Biography
Who is José Manuel López?
Early life and youth career
José Manuel López was born in San Lorenzo, Argentina. He began playing football at the age of seven when he joined Club El Progreso in Saladas. This initial experience set the stage for his later development in the sport. Half a year later, the young player participated in a trial and secured a place with Boca Juniors.
By age nine, he moved on to join the Independiente system. He remained with that organization until 2016. During this period, he gained valuable experience by training with the first-team squad under manager Ariel Holan. These formative years provided a strong foundation for his progression into professional football.
Professional club beginnings
In 2017, José Manuel López moved to the club Lanús. He played for their youth teams before getting called up to the senior squad. During the 2018-2019 season, he spent time on loan with the Liga Tresarroyense club Colegiales de Tres Arroyos. He distinguished himself there by finishing the season as the team's top goalscorer.
He returned to Lanús and joined the senior squad managed by Luis Zubeldía in late 2020. He sat on the bench for Copa de la Liga Profesional matches against Aldosivi and Defensa y Justicia. His official professional debut occurred on January 3, 2021, against Patronato. He entered the match as a substitute for Gonzalo Torres with twenty-five minutes remaining. Shortly after, he scored his first professional goal against Rosario Central on January 9.
International career and Palmeiras
José Manuel López earned his first call-up to the Argentina senior national team in August 2025. Manager Lionel Scaloni selected him for matches against Venezuela and Ecuador that September. He made his official international debut on October 14, 2025, in a friendly match against Puerto Rico, which ended in a 6-0 victory. In May 2026, he was named to the 26-man roster for the FIFA World Cup.
His club career includes significant success with Palmeiras in Brazil. He helped the team win the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A in 2022 and 2023. He also secured the Supercopa do Brasil in 2023 and the Campeonato Paulista titles in 2023, 2024, and 2026. Individually, he was the top scorer in the 2024 Campeonato Paulista with ten goals and the 2025 Copa Libertadores with seven goals. He was further recognized as the 2026 Campeonato Paulista Best Player.
Birthday and age
José Manuel López was born on December 6, 2000, which makes José 25 years old today. That birthday falls under the Sagittarius sign. José shares the date with 41 other famous people.
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