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Who are the most popular athletes hailing from Argentina?

From soccer pitches to basketball courts, who are the standout sports figures?

Discover the most popular athletes from Argentina and explore how they have left a mark on their respective sports.

Also check out our post about the most popular soccer players from Argentina.

Most popular athletes from Argentina:

  1. Lionel Messi
  2. Diego Maradona
  3. Manu Ginóbili
  4. Juan Martín Del Potro
  5. Carlos Tévez
  6. Luciana Aymar
  7. Gabriela Sabatini
  8. Angel Di Maria
  9. Emanuel Ginóbili
  10. Juan Román Riquelme
  11. David Nalbandian
  12. María Emilia Salerni
  13. Hugo Porta

📹 Video

#1 Lionel Messi

  • 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
  • 🎂 Born in: 1987
  • 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 7 Ballon d’Or Titles

Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest soccer player of all time, has made a significant impact on the world of football. His extraordinary skills and game-changing abilities have inspired countless players and fans worldwide.

Off the field, his philanthropic work through the Leo Messi Foundation highlights his dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

#2 Diego Maradona

  • 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
  • 🎂 Born in: 1960
  • 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 1986 FIFA World Cup Winner

Diego Maradona, one of the most iconic figures in the history of soccer, is remembered for his incredible skills and unforgettable moments on the field, such as his famous “Hand of God” goal. Maradona’s talent and passion for the game have left an everlasting impact on soccer’s history.

Despite some off-the-field controversies, Maradona’s legendary status remains undiminished, and he is revered as a national hero in Argentina.

#3 Manu Ginóbili

  • 🏆 Sport(s): Basketball
  • 🎂 Born in: 1977
  • 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 4 NBA Championships

Manu Ginóbili, a trailblazer for Argentine basketball, has left an indelible mark on the NBA. As a key component of the San Antonio Spurs’ “Big Three,” Ginóbili’s creativity and competitiveness have made him an inspiration for up-and-coming players and fans alike.

His immense impact on the sport in Argentina and internationally has earned him the admiration of many and solidified his place among the greatest basketball players of his generation.

#4 Juan Martín Del Potro

  • 🏆 Sport(s): Tennis
  • 🎂 Born in: 1988
  • 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2009 US Open Champion

Juan Martín Del Potro, one of the most talented tennis players in Argentine history, has achieved remarkable success and inspired a generation of tennis enthusiasts. Del Potro’s powerful groundstrokes and resilience have made him a force to be reckoned with on the ATP tour.

Despite numerous injury setbacks, Del Potro’s determination and unwavering spirit have continued to captivate fans and fellow players alike.

#5 Carlos Tévez

  • 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
  • 🎂 Born in: 1984
  • 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2008 Olympic Gold Medal

Carlos Tévez, the versatile and hardworking Argentine forward, has consistently proven himself as one of the world’s most gifted strikers. His tenacity and fighting spirit on the field have made him a fan favorite in every team he has represented.

Tévez’s unwavering commitment to his craft and his dedication to giving back to his community make him a distinguished figure both on and off the soccer pitch.

#6 Luciana Aymar

  • 🏆 Sport(s): Field Hockey
  • 🎂 Born in: 1977
  • 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 8-Time FIH Player of the Year

Luciana Aymar, known as the “Maradona of Field Hockey,” has revolutionized the sport and distinguished herself as one of the greatest players of all time. Aymar’s electrifying skills, vision, and leadership have led the Argentine national team, Las Leonas, to numerous international titles.

Her remarkable career and contributions to the sport have paved the way for future generations of female athletes in Argentina and beyond.

#7 Gabriela Sabatini

  • 🏆 Sport(s): Tennis
  • 🎂 Born in: 1970
  • 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 1990 US Open Champion

Gabriela Sabatini, an Argentine tennis trailblazer, has left an enduring impact on the sport with her graceful playing style and sportsmanship. Sabatini’s success and international appeal have inspired future generations of female tennis players in Argentina and globally.

Beyond her accomplishments on the court, Sabatini’s sportsmanship and philanthropic endeavors have earned her widespread admiration and respect.

#8 Angel Di Maria

  • 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
  • 🎂 Born in: 1988
  • 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2021 Copa America Champion

Angel Di Maria, an incredibly skilled and versatile Argentine winger, has made a significant impact on soccer, both in club competitions and on the international stage. Di Maria’s creativity, speed, and accurate passing have made him a valuable asset to any team he has represented.

His crucial role in Argentina’s 2021 Copa America victory solidified his place among the country’s top footballers and further inspired a generation of soccer fans.

#9 Emanuel Ginóbili

  • 🏆 Sport(s): Basketball
  • 🎂 Born in: 1977
  • 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2004 Olympic Gold Medal

Emanuel Ginóbili, also known as Manu Ginóbili, is an Argentine basketball legend who has left an indelible mark on the sport. His creativity and skill have inspired a new generation of basketball players both in Argentina and around the world.

Ginóbili’s commitment to his home country and his tremendous success in the NBA have secured his legacy as one of Argentina’s greatest athletes.

#10 Juan Román Riquelme

  • 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
  • 🎂 Born in: 1978
  • 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2000 and 2001 Argentine Footballer of the Year

Juan Román Riquelme, a world-class Argentine midfielder known for his vision and extraordinary playmaking abilities, has left a significant mark on the soccer world. His elegance on the ball and ability to create scoring opportunities have made him one of Argentina’s most beloved footballers.

Though retired, Riquelme’s influence on Argentine soccer and his unwavering commitment to his home country continue to inspire countless soccer fans.

#11 David Nalbandian

  • 🏆 Sport(s): Tennis
  • 🎂 Born in: 1982
  • 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2005 Tennis Masters Cup Champion

David Nalbandian, a skilled and talented Argentine tennis player, has had a considerable impact on the sport, both in Argentina and internationally. Known for his powerful baseline game and ability to excel on all surfaces, Nalbandian has been a force to be reckoned with in the ATP tour.

His success in the sport and role as a trailblazer for Argentine tennis have left a lasting legacy and inspired a new generation of fans and players.

#12 María Emilia Salerni

  • 🏆 Sport(s): Tennis
  • 🎂 Born in: 1983
  • 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2000 International Tennis Federation World Junior Champion

María Emilia Salerni, a talented Argentine tennis player, made a name for herself by excelling as a junior. She became an inspiration for many female tennis players in Argentina and around the world.

Although her professional career was plagued by injuries, Salerni’s early success in junior tournaments and her fighting spirit on the court have made her an admired figure among Argentine tennis fans.

#13 Hugo Porta

  • 🏆 Sport(s): Rugby
  • 🎂 Born in: 1951
  • 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 1985 Rugby Union Player of the Year

Hugo Porta, one of the most influential figures in Argentine rugby, has an undeniable impact on the sport. Renowned for his exceptional kicking ability, Porta captained Los Pumas, Argentina’s national team, through numerous successes during his career.

His considerable contributions to rugby in Argentina and his tireless efforts to promote the sport have endeared him to fans and fellow athletes alike, ensuring his place as a sporting legend in his home country.

FAQ

Who is the greatest athlete in the history of Argentina?

Diego Maradona is regarded as the greatest athlete in the history of Argentina.

Who is the most popular female athlete from Argentina?

Gabriela Sabatini, a former professional tennis player, is the most popular female athlete from Argentina.

Which sport has the most popular athletes from Argentina?

Football (soccer) is the sport with the most popular athletes from Argentina.

Which athlete from Argentina is the most popular internationally?

Lionel Messi, an acclaimed footballer, is the most internationally popular athlete from Argentina.

Max is a sports enthusiast who loves all kinds of ball and water sports. He founded & runs stand-up-paddling.org (#1 German Paddleboarding Blog), played competitive Badminton and Mini Golf (competed on national level in Germany), started learning ‘real’ Golf and dabbled in dozens of other sports & activities.

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