Leonardo Balerdi


Leonardo Julián Balerdi Rosa is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for club Marseille, whom he captains, and the Argentina national team.

Club career

Boca Juniors

Balerdi made his debut for Boca Juniors in the Argentine Primera División starting against Club Atlético Huracán on 27 August 2018. Although only appearing 5 times for Boca Juniors, Balerdi's performances took Argentinian football by storm and he has rapidly been hailed as Argentina's best upcoming defender.

Borussia Dortmund

In January 2019, Balerdi agreed to a four-and-a-half-year contract with Borussia Dortmund. According to several Argentine reports, Dortmund has agreed to pay €15 million for the central defender. An additional €2 million might need to be paid due to agreed add-ons.
Balerdi made his Dortmund and Bundesliga debut on 7 December 2019 against Fortuna Düsseldorf coming onto the pitch as a substitute in the 78th minute. After a few substitute appearances, Balerdi made his first start against 1899 Hoffenheim in the last Bundesliga fixture of the 2019–20 season. He was substituted in the 65th minute as Dortmund trailed 4–0.

Marseille

In July 2020, Balerdi signed with Olympique de Marseille on a year loan with an option to buy for €15 million. On 3 July 2021, he joined Marseille permanently, signing a five-year contract with the club.
At the start of the 2024–25 season, Balerdi extended his contract by 2 more years until 2028, being also promoted as captain of the squad.

International career

He debuted for the Argentina senior squad on 10 September 2019 in a friendly match against Mexico, replacing Lucas Martínez Quarta in the 83rd minute.

Honours

Boca Juniors
Marseille
Argentina U17