Biography
Who is Marcelo Gallardo?
Early life and career beginnings
Marcelo Gallardo was born in Merlo, Argentina, to parents Máximo Gallardo and Ana María Maidana. He started playing football around the age of ten in local clubs before joining the junior squad at River Plate.
He made his professional debut for River Plate at the age of seventeen during the Argentinian Torneo de Clausura. During his early years with the club, he won several local league championships and established himself as a starting midfielder.
Playing career in Europe and America
In 1999, Marcelo Gallardo signed a five-year contract with French club Monaco. He helped the team win the Première Division and earned the title of French League Footballer of the Year in 2000.
After his time in France, he returned to River Plate and later played for Paris Saint-Germain. He then moved to Major League Soccer to play for D.C. United as the club's first Designated Player before returning to South America.
Managerial success
After finishing his playing career with Nacional de Montevideo in Uruguay, Marcelo Gallardo transitioned immediately into coaching the same team. He helped them secure a championship victory before taking over as head coach at River Plate.
Under his leadership, River Plate returned to the international scene and claimed numerous tournament championships. His tenure made him the most successful coach in the history of the club.
International career and personal life
Marcelo Gallardo represented the Argentina national team in numerous international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup and the Copa América. He won a gold medal with the under-twenty team at the Pan American Games and a silver medal at the Olympic Games.
He stands 165 centimeters tall. He is a father to his children, Matías Gallardo and Nahuel Gallardo, and has remained a prominent figure in Argentine association football.
Birthday and age
Marcelo Gallardo was born on January 18, 1976, which makes Marcelo 50 years old today. That birthday falls under the Capricorn sign. Marcelo shares the date with 74 other famous people.
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