 season, Julián became the third-choice goalkeeper. He played only two games that season. He was an unused substitute in the FA Cup final, which Crystal Palace lost. He signed another contract extension.

For the 2016–17 season, Julián was still the third-choice goalkeeper. He made his 389th appearance for the club in an FA Cup match, breaking another club record. He also kept his 108th clean sheet.

In the 2017–18 season, Julián was the second-choice goalkeeper. He captained Crystal Palace for the first time in a League Cup match. He also made his 400th appearance for the club. He said he felt great and wanted to keep playing for a few more years.

In his final season, 2018–19, Julián was the third-choice goalkeeper. He played his last game for Crystal Palace in an FA Cup match, keeping a clean sheet. He was given the Chairman's Award for his amazing contributions to the club. On 9 May 2019, it was announced that Julián would leave Crystal Palace after 15 years. He received a guard of honor from his teammates and gave a farewell speech.

During his time at Crystal Palace, Julián became a huge fan favorite. Supporters loved him, and he was known as "one of the nicest guys in football." He even considered himself a fan of the club.

Post-Playing Career

After leaving Crystal Palace in 2019, Julián Speroni initially said he wanted to keep playing football. However, he did not find another club and decided to retire from professional football after 20 years. He had hinted before that he might become a coach. In October 2022, he returned to Crystal Palace to work as a coach in the club's youth academy.

International Career

In 1998, Julián Speroni was part of the Argentina U20 squad. He played one match for the team. He often said he hoped to be called up to the main senior team, but it never happened during his career.

Personal Life

Julián Speroni was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He grew up in a working-class family and started playing football at age eight. He almost quit once, but his coach convinced him to keep playing. Julián also has an Italian passport because of his grandfather.

He is a Christian and supports an organization called Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), which works for religious freedom. Besides Spanish, he also speaks English. Julián is married to his childhood sweetheart, Marina, who is an artist. They have three children, all born in England.

Julián used to own a restaurant in Purley, south London, called "Speroni's." It closed in 2016 due to building problems. He also did a lot of charity work while playing for Crystal Palace.

Career statistics

Honours

Crystal Palace

• Football League Championship play-offs: 2013
• FA Cup runner-up: 2015–16

Individual

• Crystal Palace Player of the Year: 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2013–14

See also

In Spanish: Julián Speroni para niños