5 Best Argentinians to have played in the Ligue One

The French Ligue 1 has gained prominence over the years by being one of the top five top flight in the world.

This article will look at the top five Argentinian stars that have made names for themselves while playing their trade in the francophone country.

1. Delio Onnis

The former Tour striker had his stint with Reims, Monaco, and Tours in an illustrious 13 years. Born in Italy, Onnis, who was born in Italy and nicknamed El Tano (The Italian), was lethal in front goal for his respective teams.

He won the Ligue 1 trophy and Coupe de France during his stint with Monaco in 1978 and 1980 respectively after he was scooped up by the former Ligue 1 winners from Reims, where he established himself between 1971 and 1973.

Onnis, who was also Ligue 1’s record goalscorer with 299 goals, also won the golden booth award in 1975, 1980, 1981, 1982, and 1984.

After leaving Monaco in 1980, he joined Tours, where he continued his prolific form and left the club in 1983.

Onnis positioning in the final third was described as remarkable, which got him the success. Despite his achievement in France, he never played for the Argentine national team due to a ferocious competition for places in the squad at the time.

2. Angel Di Maria

PSG 2015-present

The attacking midfielder joined the current runaway leaders after a bad stint at Old Trafford.

He regained his Real Madrid form at the Parc De Prince and became a menace for defenders in the top flight. His success won him nine domestic trophies which include Ligue 1 champion, Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue which were all won between 2016 to 2018.

3. Gabriel Heinze

Heinze was during his time a combative defender who gave his all for his team.

This made him the fans favourite during his tints with PSG and Olympique Marseille.

He won the Ligue 1 with PSG in 2010 and Coupe De France and Coupe de la Ligue in 2004, 2010 and 2011 respectvely.

4. Carlos Bianchi

The Argentinian hit the Ligue 1 with a storm when he joined Reims to emerge the golden booth winner in his second season. He continued from where he stopped by winning the league top goalscorer award also in 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979.

Bianchi, who played 14 times for Argentina, was a replacement for his countryman, Onnis, who joined Monaco in 1973.

He couldn’t win a domestic trophy for PDG, which he joined in 1977 despite scoring 37 goals for the team in the 1978-1979 season.

He moved from being a player to coach by managing Reims before moving to Nice.

5. Lucho Gonzalez

He is one of the best Argentine playmakers ever to play in France. His presence in the midfield of Olympique Marseille was ever noticeable as he helped the club to the domestic title in 2010.

His club-record 18 million Euros move at 28, was justified as he finished 2009-2010 with 11 assists en route to the club’s success in the domestic front.

 

 

Written by:  Oladipupo Mojeed