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Abel BalboFormer Argentine footballer, striker
Date of Birth: 01.06.1966
Country:  Argentina |
Content:
- Abel Balbo: Argentine Football Legend
- Move to Europe
- Dominant Years at Roma
- Later Career and International Impact
- Brief Coaching Career
- Achievements
Abel Balbo: Argentine Football Legend
Early Career and Success in ArgentinaAbel Balbo, a renowned Argentine footballer, emerged from the youth ranks of Newell's Old Boys. His debut for the first team came on August 30, 1987, in a 1-1 draw against Deportivo Español. Balbo's maiden goal for Newell's arrived on February 7, 1988, in a 2-2 draw with Deportivo Armenio. In 1989, he lifted the Argentine Championship title with the club.
Move to Europe
After a successful stint with Newell's, Balbo transferred to River Plate but spent only a season there before heading to Italy. There, he made his mark at Udinese, helping them earn promotion to Serie A in 1992. In his first Serie A season, he netted an impressive 21 goals in 32 games.
Dominant Years at Roma
Balbo's exploits in Italy caught the attention of Roma, who signed him in 1993. He played five seasons with the club, forming formidable partnerships with Daniel Fonseca and later Francesco Totti. He served as captain during the 1997/98 season. Remarkably, he scored at least ten goals in all five seasons with Roma.
Later Career and International Impact
Following his stint at Roma, Balbo moved to Parma but managed only four goals in a season. He then played for Fiorentina, Roma again, and finally returned home to Argentina with Boca Juniors.
At the international level, Balbo earned 37 caps and scored 11 goals for the Argentine national team. He participated in three World Cups and two Copa Américas. Notably, he scored in the infamous match against Brazil in the 1995 Copa América, which Brazil won 2-1 on a controversial handball goal from Túlio Costa.
Brief Coaching Career
On February 24, 2009, Balbo became head coach of Treviso, replacing Luca Gotti. However, he resigned the following day. After a conversation with the club president, Balbo agreed to return, only to leave Treviso again on March 18 after four games.
Achievements
Argentine Champion: 1988Italian Serie A Champion: 2001
Coppa Italia Winner: 1999
UEFA Cup Winner: 1999
