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{{short description|Argentine footballer and manager}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Fernando Gago
| image = Fernando Gago (Roda de premsa).jpg
| upright = 
| caption = Gago with [[Real Madrid]] in 2010
| full_name = Fernando Rubén Gago<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2014/pdf/fwc_2014_squadlists.pdf |title=2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil: List of players: Argentina |publisher=FIFA|page=2 |date=14 July 2014 |access-date=11 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404045541/http://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2014/pdf/fwc_2014_squadlists.pdf |archive-date=4 April 2019}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1986|4|10|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Ciudadela, Buenos Aires|Ciudadela]], Argentina
| height = 1.78 m<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bocajuniors.com.ar/futbol/plantel-futbol/fernando-gago|title=Fernando Gago|access-date=2 October 2017|website=bocajuniors.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409234940/http://www.bocajuniors.com.ar/futbol/plantel-futbol/fernando-gago|archive-date=9 April 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| position = [[Defensive midfielder]]
| currentclub = [[Club Necaxa|Necaxa]] (head coach)
| youthyears1 = 1991–2004
| youthclubs1 = [[Boca Juniors]]
| years1 = 2004–2006
| clubs1 = [[Boca Juniors]]
| caps1 = 61
| goals1 = 1
| years2 = 2007–2012
| clubs2 = [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]]
| caps2 = 92
| goals2 = 1
| years3 = 2011–2012
| clubs3 = → [[A.S. Roma|Roma]] (loan)
| caps3 = 30
| goals3 = 1
| years4 = 2012–2013
| clubs4 = [[Valencia CF|Valencia]]
| caps4 = 13
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2013
| clubs5 = → [[Club Atlético Vélez Sársfield|Vélez Sársfield]] (loan)
| caps5 = 3
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2013–2019
| clubs6 = [[Boca Juniors]]
| caps6 = 85
| goals6 = 5
| years7 = 2019–2020
| clubs7 = [[Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield|Vélez Sarsfield]]
| caps7 = 14
| goals7 = 0
| totalcaps = 298
| totalgoals = 8
| nationalyears1 = 2003
| nationalteam1 = [[Argentina national under-17 football team|Argentina U17]]
| nationalcaps1 = 5
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2005
| nationalteam2 = [[Argentina national under-20 football team|Argentina U20]]
| nationalcaps2 = 15
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2008
| nationalteam3 = [[Argentina national under-23 football team|Argentina U23]]
| nationalcaps3 = 9
| nationalgoals3 = 0
| nationalyears4 = 2007–2017
| nationalteam4 = [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]]
| nationalcaps4 = 61
| nationalgoals4 = 0
| manageryears1 = 2021
| managerclubs1 = [[Club Atlético Aldosivi|Aldosivi]]
| manageryears2 = 2021–2023
| managerclubs2 = [[Racing Club de Avellaneda|Racing Club]]
| manageryears3 = 2024
| managerclubs3 = [[C.D. Guadalajara|Guadalajara]]
| manageryears4 = 2024–2025
| managerclubs4 = [[Boca Juniors]]
| manageryears5 = 2025–
| managerclubs5 = [[Club Necaxa|Necaxa]]
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's [[Association football|football]]}}
{{Medal|Country|{{fb|ARG}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Olympic Games]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[2008 Summer Olympics|2008 Beijing]]|[[Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|Team]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[FIFA U-20 World Cup]]}}
{{Medal|Winner|[[2005 FIFA World Youth Championship|2005 Netherlands]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[FIFA World Cup]]}} 
{{Medal|RU|[[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014 Brazil]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Copa América]]}} 
{{Medal|RU|[[2015 Copa América|2015 Chile]]|}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2007 Copa América|2007 Venezuela]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[FIFA U-17 World Cup]]}}
{{MedalBronze|[[2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship|2003 Finland]]|}}
}}
'''Fernando Rubén Gago''' ({{IPA|es|feɾˈnando ˈɣaɣo}};<ref>Surname in isolation: {{IPA|es|ˈgaɣo|}}.</ref> born 10 April 1986) is an Argentine football [[Manager (association football)|manager]] and former player. He is the current head coach of [[Liga MX]] club [[Club Necaxa|Necaxa]].

During his 16-year club career, limited by multiple serious injuries, Gago played as a [[defensive midfielder]] and [[Playmaker#Deep-lying playmakers|deep-lying playmaker]] for [[Boca Juniors]], [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]], [[A.S. Roma|Roma]], [[Valencia CF|Valencia]] and [[Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield|Vélez Sarsfield]].<ref name=minuto>{{cite news |title=Todas las lesiones de Fernando Gago: perdió más de tres años de carrera por sus lesiones|trans-title=All of Fernando Gago's injuries: he lost more than three years of his career through injuries |url=https://www.minutouno.com/deportes/por-micaela-mora/todas-las-lesiones-fernando-gago-perdio-mas-tres-anos-carrera-sus-lesiones-n5080345 |access-date=10 May 2022 |publisher=Minuto Uno |date=1 February 2020 |language=Spanish}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Fernando Gago se retira; el futbolista de cristal al que las lesiones destrozaron|trans-title=Fernando Gago retires; the footballer made of glass who was destroyed by injuries |url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/fernando-gago-se-retira-futbolista-de-cristal-5-lesiones-gravisimas |access-date=10 May 2022 |date=10 November 2020 |language=Spanish}}</ref>

A full international from 2007 to 2017, Gago represented [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]] at the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]] and at the [[Copa América]] in [[2007 Copa América|2007]], [[2011 Copa América|2011]] and [[2015 Copa América|2015]], as well as winning a gold medal at the [[Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|2008 Olympics]].

As a manager, he led [[Club Atlético Aldosivi|Aldosivi]] and [[Racing Club de Avellaneda|Racing Club]] in the [[Argentine Primera División]], winning two [[super cup]] honours.

==Club career==

===Boca Juniors===
Born in [[Ciudadela, Buenos Aires|Ciudadela]], [[Greater Buenos Aires]], Gago came from the youth divisions of [[Boca Juniors]]. He had his professional debut with Boca in the 1–0 victory over [[Quilmes Atlético Club|Quilmes]] on 5 December 2004, in the Torneo Apertura.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pintita: aniversario y Copa|trans-title=''Pintita'': anniversary and Copa|url=https://www.ole.com.ar/boca-juniors/fernando-gago-debut-boca-2004-quilmes_0_6HKscaoVL.html |access-date=10 May 2022 |work=[[Olé (sports newspaper)|Olé]] |date=5 December 2018 |language=Spanish}}</ref> On 1 October 2006, he scored the first professional goal of his career and the only one of his initial Boca spell in a 3–2 win over [[Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield|Vélez Sarsfield]] at [[La Bombonera]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Con Palacio, Boca dio vuelta un partido increíble|trans-title=With Palacio, Boca turned around an incredible match |url=https://www.infobae.com/2006/10/01/278974-con-palacio-boca-dio-vuelta-un-partido-increible/ |access-date=11 May 2022 |publisher=[[Infobae]] |date=1 October 2006 |language=Spanish}}</ref>

===Real Madrid===
On 21 December 2006, [[Real Madrid]] confirmed the signing of Gago on a 6{{frac|1|2}}-year contract for a fee of €20 million, effective from the turn of the calendar year. His signing came shortly after that of fellow Argentine youngster [[Gonzalo Higuaín]] from [[CA River Plate|River Plate]], and teenage Brazilian full-back [[Marcelo (footballer, born 1988)|Marcelo]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Buckingham |first1=Mark |title=Real confirm Gago signing |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/2398802/real-confirm-gago-signing |access-date=10 May 2022 |publisher=[[Sky Sports]] |date=21 December 2006}}</ref>

He made his debut on 7 January 2007 in a 2–0 loss at [[Deportivo de La Coruña]] in [[La Liga]], partnering Emerson in defensive midfield at the expense of [[Mahamadou Diarra]] and being substituted for forward Ronaldo after 58 minutes; local sports daily ''[[Diario AS]]'' commented that he barely influenced the game.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ni siquiera Fernando Gago pudo salvar al Real Madrid|trans-title=Not even Fernando Gago could save Real Madrid |url=https://www.infobae.com/2007/01/07/295194-ni-siquiera-fernando-gago-pudo-salvar-al-real-madrid/ |access-date=10 May 2022 |publisher=Infobae |date=7 January 2007 |language=Spanish}}</ref> On 20 May, away to [[Recreativo de Huelva]] in the 35th match, he gave away a penalty but in added time assisted [[Roberto Carlos]] for the 3–2 winner as Real Madrid maintained their league challenge,<ref>{{cite news |title=Recre 2&ndash;3 R. Madrid |url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/envivos/2007/05/4907_index.html |access-date=10 May 2022 |work=[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]] |date=20 May 2007 |language=Spanish}}</ref> eventually winning the league.<ref>{{cite news |title=La afición del Real Madrid arropa al campeón de Liga en su paseo triunfal|trans-title=Real Madrid supporters shower the league champions on their victory parade|url=https://www.hoy.es/20070618/deportes/real-madrid-gana-trigesima_200706180519.html |access-date=10 May 2022 |work=[[Hoy (Extremadura)]] |date=18 June 2007 |language=Spanish}}</ref>

[[File:Albiol, Gago.jpg|thumb|left|Gago (right) playing for [[Real Madrid]] in September 2009]]
In August 2008, Gago injured his left knee ligaments in a friendly against [[Peñarol]], and missed the start of the new season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pérez |first1=Damián |title=FUTBOL-Mediocampista del Real Madrid Gago, inactivo por un mes|trans-title=FOOTBALL-Real Madrid midfielder Gago, out for a month|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/deportes-futbol-espaa-gago-idLTASIE67O0Q720100825 |access-date=10 May 2022 |publisher=[[Reuters]] |date=25 August 2008 |language=Spanish}}</ref> He returned on 17 September for a [[UEFA Champions League]] game against [[FC BATE Borisov]], leaving the game after 36 minutes due to his left femural biceps and being sidelined for another month.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gago llega a la última fase de su rehabilitación|trans-title=Gago reaches the last phase of his rehabilitation |url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2008/10/03/futbol/1223053682.html |access-date=10 May 2022 |work=El Mundo |date=3 October 2008 |language=Spanish}}</ref> On 7 December, he scored his only goal of his 121 Real Madrid games, equalising in a 4–3 loss to [[Sevilla FC|Sevilla]] at the [[Santiago Bernabéu Stadium]];<ref>{{cite news |title=Los goles de Gago e Higuaín no sirvieron para el Real Madrid|trans-title=Goals by Gago and Higuaín did nothing for Real Madrid |url=https://www.ambito.com/deportes/los-goles-gago-e-higuain-no-sirvieron-el-real-madrid-n3531387 |access-date=10 May 2022 |publisher=Ámbito |date=7 December 2008 |language=Spanish}}</ref> on 31 January 2009 he was given his only [[Penalty card|red card]] for the club in a 2–0 win away to [[CD Numancia|Numancia]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=García |first1=Óscar |title=El día que Raúl fue Di Stéfano|trans-title=The day that Raúl was Di Stéfano |url=https://as.com/futbol/2009/01/31/mas_futbol/1233356459_850215.html |access-date=10 May 2022 |work=[[Diario AS]] |date=31 January 2009 |language=Spanish}}</ref>

Before the 2009–10 season, Gago ceded his number 8 shirt to new signing [[Kaká]] to take the number 5 vacated by [[Fabio Cannavaro]]'s return to [[Juventus]]; he had coveted the number as it had been worn by [[Zinedine Zidane]] before.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gago cedió el '8' a Kaká porque quería el '5' de Zidane|trans-title=Gago ceded the '8' to Kaká because he wanted Zidane's '5'|url=https://www.elconfidencial.com/deportes/futbol/liga/2009-07-01/gago-cedio-el-8-a-kaka-porque-queria-el-5-de-zidane_348679/ |access-date=10 May 2022 |work=El Confidencial |date=1 July 2009 |language=Spanish}}</ref> Gago did not play any games for three months for Real Madrid around the turn of 2009 to 2010.<ref>{{cite news |title=Es "muy difícil" que Gago vaya a Sudáfrica|trans-title=It would be "very difficult" for Gago to go to South Africa|url=https://www.rionegro.com.ar/es-muy-dificil-que-gago-vaya-a-sudafrica-NTRN_314584/ |access-date=10 May 2022 |work=Río Negro |date=21 February 2010 |language=Spanish}}</ref> Under new Madrid manager [[José Mourinho]] from 2010, Gago struggled to receive playing time due to both a lengthy injury spell and Mourinho's preference for the tandem of [[Xabi Alonso]] and [[Sami Khedira]] in defensive midfield.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2010/11/09/2205542/fernando-gagos-injury-woes-continue-as-real-madrid-confirm |title=Fernando Gago's Injury Woes Continue As Real Madrid Confirm Further Lay-off |publisher=Goal.com |date=9 November 2010 }}</ref>

===Loan to Roma===
On 31 August 2011, Gago moved on loan to Italian [[Serie A]] side [[A.S. Roma|Roma]], with a view to a permanent move, until the end of the [[2011–12 A.S. Roma season|2011–12 season]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2011/08/31/2644820/official-roma-loan-real-madrids-fernando-gago |title=Official: Roma loan Real Madrid's Fernando Gago |publisher=Goal.com |date=31 August 2011 |access-date=20 September 2012}}</ref> His number 5 jersey was conferred to the recently signed [[Nuri Şahin]], formerly of [[Borussia Dortmund]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_46_8459_fernando-gago-out-of-copa-america-and-out-at-real-madrid.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722165930/http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_46_8459_fernando-gago-out-of-copa-america-and-out-at-real-madrid.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 July 2011 |title=Fernando Gago out of Copa America and out at Real Madrid |publisher=Adifferentleague.co.uk |access-date=20 September 2012 }}</ref> Upon arriving in the Italian capital, he refuted suggestions that he was too similar to his new teammate [[Daniele De Rossi]], by saying that the pair had differences that would work well together.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gago: "Non sono un doppione di De Rossi"|trans-title=Gago: "I'm not a clone of De Rossi" |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Squadre/Roma/notizie/01-09-2011/gago-non-sono-doppione-de-rossi-802705212332.shtml |access-date=10 May 2022 |work=[[La Gazzetta dello Sport]] |date=1 September 2011 |language=Italian}}</ref>

Gago made his debut on 11 September in a 2–1 home loss to [[Cagliari Calcio|Cagliari]], as a substitute for [[Aleandro Rosi]] for the last 15 minutes.<ref>{{cite news |title=Falsa partenza della Roma. Vince il Cagliari, perde Luis Enrique|trans-title=False start for Roma. Cagliari win, Luis Enrique loses|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Squadre/Roma/11-09-2011/roma-crea-ma-non-tira-802837365963.shtml |access-date=10 May 2022 |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |date=11 September 2011 |language=Italian}}</ref> He scored his only goal for Roma against [[U.S. Lecce|Lecce]] on 20 November, a long-range strike in a 2–1 victory;<ref>{{cite news |title=Troppo poco Lecce. La Roma vola al 5° posto|trans-title=Lecce not enough. Roma up to 5th place|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Squadre/Roma/20-11-2011/troppo-poco-questo-lecce-803794909556.shtml |access-date=10 May 2022 |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |date=20 November 2011 |language=Italian}}</ref> two weeks later he was sent off in a 3–0 defeat at [[Fiorentina]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bandini |first1=Nicky |title=Juventus and Roma battle out a draw in the third dimension |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2011/dec/13/juventus-roma-serie-a-3d |access-date=10 May 2022 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=13 December 2011}}</ref>

Compared to his previous seasons at Real Madrid, Gago's one year at Roma was untroubled by injury.<ref name=minuto/> After a 7th-placed finish, the ''Giallorossi'' were unable to meet Madrid's offer of €7 million to make his deal permanent.<ref>{{cite news |title=La Roma no hizo uso de la opción de Gago, quien debe retornar al Real Madrid|trans-title=Roma did not use the buying option for Gago, who must return to Real Madrid|url=https://www.infobae.com/2012/06/02/651159-la-roma-no-hizo-uso-la-opcion-gago-quien-debe-retornar-al-real-madrid |access-date=10 May 2022 |publisher=Infobae |date=2 June 2012 |language=Spanish}}</ref>

===Valencia and Vélez Sarsfield loan===
On 19 July 2012, shortly after returning from loan to Real Madrid, [[Valencia CF|Valencia]] purchased Gago for a reported fee in the region of €3.5 million, on a four-year deal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.valenciacf.com/contenidos/Actualidad/Noticias/2012/07/Noticia_38882.html?__locale=es |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722005415/http://www.valenciacf.com/contenidos/Actualidad/Noticias/2012/07/Noticia_38882.html?__locale=es |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 July 2012 |title=Valencia C.F |publisher=Valencia C.F. |date=19 July 2012 |access-date=20 September 2012}}</ref> He debuted on 19 August, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 away draw against his previous club.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=348504&cc=5739|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209025452/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=348504&cc=5739|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 December 2012|title=Real held by Valencia in season opener|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|date=19 August 2012|access-date=20 August 2012}}</ref>

In January 2013, [[Club Atlético Vélez Sársfield|Vélez Sársfield]] signed Gago on a six-month loan without a buying option. He had previously rejected offers from Russia and Turkey.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Valle |first1=Conrado |title=El Valencia cede a Fernando Gago al Vélez Sarsfield|trans-title=Valencia loan Fernando Gago to Vélez Sarsfield|url=https://as.com/futbol/2013/01/31/primera/1359631155_058404.html |access-date=10 May 2022 |work=Diario AS |date=31 January 2013 |language=Spanish}}</ref> His brief spell at ''El Fortín'' was marred by further muscle and knee problems.<ref name=minuto/> In his seven games, he managed one goal, concluding a 3–0 home win over Chile's [[Deportes Iquique]] in the second stage of the [[2013 Copa Libertadores]] on 20 February.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vélez Sarsfield festejó con lluvia de goles ante Iquique|trans-title=Vélez Sarsfield celebrated with a shower of goals against Iquique|url=https://www.ultimahora.com/velez-sarsfield-festejo-lluvia-goles-iquique-n602158.html |access-date=11 May 2022 |publisher=Última Hora |date=21 February 2013 |language=Spanish}}</ref>

===Return to Boca Juniors===
Boca Juniors bought 50% of Gago's playing rights from Valencia for a fee of €1.7 million in July 2013. He signed a three-year deal in the aim of making the Argentina squad for the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Gago regresa a Boca con el objetivo de jugar el Mundial |trans-title=Gago returns to Boca in the aim of playing at the World Cup|url=https://www.marca.com/2013/07/30/futbol/futbol_internacional/argentina/1375200750.html |access-date=10 May 2022 |work=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]] |date=30 July 2013 |language=Spanish}}</ref> On 13 September 2015 in the [[Superclásico]] away to River Plate, he left the game after 24 seconds due to a left [[Achilles tendon]] injury; he returned to action in late January.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tras superar una dura lesión, Gago vuelve a estar entre los concentrados|trans-title=After overcoming a serious injury, Gago is among the selected players again|url=https://www.minutouno.com/deportes/boca/tras-superar-una-dura-lesion-gago-vuelve-estar-los-concentrados-n1466537 |access-date=11 May 2022 |publisher=Minuto Uno |date=25 January 2016 |language=Spanish}}</ref>

On 24 April 2016, Gago suffered the same injury after 44 minutes at home to River Plate,<ref>{{cite news |title=Increíble: Gago volvió a romperse el tendón de Aquiles contra River|trans-title=Unbelievable: Gago broke his Achilles tendon against River again|url=https://www.clarin.com/deportes/futbol/boca-juniors/gago-volvio-lesionarse-solo-superclasico_0_VJPZcfIxW.html |access-date=11 May 2022 |work=[[Clarín (Argentine newspaper)|Clarín]] |date=24 April 2016 |language=Spanish}}</ref> returning at the end of November.<ref>{{cite news |title=Después de siete meses, Gago vuelve a ser titular en Boca |trans-title=After seven months, Gago starts again for Boca|url=https://www.elgrafico.com.ar/articulo/evento/16883/lec |access-date=11 May 2022 |work=[[El Gráfico (Argentina)|El Gráfico]] |date=26 November 2016 |language=Spanish}}</ref> In March 2017, his contract was extended for three more years.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fernando Gago renueva por Boca|trans-title=Fernando Gago renews at Boca|url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/america/20170310/42753881736/fernando-gago-renueva-por-boca.html|access-date=10 May 2022 |work=[[Mundo Deportivo]] |date=10 March 2017 |language=Spanish}}</ref> He suffered another injury on international duty that October, and did not recover until May 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Siffredi |first1=Charly |title=Gago vuelve a jugar y acusa al árbitro de faltarles al respeto|trans-title=Gago plays again and accuses the referee of lacking respect|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/argentina/2018/05/13/5af81a3d46163fdd408b4598.html |access-date=11 May 2022 |work=Marca |date=13 May 2018 |language=Spanish}}</ref>

Boca Juniors reached the [[2018 Copa Libertadores Finals]] against rivals River, and the second leg had to be played at Gago's former club ground in Madrid due to hooliganism. He came on in the 89th minute for captain [[Pablo Pérez (footballer, born 1985)|Pablo Pérez]] just before the game went to extra time, and suffered another Achilles injury in the 116th minute. Having used all four substitutes and had [[Wilmar Barrios]] sent off, Boca fell to a 3–1 loss with nine men.<ref>{{cite news |title=Boca midfielder Gago suffers new injury setback |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/boca-midfielder-gago-suffers-new-injury-setback-118121000343_1.html |access-date=11 May 2022 |work=Business Standard |date=10 December 2018}}</ref>

===Return to Vélez Sarsfield===
Ahead of the 2019–20 season, Gago was released by Boca and signed a one-year contract with Vélez Sarsfield. His new manager was his former Real Madrid and international teammate, [[Gabriel Heinze]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Dan |title=Injury-stricken Gago hopes move to Vélez will put past behind him |url=https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/sports/injury-stricken-gago-hopes-move-to-velez-will-put-past-behind-him.phtml |access-date=11 May 2022 |work=Buenos Aires Times |date=13 July 2019}}</ref> He made his comeback after nine months on 24 August 2019 in a 3–1 home win over [[Newell's Old Boys]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Fernando Gago vuelve al fútbol después de casi nueve meses|trans-title=Fernando Gago returns to football after nearly nine months|url=https://ar.marca.com/claro/futbol/velez/2019/08/24/5d619e35e2704e3b8a8b457d.html |access-date=11 May 2022 |work=Marca |date=24 August 2019 |language=Spanish}}</ref> In November 2020, Gago announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34.<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2020/11/11/5fac0510268e3eab478b45ed.html |title = Fernando Gago announces his retirement from football |publisher = Marca |date = 11 November 2020 |access-date = 25 November 2020}}</ref>

== International career ==
[[File:Ricardo Quaresma (L), Fernando Gago (R) – Portugal vs. Argentina, 9th February 2011 (1).jpg|thumb|Gago challenging for the ball against [[Ricardo Quaresma]] of [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]] in a 2011 friendly]]
Gago was part of the under-20 squad which won the [[2005 FIFA World Youth Championship]]. He made his senior international debut on 7 February 2007 in a 1–0 friendly win away to France.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mora y Araujo |first1=Marcela |title=Who was man of the match? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/feb/09/sport.comment1?CMP=gu_com |access-date=7 October 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=9 February 2007}}</ref> He played in the [[2007 Copa América]], and was part of the team which won the gold medal at the [[Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics|2008 Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Richard |title=Olympics: Di Maria winner earns gold for Argentina |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/aug/23/olympics2008.argentina |access-date=7 October 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=23 August 2008}}</ref>

Gago was one of over 100 players used by [[Diego Maradona]] in [[2010 FIFA World Cup]] qualification, but also one of the highest-profile absentees for the final tournament in South Africa.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fryer |first1=Rupert |last2=Hills |first2=David |title=World Cup 2010: The best of Argentina manager Diego Maradona |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/04/diego-maradona-argentina-world-cup |access-date=7 October 2021 |work=The Observer |date=4 July 2010}}</ref> He returned to the squad for the [[2011 Copa América]].

Gago was named in Argentina's 23-man squad for the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27403312|title=World Cup 2014: Argentina leave out Carlos Tevez and Erik Lamela|date=13 May 2014|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|access-date=21 May 2014}}</ref> He made his [[FIFA World Cup|World Cup]] debut in Argentina's 2–1 defeat of [[Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team|Bosnia and Herzegovina]] at the [[Estádio do Maracanã]], coming on as a half-time substitute for [[Hugo Campagnaro]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285099|title=Argentina 2-1 Bos-Herce|date=16 June 2014|publisher=BBC|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref> He was named in the starting line-up for the team's second match, a 1–0 win over [[Iran national football team|Iran]] in [[Belo Horizonte]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285221|title=Argentina vs Iran|date=21 June 2014|publisher=BBC|access-date=22 June 2014}}</ref> and remained a starter until being replaced by [[Lucas Biglia]] in the quarter-finals. Gago replaced [[Enzo Pérez]] after 86 minutes of [[2014 FIFA World Cup Final|the final]], which Argentina lost 0–1 to [[Germany national football team|Germany]] after extra time.

On 5 October 2017, Gago returned to the national team against [[Peru national football team|Peru]]. In his final international match, he suffered cruciate ligament injuries to his right knee.<ref name=minuto/>

== Style of play ==
Gago relished operating in a holding role at Boca Juniors, functioning as a [[Midfielder#Deep-lying playmaker (Strolling 10)|deep-lying playmaker]] in front of the defence, due to his intelligence and ability to dictate play in midfield with his passing; he has also played in a similar role with the Argentina national team and other clubs. Upon arriving in Europe in 2006, Gago drew comparisons to compatriot and former Real Madrid man [[Fernando Redondo]], due to his ability to build up play and break down the oppositions' attacks, thus enabling him to contribute both offensively and defensively.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/nov/29/europeanfootball.realmadrid|title=Not the new Maradona, but the new Redondo|work=The Guardian|last1=Mora y Araujo|first1=Marcela |date=29 November 2006|access-date=14 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/name/4/blog/post/1871963/headline |title=The group stage's biggest battles |publisher=ESPN FC |last1=Cox |first1=Michael |date=10 June 2014 |access-date=14 April 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2031765-fernando-gago-absence-would-leave-gaping-hole-in-argentina-middle-for-world-cup |title=Fernando Gago Absence Would Leave Gaping Hole in Argentina Middle for World Cup |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Edwards |first1=Daniel |date=16 April 2014 |access-date=14 April 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.marca.com/2012/07/19/en/football/spanish_football/1342715124.html |title="Gago could be a very useful player" |publisher=Marca |last1=Marinfield |first1=Fernando Álvarez |date=19 July 2012 |access-date=14 April 2020 }}</ref> His [[Real Madrid C.F.|Real Madrid]] profile described Gago as a "very dynamic footballer who predicates his game on ball movement". He is also capable of reaching the opponent's box, possesses a tremendous vision for the game, [he] can cover much ground and knows how to protect the ball.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1193041476158/1193041477708/jugador/Jugador/Gago.htm|title=Player Profile|publisher=Real Madrid CF|access-date=22 April 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721054039/http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1193041476158/1193041477708/jugador/Jugador/Gago.htm|archive-date=21 July 2012}}</ref>

== Managerial career ==
===Aldosivi===
On 17 January 2021, Gago was appointed manager of [[Argentine Primera División]] side [[Club Atlético Aldosivi|Aldosivi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aldosivi.com/noticias/184/Fernando+Gago+ya+es+el+nuevo+DT+de+Aldosivi|title=Fernando Gago ya es el nuevo DT de Aldosivi|publisher=Aldosivi|date=17 January 2021|access-date=14 February 2021|language=es}}</ref> He lost 2–1 at home to Godoy Cruz on his debut on 14 February.<ref>{{cite news |title=La frase de Fernando Gago tras su primer partido como DT de Aldosivi: "Creo que vamos por muy buen camino" |url=https://tntsports.com.ar/ligaprofesional/No-vuelve-mas-No-le-cierro-las-puertas-pero-es-dificil-que-vuelva-a-Boca-manifesto-Diego-Markic-sobre-el-Vasco-Arruabarrena-20211006-0013.html |access-date=7 October 2021 |publisher=TNT Sports |date=14 February 2021 |language=Spanish}}</ref> He resigned on 27 September after a run of six consecutive defeats left the team in 23rd.<ref>{{cite news |last1=González |first1=Fede |title=Fernando Gago se fue de Aldosivi |url=https://argentina.as.com/argentina/2021/09/27/futbol/1632761142_117814.html |access-date=7 October 2021 |work=Diario AS |date=27 September 2021 |language=Spanish}}</ref>

===Racing Club===
Gago returned to work on 21 October 2021, signing with Racing Club until the end of the following year.<ref>{{cite news |last1=González |first1=Fede |title=Fernando Gago, nuevo entrenador de Racing |url=https://argentina.as.com/argentina/2021/10/21/futbol/1634826370_363699.html |access-date=22 December 2021 |work=Diario AS |date=21 October 2021 |language=Spanish}}</ref> Two days later, he lost 2–1 on his debut at [[Rosario Central]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Racing perdió con Central en el debut de Fernando Gago |url=https://www.telam.com.ar/notas/202110/572600-rosario-central-cristian-kily-gonzalez-futbol-liga-profesional-futbol-racing-club-futbol.html |access-date=22 December 2021 |publisher=Télam |date=23 October 2021 |language=Spanish}}</ref>

In June 2022, despite eliminations from the [[Copa Argentina]] and [[Copa Sudamericana]], Gago's contract was renewed for another year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gago renovó con Racing y les hizo un pedido a las hinchas|trans-title=Gago renewed with Racing and made a request to the fans |url=https://www.eldia.com/nota/2022-6-30-19-52-0-gago-renovo-con-racing-hasta-2023-y-les-hizo-un-pedido-a-los-hinchas-deportes |access-date=2 January 2023 |work=El Día |date=30 June 2022 |language=Spanish}}</ref> The team ended the [[2022 Argentine Primera División|domestic season]] as runners-up to Boca, who started the final day one point ahead as the teams drew their respective games; Racing had a penalty that would have won them the title, but River Plate's [[Franco Armani]] saved from [[Jonathan Galván]].<ref>{{cite news |title=La pregunta que hizo enojar a Fernando Gago en conferencia de prensa|trans-title=The question that enraged Fernando Gago in a press conference|url=https://www.tycsports.com/racing-club/la-pregunta-que-hizo-enojar-a-fernando-gago-en-conferencia-de-prensa-id474154.html |access-date=2 January 2023 |publisher=TyC Sports |date=28 October 2022 |language=Spanish}}</ref> On 6 November, his team [[2022 Trofeo de Campeones de la Liga Profesional|won 2–1]] against Boca in the [[Trofeo de Campeones de la Liga Profesional]] with an extra-time goal from [[Carlos Alcaraz (footballer)|Carlos Alcaraz]]; the game had 11 red cards including for his celebration and opposing manager [[Hugo Ibarra]].<ref>{{cite news |title=En un final escandaloso con un show de expulsiones, Boca quedó con seis jugadores y Racing se quedó con el Trofeo de Campeones|trans-title=In a scandalous final with a show of sendings-ff, Boca ended with six players and Racing ended with the Trofeo de Campeones |url=https://www.clarin.com/deportes/boca-vs-racing-trofeo-campeones-horario-tv-formaciones_0_v8yC1Z3euZ.html |access-date=3 November 2023 |work=Clarín |date=20 January 2023 |language=Spanish}}</ref>

In the [[2022 Supercopa Internacional|2022]] [[Supercopa Internacional]], played the following 20 January in [[Abu Dhabi]], Gago's team again beat Boca by the same score via a penalty from [[Gonzalo Piovi]] in the seventh minute of added time.<ref name=supercopa>{{cite news |title=Piovi penalty gives Racing 2-1 win over Boca in Argentine Super Cup |url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/piovi-penalty-gives-racing-2-1-win-over-boca-juniors-argentine-super-cup-final-2023-01-20/ |access-date=3 November 2023 |publisher=Reuters |date=20 January 2023}}</ref> Racing fell to the same side in the quarter-finals of the [[2023 Copa Libertadores]] on penalties,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Valladares |first1=José Manuel |title=Boca elimina por penales a Racing en la Libertadores|trans-title=Boca eliminate Racing on penalties in the Libertadores |url=https://www.latimes.com/espanol/deportes/articulo/2023-08-30/boca-elimina-por-penales-a-racing-en-la-libertadores |access-date=3 November 2023 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=30 August 2023 |language=Spanish}}</ref> and days later were defeated 5–3 at home by [[Club Atlético Huracán]] in the last 16 of the Copa Argentina.<ref>{{cite news |title=En un show de goles, Huracán dio el golpe y eliminó a Racing|trans-title=In goals show, Huracán landed the blow and eliminated Racing |url=https://www.elgrafico.com.ar/articulo/copa-argentina/69171/en-un-show-de-goles-huracan-dio-el-golpe-y-elimino-a-racing |access-date=3 November 2023 |work=El Gráfico |date=9 September 2023 |language=Spanish}}</ref> On 30 September 2023, following a 2-0 home defeat to [[Club Atlético Independiente|Independiente]] in the [[Avellaneda derby]], he resigned under pressure from the supporters.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fernando Gago renunció tras la derrota ante Independiente|trans-title=Fernando Gago resigned after the defeat to Independiente |url=https://www.elgrafico.com.ar/articulo/primera-division/69794/fernando-gago-renuncio-tras-la-derrota-ante-independiente |access-date=3 November 2023 |work=El Gráfico |date=30 September 2023 |language=Spanish}}</ref>

===Guadalajara===
On 20 December 2023, Mexican club [[C.D. Guadalajara|Guadalajara]] announced Gago as their new head coach for the [[2023–24 Liga MX season#Torneo Clausura|Clausura 2024]] tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chivasdecorazon.com.mx/en/noticias/37156/Fernando-Gago-es-el-nuevo-entrenador-de-las-Chivas|title=Fernando Gago is Chivas' new coach|publisher=Club Deportivo Guadalajara|date=20 December 2023}}</ref> On 10 October 2024, Gago terminated his contract with Guadalajara by covering the expenses of his exit clause.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chivasdecorazon.com.mx/es/noticias/38375/Comunicado-oficial-de-Chivas|title=Comunicado oficial de Chivas|publisher=Club Deportivo Guadalajara|date=10 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/15022904/fernando-gago-revelo-como-negocio-su-salida-de-chivas|title=Fernando Gago reveló cómo negoció en un día su salida de Chivas|publisher=ESPN México|date=8 April 2025}}</ref>

===Boca Juniors===
On 14 October 2024, [[Boca Juniors]] announced Gago as their new head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/boca-juniors-appoint-gago-head-coach-2024-10-15/|title=Boca Juniors appoint Gago as head coach|publisher=Reuters|date=14 October 2024}}</ref> On 29 April 2025, Gago was relieved of his duties following a defeat in the [[Superclásico]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44918672/boca-juniors-fire-fernando-gago-loss-river-plate|title=Boca Juniors fire Fernando Gago after loss to River Plate|publisher=ESPN|date=29 April 2025}}</ref>

===Necaxa===
On 12 June 2025, Gago returned to Mexico to take up the position of head coach at [[Club Necaxa|Necaxa]].

== Personal life ==
Gago, [[Sergio Agüero]] and [[Lionel Messi]] had all been teammates as children back in Argentina.<ref>[http://realmadrid.com/articulo/rma43845.htm Madrid C.F. Web Oficial – Madrid C.F. Official Website] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20071028030200/http://realmadrid.com/articulo/rma43845.htm |date=28 October 2007 }}</ref> Together, the three of them won the [[2005 FIFA World Youth Championship]] in the [[Netherlands]].

Gago is a literature and art enthusiast. The first thing he did after landing in Spain was visit the [[Museo del Prado]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1193041476158/1193041477708/jugador/Jugador/Gago.htm |title=Madrid C.F. Web Oficial – Madrid C.F. Official Web Site |publisher=Realmadrid.com |date=29 June 2009 |access-date=20 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721054039/http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1193041476158/1193041477708/jugador/Jugador/Gago.htm |archive-date=21 July 2012}}</ref> He earned the nickname "El Pintita" (roughly meaning "the little one trying to look good" in English) ever since Ramón Maddoni scolded him for playing with his hair.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1193041476158/1193041477708/jugador/Jugador/Gago.htm |title=Real Madrid C.F. – Official Web Site |publisher=Realmadrid.com |date=29 June 2009 |access-date=20 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721054039/http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1193041476158/1193041477708/jugador/Jugador/Gago.htm |archive-date=21 July 2012}}</ref> Also, his Boca Juniors teammates would call him so because his youth squad coach would scold him, "Stop trying to look good and run!"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1202733625949/noticia/Noticia/Fernando_Gago_2008-04-21_16:53:48.htm |title=Real Madrid C.F. – Official Web Site – Fernando Gago |publisher=Realmadrid.com |date=22 December 2006 |access-date=20 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922141334/http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1202733625949/noticia/Noticia/Fernando_Gago_2008-04-21_16:53:48.htm |archive-date=22 September 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Gago was married to professional [[tennis]] player [[Gisela Dulko]] with whom he has two sons<ref>{{cite web|title=Nació Mateo, hijo de Gago y Gisela Dulko|url=http://www.foxsportsla.com/noticias/105514-nacio-el-hijo-de-fernando-gago-y-gisela-dulko?country=us|access-date=6 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320205335/http://www.foxsportsla.com/noticias/105514-nacio-el-hijo-de-fernando-gago-y-gisela-dulko?country=us|archive-date=20 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and a daughter.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nació Antonella, la segunda hija de Gisela Dulko y Fernando Gago |url= http://www.elintransigente.com/espectaculo/famosos/2015/8/20/nacio-antonella-segunda-hija-gisela-dulko-fernando-gago-337330.html}}</ref> The couple separated in 2021, after he had an affair with one of her friends.<ref>{{cite news |title=Separado de Gisela Dulko, Fernando Gago ya estaría viviendo con su amante |url=https://www.infobae.com/teleshow/2021/09/29/separado-de-gisela-dulko-fernando-gago-estaria-viviendo-con-su-amante/ |access-date=7 October 2021 |publisher=Infobae |date=29 September 2021 |language=Spanish}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Gisela Dulko y Fernando Gago: la historia de amor que terminó en escándalo |url=https://www.elpais.com.uy/tvshow/personajes/gisela-dulko-fernando-gago-historia-amor-termino-escandalo.html |access-date=7 October 2021 |work=El País |date=1 October 2021 |language=Spanish}}</ref>

In September 2005, Gago's father died of a [[stroke]] while Gago was playing for Boca Juniors against Racing Club.<ref>{{cite news |title=La peor noticia para Gago |url=https://www.infobae.com/2005/09/26/212751-la-peor-noticia-gago/ |access-date=7 October 2021 |publisher=Infobae |date=26 September 2005 |language=Spanish}}</ref> In February 2021, his brother died in the same way while Gago was managing Aldosivi against the same club.<ref>{{cite news |title=La tragedia familiar de Fernando Gago: su papá y su hermano murieron mientras estaba en la cancha |url=https://laopinionaustral.com.ar/argentina/la-tragedia-familiar-de-fernando-gago-su-papa-y-su-hermano-murieron-mientras-estaba-en-la-cancha-313570.html |access-date=7 October 2021 |work=La Opinión Austral |date=21 February 2021 |language=Spanish}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|Cup
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Boca Juniors]]
|[[2004–05 Argentine Primera División|2004–05]]<ref name=world>{{cite web |title=Fernando Gago » Club matches |date=19 June 2014 |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/fernando-gago/2/ |publisher=World Football |access-date=11 May 2022}}</ref>
|rowspan="3"|[[Argentine Primera División]]
|7||0||colspan="2"|—||7||0||2||0||16||0
|-
|[[2005–06 Argentine Primera División|2005–06]]<ref name=world/>
|34||0||colspan="2"|—||1||0||2||0||37||0
|-
|[[2006–07 Argentine Primera División|2006–07]]<ref name=world/>
|20||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1||0||21||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!61!!1!!colspan="2"|—!!8!!0!!5!!0!!74!!1
|-
|rowspan="6"|[[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]]
|[[2006–07 Real Madrid CF season|2006–07]]<ref name=bdf>{{BDFutbol|754}}</ref>
|rowspan="5"|[[La Liga]]
|13||0||2||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||17||0
|-
|[[2007–08 Real Madrid CF season|2007–08]]<ref name=bdf/>
|31||0||4||0||6||0||1||0||42||0
|-
|[[2008–09 Real Madrid CF season|2008–09]]<ref name=bdf/>
|26||1||1||0||6||0||0||0||33||1
|-
|[[2009–10 Real Madrid CF season|2009–10]]<ref name=bdf/>
|18||0||2||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||22||0
|-
|[[2010–11 Real Madrid CF season|2010–11]]<ref name=bdf/>
|4||0||3||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||7||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!92!!1!!12!!0!!16!!0!!1!!0!!121!!1
|-
|[[A.S. Roma|Roma]] (loan)
|[[2011–12 A.S. Roma season|2011–12]]<ref name=world/>
|[[Serie A]]
|30||1||2||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||32||1
|-
|[[Valencia CF|Valencia]]
|[[2012–13 Valencia CF season|2012–13]]<ref name=bdf/>
|La Liga
|13||0||1||0||4||0||colspan="2"|—||18||0
|-
|[[Club Atlético Vélez Sársfield|Vélez Sársfield]] (loan)
|[[2012–13 Argentine Primera División season|2012–13]]
|Argentine Primera División
|3||0||0||0||4||1||colspan="2"|—||7||1
|-
|rowspan=8|Boca Juniors
|[[2013–14 Argentine Primera División season|2013–14]]<ref name=world/>
|rowspan=7|Argentine Primera División
|20||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||20||0
|-
|[[2014 Club Atlético Boca Juniors season|2014]]<ref name=world/>
|10||1||0||0||6||0||colspan="2"|—||16||1
|-
|[[2015 Club Atlético Boca Juniors season|2015]]<ref name=world/>
|14||2||3||1||6||0||colspan="2"|—||23||3
|-
|[[2016 Club Atlético Boca Juniors season|2016]]<ref name=world/>
|11||0||0||0||6||1||1||0||18||1
|-
|[[2016–17 Club Atlético Boca Juniors season|2016–17]]<ref name=world/>
|16||2||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||16||2
|-
|[[2017–18 Club Atlético Boca Juniors season|2017–18]]<ref name=world/>
|6||0||6||1||0||0||colspan="2"|—||12||1
|-
|[[2018–19 Club Atlético Boca Juniors season|2018–19]]<ref name=world/>
|8||0||1||0||5||0||colspan="2"|—||14||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!85!!5!!10!!2!!23!!1!!1!!0!!119!!8
|-
|rowspan="3"|Vélez Sársfield
|[[2019–20 Argentine Primera División|2019–20]]<ref name=world/>
|rowspan="2"|Argentine Primera División
|13||0||0||0||2||0||1||0||16||0
|-
|[[2020–21 Argentine Primera División|2020–21]]<ref name=world/>
|1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!14!!0!!0!!0!!2!!0!!1!!0!!17!!0
|-
!colspan="3"|Boca Juniors total
!146!!6!!10!!2!!31!!1!!6!!0!!193!!9
|-
!colspan="3"|Vélez Sársfield total
!17!!0!!0!!0!!6!!1!!1!!0!!24!!1
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!298!!8!!25!!2!!57!!2!!8!!0!!388!!12
|}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref>{{NFT player|20271}}</ref>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="10"|[[Argentina national football team|Argentina]]
|2007||13||0
|-
|2008||7||0
|-
|2009||7||0
|-
|2010||1||0
|-
|2011||7||0
|-
|2012||8||0
|-
|2013||3||0
|-
|2014||11||0
|-
|2015||3||0
|-
|2017||1||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!61!!0
|}

==Managerial statistics==
{{updated|27 April 2025}}

{| class="wikitable" tyle="text-align: center"
|+ Managerial record by team and tenure
!rowspan="2"|Team
!rowspan="2"|Nat
!rowspan="2"|From
!rowspan="2"|To
!colspan="8"|Record
|-	
!{{Tooltip|G|Games managed}}
!{{Tooltip|W|Games won}}
!{{Tooltip|D|Games drawn}}
!{{Tooltip|L|Games lost}}
!{{Tooltip|GF|Goals for}}
!{{Tooltip|GA|Goals against}}
!{{Tooltip|GD|Goal difference}}
!{{Tooltip|Win %|Winning percentage}}			
|-
|align=center|[[Club Atlético Aldosivi|Aldosivi]]
|rowspan="2|{{flagicon|Argentina}}
|align=center|17 January 2021
|align=center|25 September 2021
{{WDL|26|7|3|16|for=30|against=45|diff=yes}}
|-
|align=center|[[Racing Club de Avellaneda|Racing Club]]
|align=center|21 October 2021
|align=center|30 September 2023
{{WDL|109|53|30|26|for=170|against=119|diff=yes}}
|-
|align=center|[[C.D. Guadalajara|Guadalajara]]
|{{flagicon|Mexico}}
|align=center|20 December 2023
|align=center|10 October 2024
{{WDL|38|17|11|10|for=53|against=39|diff=yes}}
|-
|align=center|[[Boca Juniors]]
|rowspan="1|{{flagicon|Argentina}}
|align=center|14 October 2024
|align=center|29 April 2025
{{WDL|30|17|6|7|for=44|against=23|diff=yes}}
|-
|align=center|[[Club Necaxa]]
|rowspan="1|{{flagicon|Mexico}}
|align=center|12 June 2025
|align=center|Present
{{WDL|0|0|0|0|for=0|against=0|diff=yes}}
|-
!colspan="4"|Total
{{WDLtot|203|94|50|59|for=297|against=226|diff=yes}}
|}

==Honours==

===Player===
'''Boca Juniors'''
*[[Argentine Primera División]]: [[2005–06 Argentine Primera División#Torneo Apertura|2005 Apertura]], [[2005–06 Argentine Primera División#Torneo Clausura|2006 Clausura]], [[2015 Argentine Primera División|2015]], [[2016–17 Argentine Primera División|2016–17]], [[2017–18 Argentine Primera División|2017–18]]
*[[Copa Sudamericana]]: [[2005 Copa Sudamericana|2005]]
*[[Recopa Sudamericana]]: [[2005 Recopa Sudamericana|2005]], [[2006 Recopa Sudamericana|2006]]
*[[Copa Argentina]]: [[2015 Copa Argentina|2015]]

'''Real Madrid'''
*[[La Liga]]: [[2006–07 La Liga|2006–07]], [[2007–08 La Liga|2007–08]]
*[[Copa del Rey]]: [[2010–11 Copa del Rey|2010–11]]
*[[Supercopa de España]]: [[2008 Supercopa de España|2008]]

'''Vélez Sarsfield'''
*[[Argentine Primera División]]: [[2012–13 Argentine Primera División season#Superfinal|2012–13]]
'''Argentina U20'''
*[[FIFA U-20 World Cup]]: [[2005 FIFA World Youth Championship|2005]]
'''Argentina Olympic'''
*[[Football at the Summer Olympics|Summer Olympics]]: [[Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|2008]]
'''Argentina'''
*[[FIFA World Cup]] runner-up: [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014]]
*[[Copa América]] runner-up: [[2007 Copa América|2007]], [[2015 Copa América|2015]]
'''Individual'''
*South American Team of the Year: 2005, 2006<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/sam-toy.html |title=South American Team of the Year |date=16 January 2009 |access-date=10 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121064015/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/sam-toy.html |archive-date=21 January 2015}}</ref>

===Manager===
'''Racing Club'''
*[[Trofeo de Campeones de la Liga Profesional]]: [[2022 Trofeo de Campeones de la Liga Profesional|2022]]<ref>{{cite web |date=6 November 2022 |title=Racing venció a Boca en un escandaloso final y se quedó con el Trofeo de Campeones |trans-title=Racing beat Boca in controversial ending and took Champions Trophy |url=https://www.tycsports.com/racing-club/boca-vs-racing-por-el-trofeo-de-campeones-2022-id475808.html |access-date=1 April 2023 |publisher=TyC Sports |language=es}}</ref>
*[[Supercopa Internacional]]: [[2022 Supercopa Internacional|2022]]<ref name=supercopa/><ref>{{Cite web |title=¡Otra vuelta más! |url=https://www.racingclub.com.ar/primer-equipo/nota/2023/01/14146_otra-vuelta-mas/ |access-date=9 November 2023 |website=Racing Club - Sitio Oficial |language=es}}</ref>

'''Individual'''
*''[[2022 South American Footballer of the Year|The Best of America]]'' Best Argentine Primera División Manager: [[2022 South American Footballer of the Year#National league awards|2022]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120721054039/http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1193041476158/1193041477708/jugador/Jugador/Gago.htm Profile at Realmadrid.com]
* {{ESPN FC}}
* [http://www.footballdatabase.com/index.php?page=player&Id=6485&pn=Fernando_Rub%C3%A9n_Gago Gago's profile and statistics at FootballDatabase]

{{Club Necaxa squad}}
{{Liga MX managers}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
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| list1 = 
{{2005 South American Team of the Year}}
{{2006 South American Team of the Year}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Argentina squads
| bg = #6AB5FF
| fg = white
| bordercolor = #00355E
| list1  = 
{{Argentina squad 2007 Copa América}}
{{Argentina squad 2008 Summer Olympics}}
{{Argentina squad 2011 Copa América}}
{{Argentina squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Argentina squad 2015 Copa América}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title=Managerial positions
|list1=
{{Racing Club managers}}
{{C.D. Guadalajara managers}}
{{Boca Juniors managers}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gago, Fernando}}
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Copa Sudamericana–winning players]]
[[Category:Footballers from Buenos Aires Province]]
[[Category:Argentine sportspeople of Spanish descent]]
[[Category:Men's association football midfielders]]
[[Category:Argentine men's footballers]]
[[Category:Argentine Primera División players]]
[[Category:La Liga players]]
[[Category:Serie A players]]
[[Category:Boca Juniors footballers]]
[[Category:Real Madrid CF players]]
[[Category:AS Roma players]]
[[Category:Valencia CF players]]
[[Category:Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield footballers]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Spain]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Italy]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy]]
[[Category:Argentina men's youth international footballers]]
[[Category:Argentina men's under-20 international footballers]]
[[Category:Argentina men's international footballers]]
[[Category:2007 Copa América players]]
[[Category:2011 Copa América players]]
[[Category:2015 Copa América players]]
[[Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:Footballers at the 2008 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Olympic footballers for Argentina]]
[[Category:Olympic gold medalists for Argentina]]
[[Category:Olympic medalists in football]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 2008 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Argentine football managers]]
[[Category:Club Atlético Aldosivi managers]]
[[Category:Racing Club de Avellaneda managers]]
[[Category:C.D. Guadalajara managers]]
[[Category:Boca Juniors managers]]
[[Category:Club Necaxa managers]]
[[Category:21st-century Argentine sportsmen]]