Roque Santa Cruz facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Roque Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz with Paraguay in 2011
Personal information
Full name	Roque Luis Santa Cruz Cantero
Date of birth	(1981-08-16) 16 August 1981 (age 43)
Place of birth	Asunción, Paraguay
Height	1.93 m
Playing position	Striker
Club information
Current club	Libertad
Number	24
Youth career
1990–1997	Olimpia
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1997–1999	Olimpia	24	(13)
1999–2007	Bayern Munich	155	(31)
2005–2006	Bayern Munich II	6	(2)
2007–2009	Blackburn Rovers	57	(23)
2009–2013	Manchester City	20	(3)
2011	→ Blackburn Rovers (loan)	9	(0)
2011–2012	→ Betis (loan)	33	(7)
2012–2013	→ Málaga (loan)	31	(8)
2013–2014	Málaga	43	(9)
2015–2016	Cruz Azul	10	(4)
2015–2016	→ Málaga (loan)	17	(2)
2016–2021	Olimpia	148	(66)
2022–	Libertad	89	(16)
National team
1999	Paraguay U20	13	(6)
2000	Paraguay U23	4	(2)
1999–2016	Paraguay	112	(32)
Honours Representing  Paraguay Copa América Runner-up 2011 Argentina
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 8 May 2024. † Appearances (Goals).

Roque Luis Santa Cruz Cantero (born August 16, 1981) is a famous Paraguayan footballer. He plays as a striker for Paraguayan Primera División club Libertad. He holds the record for most goals scored for the Paraguay national team. He has also played over 100 games for his country. Many people consider him one of the best players in Paraguay's history. Roque Santa Cruz has scored goals in professional games across four different decades!

Roque started his career at Olimpia in Paraguay. He joined their youth team and made his first team debut at just 15 years old in 1997. He helped Olimpia win the Paraguayan league title three times before moving to Europe. In 1999, he joined German club Bundesliga side Bayern Munich. This transfer was the most expensive in Paraguayan football history at the time.

At Bayern Munich, Roque was part of a very successful team. He won many league titles, German Cups, and the UEFA Champions League in 2001. He also won the Intercontinental Cup. After eight years in Germany, he moved to Blackburn Rovers in England in 2007. He had a great first season there, scoring 19 goals. In 2009, he joined Manchester City. Later, he played on loan for Blackburn again and for Real Betis and Málaga in Spain.

Roque has played for Paraguay in three FIFA World Cup tournaments (2002, 2006, and 2010). He also played in several Copa América tournaments, helping Paraguay finish second in 2011. He retired from international football in 2016 but returned briefly in 2019.

Club Career Highlights

Starting at Olimpia Asunción

Early Years (1990–1999)

Roque Santa Cruz joined Olimpia Asunción's youth academy when he was nine. He was a top scorer in many seasons. At 15, he started training with the first team. His first game was on July 27, 1997, in the Primera División Paraguaya. He came on as a substitute in a big derby match.

In 1998, Roque scored his first goal in the 1998 Copa Mercosur against Racing Club. He scored two more goals against Vélez Sársfield, with both goals against famous goalkeeper José Luís Chilavert. These goals caught the attention of Bayern Munich. Olimpia won the 1998 Paraguayan league title, and Roque scored three goals in nine games.

In 1999, Roque scored 10 goals in 14 games as Olimpia won the league again. He also played in the 1999 Copa Libertadores. He scored two goals in a match against Cerro Porteño. Bayern Munich scouts, including Franz Beckenbauer, came to watch him play. Roque's father helped make the transfer to Bayern Munich happen. Roque was named the Paraguayan Footballer of the Year in 1999. He moved to Bayern Munich for US$7 million, which was a record for a Paraguayan player.

Time at Bayern Munich

First Season (1999–2000)

Santa Cruz with Bayern Munich

Roque Santa Cruz made his debut for Bayern Munich in the 1999–2000 Bundesliga season on August 22, 1999. He scored his first league goal six days later. He also played in the 1999–2000 UEFA Champions League, scoring his first Champions League goal against PSV. He finished his first season with five goals in 28 league games. Bayern won the Bundesliga title. He also played in the 1999–2000 DFB-Pokal final, which Bayern won 3–0.

Winning Trophies (2000–2003)

In the 2000–01 season, Roque helped Bayern win the German League Cup. He scored his first goal of the season in August. Despite some injuries, he scored five goals in 19 league games. Bayern Munich won both the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League titles that season.

For the 2001–02 season, Bayern signed another striker, Claudio Pizarro, which meant more competition for Roque. He scored his first goal of the season in September. In October, he scored two goals in a Champions League game against Feyenoord. Bayern also won the 2001 Intercontinental Cup in November. Roque finished the season with nine goals in 38 matches.

In the 2002–03 season, Roque scored his first Champions League goal of the season in October. He then scored in three games in a row for the first time with Bayern. Bayern won the Bundesliga title again, but Roque's appearances were limited due to injury. He scored eight goals in 19 matches that season.

Later Years at Bayern (2003–2007)

In the 2003–04 season, Bayern signed another striker, Roy Makaay. Roque still played in 29 league games, scoring five goals. Bayern finished second in the Bundesliga.

For the 2004–05 season, Roque helped Bayern win the German League Cup final. However, he suffered an injury that limited him to only four league games. Bayern won the Bundesliga and the German Cup that season.

In the 2005–06 season, Roque scored his first goal in October. He scored four goals in 13 league games before another injury. Bayern won the Bundesliga and the German Cup again.

In his final season, 2006–07, Roque scored in the Champions League against Spartak Moscow. He scored two goals in 26 league games. After eight years, he decided he needed a change. He left Bayern Munich in July 2007.

Moving to Blackburn Rovers

First Season in England (2007–2008)

Santa Cruz during his first spell with Blackburn

Roque Santa Cruz joined Blackburn Rovers in July 2007 on a four-year deal. He cost Blackburn £3.5 million. He made a fantastic debut in the 2007–08 Premier League on August 11. He came on as a substitute and scored an equalizer with his third touch of the ball!

He scored his first hat-trick for Blackburn in December, scoring three goals in a 5–3 loss to Wigan Athletic. He was named the Premier League Player of the Month for December 2007. He finished the season with 19 goals in 37 league games. He was the fourth top scorer in the league. Blackburn fans voted him their Player of the Season.

Second Season (2008–2009)

After his great first season, many clubs wanted to sign Roque. But he signed a new four-year contract with Blackburn in August 2008. His younger brother, Julio, also joined Blackburn. Roque scored his first goal of the 2008–09 Premier League season in August against Everton. He scored four goals in 20 league games that season.

Playing for Manchester City

Joining Manchester City (2009–2011)

On June 21, 2009, Roque Santa Cruz joined Manchester City for £17.5 million. He was reunited with his former Blackburn manager, Mark Hughes. Roque made his debut for Manchester City in September. He scored his first goal for the club in October in a League Cup game. In December, he scored two goals in a league game against Sunderland. However, he faced injuries and less playing time when Roberto Mancini became the manager. He scored three league goals in 19 games that season.

In the 2010–11 season, Roque wanted to leave Manchester City because he wasn't playing much. In January 2011, he returned to Blackburn Rovers on loan for the rest of the season. He played nine league games for Blackburn but did not score.

Loans in Spain

Real Betis (2011–2012)

In August 2011, Roque was loaned to Real Betis for the 2011–12 La Liga season. He debuted in September and scored his first two goals for Betis later that month. He scored seven goals in 33 league games for Betis. He said he wanted to stay with the club because he loved the fans.

Málaga CF (2012–2015)

Santa Cruz training with Malaga in 2012

Santa Cruz during the 2012–13 UEFA Champions League against Zenit Saint Petersburg

On August 31, 2012, Roque joined Málaga on a season-long loan. He played his first game in September and also appeared in the 2012–13 UEFA Champions League. He scored his first league goal for Málaga in October. In December, he scored two goals against Real Madrid. In March 2013, he scored a crucial goal in the Champions League against Porto, sending Málaga to the quarter-finals. He scored eight league goals in 31 games.

In July 2013, Roque signed a permanent three-year contract with Málaga. He said he was happy to stay for his family. He scored six league goals in the 2013–14 La Liga season. In the 2014–15 La Liga season, he became one of Málaga's team captains. He scored his first goal of the season in October. He left Málaga in December 2014.

Playing in Mexico

Roque joined Mexican club Cruz Azul in December 2014. It was reported that he would be the highest-paid player in the Mexican league. He debuted in January 2015. He scored his first league goal for Cruz Azul in March 2015 and scored two goals in another game in April.

Return to Málaga (Loan)

In August 2015, Roque returned to Málaga on a one-year loan. He scored in a cup game in December. He said he wanted to retire at Málaga. He scored his first league goal of the season in January 2016. After his loan ended, he decided to return to his first club, Olimpia.

Back to Olimpia Asunción

On June 6, 2016, Roque Santa Cruz returned to Olimpia after 17 years away. Fans greeted him at the airport. He officially rejoined the club on June 8. His first game back was in an international match against Boca Juniors. His league debut was on July 30, where he assisted a goal and then scored one himself.

He became a key player for Olimpia, especially in 2018 and 2019. He helped the club win four league titles in a row. When he left Olimpia in 2021, he was the club's second-highest goal scorer with 91 goals.

Joining Club Libertad

In December 2021, at 40 years old, Roque Santa Cruz signed with Libertad. This move caused some debate among Olimpia fans. He joined Libertad until the end of 2022.

In July 2022, at 40 years and 320 days old, he scored a goal in the Copa Libertadores. This made him the oldest player ever to score in the knockout stage of that competition. In May 2024, at 42 years old, he scored again in the Copa Libertadores, becoming the second-oldest goalscorer in the tournament's history.

International Career

Roque Santa Cruz has had a long and successful international career for Paraguay.

Youth and Early Senior Career (1999–2001)

In 1999, Roque played for Paraguay's Under-20 team. He then made his debut for the senior national team at age 17 in April 1999. He scored his first goal for Paraguay in June. In 1999, he scored 10 goals for Paraguay's youth and senior teams. He was named the Paraguayan Footballer of the Year for his performances.

In 2000, he played for the Under-23 team in a tournament but they did not qualify for the Olympics. He scored two goals in that tournament.

During the qualifiers for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Roque scored three goals for Paraguay.

World Cups and Copa América (2002–2011)

2002 FIFA World Cup

Roque was part of Paraguay's squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan. He scored in Paraguay's first group game against South Africa. He played in all of Paraguay's group matches. Paraguay reached the Round of 16, where they lost to Germany.

2006 FIFA World Cup

Roque recovered from a knee injury just in time for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He started in Paraguay's first two games against England and Sweden. He played the full 90 minutes in their win against Trinidad and Tobago, helping them score a goal. Paraguay finished third in their group.

2007 Copa América

Roque was selected for the 2007 Copa América. In Paraguay's first game, he scored a hat-trick in a 5–0 win against Colombia. He played in most of Paraguay's games as they reached the quarter-finals.

2010 FIFA World Cup

Roque scored three goals during the qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He helped Paraguay finish third in their group. In the World Cup itself, he came on as a substitute in the first game. He then started in the next two group matches and the Round of 16 game against Japan. Paraguay reached the quarter-finals for the first time ever, where they lost to eventual champions Spain.

2011 Copa América

Roque was a starter for Paraguay in the 2011 Copa América. He scored Paraguay's first goal in a 2–2 draw against Brazil. This goal made him the joint all-time leading goal scorer for Paraguay. Paraguay reached the final of the tournament but lost to Uruguay, finishing as runners-up.

Later International Career (2013–2016)

On June 7, 2013, Roque scored his 26th international goal in a World Cup qualifier against Chile. This made him the all-time leading goal scorer for the Paraguay national team. He scored two more goals in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and was the team captain for the last four games. Paraguay did not qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

In November 2014, he scored his 30th goal for the national team in a friendly against Peru.

2015 Copa América

Roque captained Paraguay in the 2015 Copa América. He played in five games as Paraguay finished in fourth place. He was also called up for the Copa América Centenario in 2016 but missed it due to injury. His last game for the national team was in November 2016.

Style of Play

Roque Santa Cruz is known for his great goalscoring ability. He is also good at making strong runs into the penalty box, causing problems for opposing defenders.

Personal Life

Roque Santa Cruz is a Spanish citizen. He married Giselle Tavarelli in 2003. Giselle is the sister of his former teammate, Ricardo Tavarelli. They have four children: Tobias, Fiorella, Benjamin, and Alaia. Roque is a Roman Catholic.

His father, Aproniano Santa Cruz, is also his agent. Roque has two younger brothers, Julio and Diego, who also played football. Sadly, another brother, Oscar, passed away in 2005.

Roque is good friends with his former Bayern Munich teammate, Owen Hargreaves. Owen taught Roque English.

In 2004, a German band called Sportfreunde Stiller wrote a song about him called "Ich, Roque" (I, Roque). Roque Santa Cruz has also been on the cover of the German version of the video game Pro Evolution Soccer 6.

In 2007, Roque became the 60th player to score a hat-trick in the history of the Copa América. In 2021, he said that Lilian Thuram, a former French defender, was the toughest defender he ever played against.

Honours and Awards

Club Trophies

Olimpia Asunción

• Paraguayan Primera División: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2018 (Apertura and Clausura), 2019 (Apertura and Clausura), 2020 (Clausura)
• Copa Paraguay: 2021
• Supercopa Paraguay: 2021

Bayern Munich

• Bundesliga: 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006
• DFB-Pokal (German Cup): 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006
• DFB-Ligapokal (German League Cup): 2000, 2004
• UEFA Champions League: 2001
• Intercontinental Cup: 2001

Libertad

• Paraguayan Primera División: 2022 (Apertura), 2023 (Apertura and Clausura)
• Copa Paraguay: 2023
• Supercopa Paraguay: 2023

International Awards

Paraguay

• Copa América runner-up: 2011

Individual Awards

• Blackburn Rovers Player of the Season: 2007–08
• Paraguayan Footballer of the Year: 1999, 2018
• Premier League Player of the Month: December 2007

See also

In Spanish: Roque Santa Cruz para niños

• Top international football goal scorers
• Footballers with 100+ international games
• Football records in Paraguay