Carlos Tevez, Argentinian footballer

Carlos Alberto Tevez (American Spanish: [ˈkaɾlos ˈteβes]), born on 5 February 1984, stands as an iconic Argentine professional footballer renowned for a career marked by relentless energy, exceptional skill, and a winning mentality. Last featuring for his beloved Boca Juniors, Tevez was celebrated in his prime as a quick, tenacious, powerful, hard-working, and profoundly dynamic forward. His remarkable versatility allowed him to excel in various offensive roles, including a primary striker, a wide winger, a supporting forward, or even an attacking midfielder, consistently impacting games with his tireless running and clinical finishing.

A Distinguished Club Career Across Continents

Early Dominance and South American Glory

Tevez initiated his illustrious professional journey with Argentine giants Boca Juniors. His initial spell was highly successful, culminating in significant triumphs in 2003, where he famously lifted the prestigious Copa Libertadores, South America's premier club competition, and subsequently the Intercontinental Cup, then the global club championship against European champions AC Milan. Following this, he transitioned to Brazilian powerhouse Corinthians in 2005, where he continued his winning ways, securing the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A title, further cementing his status as one of South America's most exciting talents.

The English Chapters: Controversies, Adaptation, and Premier League Success

His move to English football began in 2006 with West Ham United, followed by a transfer to Manchester United in 2007. These transfers, however, were significantly overshadowed by complex issues stemming from his third-party ownership by Media Sports Investment (MSI). This innovative yet controversial financial arrangement, where a portion of a player's economic rights is owned by an external investment group rather than solely by the club, led to protracted legal and regulatory sagas. The controversies surrounding Tevez's ownership at West Ham, including a record fine for the club and threats of points deductions, ultimately acted as a catalyst for substantial changes, paving the way for the Premier League to ban third-party ownership in 2008, with FIFA following suit globally in 2015, recognizing the potential conflicts of interest and integrity concerns it posed.

Despite the off-field complexities, Tevez's impact on the pitch was undeniable. At West Ham, his late-season heroics, including a crucial goal on the final day, famously saved the club from relegation. In 2009, Tevez made a controversial but highly impactful move to Manchester United's fierce local rivals, Manchester City. During his tenure at the Etihad Stadium, he continued to shine, achieving remarkable individual and team accolades. In the 2010–11 season, he was jointly awarded the Premier League Golden Boot, signifying his prowess as the league's top scorer. The following season, 2011–12, he played a pivotal role in Manchester City securing their historic first Premier League title in 44 years, a moment of immense significance for the club and its fanbase.

European Triumph and Emotional Returns

In 2013, Tevez ventured to Italy, joining Serie A giants Juventus. His time in Turin was marked by immediate success, where he quickly became a fan favourite. He played a crucial role in Juventus winning two consecutive Scudetti (Serie A titles) in the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons, along with other domestic honours such as the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana. His strong performances also helped Juventus reach the UEFA Champions League final in 2015.

His deep connection to Boca Juniors saw him return for a second spell in June 2015, a move that was celebrated immensely by the club's supporters. However, in 2017, he embarked on a brief but financially significant stint with Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua, where he became one of the highest-paid footballers in the world, reflecting the enormous financial investment in Chinese football at the time. Yet, his heart called him back to La Bombonera. He rejoined Boca Juniors for a third spell in 2018, continuing to add silverware to his collection by winning the Argentine Primera División titles in the 2017–18 and 2019–20 seasons, further solidifying his legendary status at the club where it all began.

International Representation with Argentina

Carlos Tevez also had a distinguished international career, making his debut for the Argentina national team in 2004. Over his career, he earned 76 caps, scoring 13 goals for his nation. A true highlight of his international presence was at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, where he was instrumental in Argentina securing a gold medal, also clinching the tournament's Golden Boot as the top scorer. He represented Argentina in several major tournaments, including two FIFA World Cups (2006 and 2010), a FIFA Confederations Cup, and four Copa América tournaments (2004, 2007, 2011, and 2015), consistently bringing his characteristic work ethic and competitive spirit to the national stage.

Notable Individual Accolades

Throughout his career, Carlos Tevez received numerous individual accolades that underscore his impact and recognition as a world-class player:

• He was honoured with the prestigious South American Footballer of the Year award an impressive three times, a testament to his dominance on the continent.
• Recognized twice as the Footballer of the Year of Argentina.
• Awarded the Argentine Sportsperson of the Year once.
• Named in the South American Team of the Year on three separate occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Carlos Tevez

What was Carlos Tevez's primary playing style?

Carlos Tevez was characterized by his incredible work rate, tenacity, and power. He was a dynamic forward known for his relentless running, robust physical presence, and ability to score goals from various positions. His aggressive pressing and defensive contribution from the front were also key aspects of his game, making him a truly complete forward.

Why was Tevez's move to English football controversial?

His transfers to West Ham United and Manchester United were highly controversial due to his third-party ownership by Media Sports Investment (MSI). This arrangement, where his economic rights were partially owned by an external company, violated Premier League rules, leading to legal disputes, fines, and ultimately prompting regulatory changes to ban such practices in English football and globally by FIFA.

Which major trophies did Carlos Tevez win in his career?

Carlos Tevez enjoyed a highly decorated career, winning significant trophies across South America and Europe. Key honours include the Copa Libertadores, Intercontinental Cup, Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Premier League title, Serie A (Scudetto) twice, and multiple Argentine Primera División titles, in addition to an Olympic gold medal with Argentina.

How many times did Carlos Tevez return to Boca Juniors?

Carlos Tevez had three separate spells with his beloved boyhood club, Boca Juniors. After his initial successful period, he returned for a second spell in 2015 and a third, final spell in 2018, underscoring his deep emotional connection to the club and its fans.

Was Carlos Tevez one of the highest-paid footballers in the world?

Yes, during his brief stint with Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua in 2017, Carlos Tevez was reported to be one of the highest-paid footballers globally, with a lucrative contract that reflected the significant financial investment in Chinese football at that time.