Matías Almeyda

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Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox football biography

Matías Jesús Almeyda (Script error: No such module "IPA".; born 21 December 1973) is an Argentine professional football manager and former player. He is the current head coach of La Liga club Sevilla.

Nicknamed El Pelado ("bald one") despite his traditionally long hair,[1] he played as a defensive midfielder and spent most of his career at River Plate and in Italy, representing four teams in the latter country.

Almeyda represented Argentina, appearing with the national team in two World Cups. After retiring in 2011, he went on to manage River Plate, Banfield, Guadalajara, San Jose Earthquakes and AEK Athens. He won a Greek domestic league and cup double with AEK in 2023 before departing the club in May 2025. The following month, he was announced as coach of Spanish side Sevilla on a three-year deal.

Playing career

Club

Born in Azul, Buenos Aires Province, Almeyda started playing professionally for local and national powerhouse River Plate, first as understudy to Leonardo Astrada then as a starter, helping the side to the 1996 Primera División title after his insertion in the starting XI, as well as that year's Copa Libertadores. Shortly after, he moved to Sevilla in Spain, for a record fee for a player in the country of $9 million;[2] he appeared regularly in his first and only season with the Andalusians, but suffered La Liga relegation.[3]

Almeyda played in the Italian Serie A in the following eight years, successively representing Lazio, Parma and Inter Milan. He spent three seasons in Rome with Lazio, becoming a firm fan favourite especially after scoring a 35-yard goal against Parma's Gianluigi Buffon, his only of the 1999–2000 campaign, which ended with league and Coppa Italia conquest.[4] Additionally, he was voted the competition's best player in 1998–99, and also won – as a starter – the last UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, against Mallorca,[5] and was often partnered with compatriot Juan Sebastián Verón in the heart of midfield by manager Sven-Göran Eriksson in his 4–4–2 formation, with Verón providing the creativity and Almeyda the strength.[6][7]

In the summer of 2002, Almeyda was exchanged with Vratislav Greško and moved to Inter, where he was again partnered by compatriots as in his previous clubs. Two years later, he joined his final team in Italy, lowly Brescia, on a free transfer.[8] The following year, after the team's relegation as second from bottom, he returned to Argentina and agreed to play for Quilmes, which appeared at the Libertadores, announcing his retirement after their elimination from that tournament.[9]

After one and a half years away from football, in which he represented Argentina in a Showball tour around the world alongside Diego Maradona and participated in the Indoor Football World Cup in Spain, Almeyda joined Norwegian Premier League side Lyn in Oslo, in which he was accompanied by compatriot José Oscar Flores; their friend Terje Liverod was central in these transfers.[10] The midfielder made his debut on 13 May 2007, but only played regularly in the reserves and in the domestic cup, being released as the striker shortly after and again retiring from football.

On 16 January 2009, at almost 36, Almeyda, after nearly agreeing on a return to River, signed with modest Fénix in the fourth division.[11] During his brief spell, he managed to be sent off on two occasions.[12]

On 19 August 2009, veteran Almeyda finally re-joined his main club River Plate, teaming up with former teammates Marcelo Gallardo and Ariel Ortega.[1] In June 2011, the team was relegated to the second level for the first time in their history and he retired from football, being appointed team manager the following month.[13]

International

Almeyda won 35 caps for Argentina over the course of seven years, his debut coming in April 1996 against Bolivia.[14] Shortly after, he helped the Olympic side to the silver medal at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta.[15]

Subsequently, Almeyda was picked in the squad for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. He started in all five games during the tournament, as the country reached the quarter–finals.[16]

After Marcelo Bielsa became Argentina's manager, Almeyda did not get as much playing time.[17][18] He was, however, selected for the 2002 World Cup which was held in South Korea and Japan, and played in the 1–1 group stage draw against Sweden.[15]

Managerial career

River Plate

Almeyda spent 18 months in charge at River Plate, winning the Primera B Nacional and earning promotion back to the top division at the end of the 2011–12 season. He left the club in November 2012.[19]

Banfield

In early April 2013, Almeyda signed with Banfield in the Argentine second level.[20] During his spell, he won the league title, once again to be subsequently promoted.

Guadalajara

On 15 September 2015, Almeyda was appointed manager at Guadalajara of the Mexican Liga MX,[21] proclaiming he wanted to "awaken the giant."[22] He won his first four matches in charge, including one against rivals Club América on 26 September by a score of 2–1 at the Estadio Azteca.[23]

On 4 November 2015, after nine years of a title hiatus, Almeyda's team won the Copa MX after defeating Club León by a score of 1–0.[24] On 10 July 2016, they played their first ever Supercopa MX and won their second trophy in under a year by besting C.D. Veracruz 2–0, and as a result qualified to the Libertadores for the first time since 2012,[25] but ultimately did not participate as a result of scheduling conflicts.[26]

On 19 April 2017, Almeyda led Chivas to their fourth Copa MX title, defeating Monarcas Morelia in a penalty shootout after a 0–0 draw.[27] After placing third overall in the Clausura's general table, the final second leg was played at the Estadio Chivas on 28 May 2017 and the hosts won their 12th title in the competition after besting Tigres UANL by an aggregate of 4–3; thus, they became the first team in Mexican history to win the double in a single season on two occasions.[27]

Almeyda won the 2018 edition of the CONCACAF Champions League with the club,[28] and as a result qualified for that year's FIFA Club World Cup.[29] On 11 June 2018, however, he left, citing differences with an executive.[30][31]

San Jose Earthquakes

On 8 October 2018, Almeyda was appointed as the new head coach of Major League Soccer club San Jose Earthquakes, starting with the 2019 season.[32] He attained 44 points within the Western Conference, missing the playoff berth by one win.[33]

The following campaign, Almeyda's side managed to reach the playoffs, facing Sporting Kansas City in the first round but losing following a 3–0 penalty shoot-out after a 3–3 tie.[34]

On 18 April 2022, Almeyda and San Jose Earthquakes parted ways, two days after the team drew 2–2 with Nashville SC.[35]

AEK Athens

On 20 May 2022, Almeyda signed a two-year contract with Super League Greece club AEK Athens.[36] On 10 January 2023, the club extended his contract until 2028.

In his debut season, Almeyda led AEK to victory in both the Super League Greece and the Greek Cup, achieving their first double since 1978.[37] The following year, AEK reached the group stage of the Europa League after a three-year absence.

On 13 May 2025, AEK and Almeyda parted ways.

Sevilla

On 16 June 2025, Spanish club Sevilla announced Almeyda as their new head coach.[38]

Style of play

A tenacious, dynamic and physically strong player in spite of his diminutive stature, Almeyda excelled in a midfield holding role due to his stamina, tactical awareness, reactions, anticipation and work rate, as well as his ability to press opponents and break down opposition plays which allowed him to protect his team's back-line. Although he earned a reputation in the media as a hard tackler, due to his "no-nonsense style of play," he was gifted with good feet and passing ability, which enabled him to start attacking plays after winning back possession; he also stood out for his leadership throughout his career. During his time in Italy, pundits likened him to his rival, Dutch holding midfielder Edgar Davids of Juventus, although Almeyda believed that Davids was more offensive-minded, while he preferred to focus on the defensive aspect of the game in order to support his more creative and offensive teammates. Due to his diminutive stature, tackling, and ability to cover a lot of ground during matches, Almeyda was given the nickname el tractorito ("the little tractor," in Spanish) in the media.[14][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46]

Coaching style

Almeyda's approach is heavily influenced by Marcelo Bielsa, his former manager, particularly in the emphasis on high-intensity pressing, attacking football and man-to-man marking of the opposition. [47] Almeyda also incorporates the "Bushido Code" (a Japanese samurai code of conduct) into his coaching philosophy, emphasizing virtues like righteousness, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, duty, loyalty, honor, and self-control. [48]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[49][50][51]
Club Season League Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
River Plate 1991–92 Primera División 2 0 — 0 0 — 2 0
1992–93 2 0 — 1Template:Efn 0 — 3 0
1993–94 14 0 1 0 0 0 — 15 0
1994–95 25 1 — 8Template:Efn 1 — 33 2
1995–96 24 2 — 20Template:Efn 1 — 44 3
1996–97 1 0 — — — 0 0
Total 68 3 1 0 29 2 — 98 5
Sevilla 1996–97 La Liga 28 0 2 0 — — 30 0
Lazio 1997–98 Serie A 19 0 2 0 7Template:Efn 0 — 28 0
1998–99 25 1 5 0 6Template:Efn 0 — 36 1
1999–2000 19 1 2 0 8Template:Efn 0 1Template:Efn 0 30 1
Total 63 2 9 0 21 0 1 0 94 2
Parma 2000–01 Serie A 16 0 3 0 4Template:Efn 0 — 23 0
2001–02 18 0 4 0 5Template:Efn 0 — 27 0
Total 34 0 7 0 9 0 — 50 0
Inter Milan 2002–03 Serie A 16 0 0 0 10Template:Efn 1 — 26 1
2003–04 11 0 3 0 7Template:Efn 0 — 21 0
Total 27 0 3 0 17 1 — 47 1
Brescia 2004–05 Serie A 5 0 0 0 — — 5 0
Quilmes 2005–06 Primera División 10 0 0 0 5Template:Efn 0 — 15 0
Lyn 2007 Tippeligaen 2 0 2 3 — — 4 3
Fénix 2008–09 Primera C Metropolitana 4 0 — — — 4 0
River Plate 2009–10 Primera División 32 0 0 0 — — 32 0
2010–11 30 0 0 0 — — 30 0
Total 62 0 0 0 — — 62 0
Career total 304 5 23 3 81 3 1 0 409 11

Template:Notelist

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year[52]
National team Year Apps Goals
Argentina 1996 6 0
1997 6 0
1998 11 0
2000 3 1
2001 5 0
2002 4 0
2003 5 0
Total 40 1
Score and result list Argentina's goal tally first, score column indicates score after Almeyda goal.
International goal scored by Matías Almeyda[53]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 26 July 2000 Estádio do Morumbi, São Paulo, Brazil {{ Template:Yesno alias = Brazil flag alias-1692 = Flag of the Princes of Brazil.svg flag alias-1816 = Flag of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves.svg flag alias-1822 = Flag of Brazil (1822-1853).svg flag alias-1870 = Flag of Brazil (1853-1889).svg flag alias = Flag of Brazil.svg flag alias-1889 = Flag of Brazil (1889–1960).svg flag alias-1960 = Flag of Brazil (1960–1968).svg flag alias-1968 = Flag of Brazil (1968–1992).svg flag alias-army = Flag of the Brazilian Army.svg link alias-army = Brazilian Army flag alias-air force = Flag of the Brazilian Air Force Command.svg link alias-air force = Brazilian Air Force link alias-naval = Brazilian Navy flag alias-marines=Flag of the Brazilian Marine Corps.svg link alias-marines=Brazilian Marine Corps link alias-military = Brazilian Armed Forces link alias-navy = Brazilian Navy flag alias-navy = Flag of the Brazilian Navy.svg size = name = altlink = national football team variant =

}} || align="center"|1–2 || align="center"|1–3 || 2002 World Cup qualification

Managerial statistics

As of match played on 16 June 2025Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".[54]
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team Nat From To Record
G W D L GF GA GD Win %
River Plate Template:Flagicon 1 July 2011 27 November 2012

Template:WDL

Banfield 21 April 2013 3 August 2015

Template:WDL

Guadalajara[n 1] Template:Flagicon 15 September 2015 11 June 2018

Template:WDL

San Jose Earthquakes Template:Flagicon 8 October 2018 18 April 2022

Template:WDL

AEK Athens Template:Flagicon 18 Μay 2022 13 May 2025

Template:WDL

Sevilla Template:Flagicon 16 June 2025 present

Template:WDL

Total

Template:WDLtot

Honours

Player

River Plate[55]

Lazio[55]

Parma[55]

Argentina[15]

Individual

Manager

River Plate[54]

Banfield[54]

Guadalajara[54][27]

AEK Athens

Individual

Notes

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  1. ↑ Includes matches from Liga MX, Copa MX, Supercopa MX and Copa Libertadores

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References

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  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  33. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  34. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  35. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  36. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  37. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  38. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  39. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  40. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  41. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  42. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  43. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  44. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  45. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  46. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  47. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  48. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  49. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  50. ↑ Template:BDFutbol
  51. ↑ Template:BDFA
  52. ↑ Template:NFT
  53. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  54. ↑ a b c d Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  55. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  56. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  57. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  58. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  59. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  60. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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External links

Template:Sister project

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