Leandro Desabato
Argentina- Leandro Desábato: A Skilled Center-Back from Argentina
- Controversial Incident and Imprisonment
- Return to Estudiantes and Success
- International Career
Leandro Desábato: A Skilled Center-Back from Argentina
Early CareerLeandro Desábato, a former Argentine footballer, began his professional career in 1997 with Estudiantes. After a brief stint with the club, he moved on to play for three other Argentine teams: Olimpo, Quilmes, and Argentinos Juniors from 2001 to 2007.
Controversial Incident and Imprisonment
In 2005, Desábato faced controversy during a Copa Libertadores match for Quilmes. He was accused of making racist remarks towards São Paulo player Grafite, leading to his detention for a night in prison. However, legendary Brazilian footballer Tostão came to his defense, stating that the remark was not racially motivated and that Desábato had merely reacted to provocation.
Return to Estudiantes and Success
Following a successful 2006/07 season with Argentinos Juniors, Desábato returned to his boyhood club, Estudiantes, in 2007. The period from the latter half of 2008 onwards proved particularly successful for Desábato and the team. Estudiantes reached the final of the 2008 South American Cup, losing to Brazilian side Internacional. In 2009, Desábato played an integral role in Estudiantes' triumph in the Copa Libertadores, their fourth title in the competition.
International Career
Desábato's consistent performances earned him a call-up to the Argentine national team under Diego Maradona for a friendly against Ghana in 2009. He made his international debut in 2011, appearing in both matches against Brazil in the Copa Roca.
