Marcos Rojo Biography: From Early Life To Football Career

Marcos Rojo is a popular Argentine professional footballer who has made a name for himself in the world of football. He was born on March 20, 1990, in La Plata, Argentina. Rojo started his football career at a very young age, and his passion for the sport has helped him achieve great success in his career.

Rojo’s early life was marked by many challenges, including cycling to training, a round trip of around 20 kilometres from his home to his training ground. Despite these challenges, Rojo remained focused on his dream of becoming a professional footballer. He made a number of sacrifices in order to realize his dream, and his hard work and dedication have paid off in the form of numerous accolades and awards.

Rojo’s career has been marked by many achievements, including winning the Copa Libertadores with local club Estudiantes de La Plata in 2009, playing in the FIFA Club World Cup Final later that year, and winning the Primera Division in 2010. He has also played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Manchester United and Boca Juniors. Rojo’s international career has also been impressive, having played for the Argentina national team.

Key Takeaways

Marcos Rojo is an Argentine professional footballer who has achieved great success in his career.
Rojo’s early life was marked by many challenges, but his hard work and dedication have paid off in the form of numerous accolades and awards.
Rojo’s career has been marked by many achievements, including winning the Copa Libertadores and playing for some of the biggest clubs in the world.

Early Life

Marcos Rojo was born on March 20th, 1990, in La Plata, Argentina. He grew up in El Triunfo, a poor city located 40 miles from Buenos Aires, which is known for its notorious criminal gangs and football fans. Rojo’s parents, Carlina Rojo and Marcos Rojo Snr, were both factory workers.

Rojo had a passion for football from a young age and would often play with his friends in the streets. He joined his local side, Estudiantes de La Plata, at the age of ten, and quickly rose through the ranks. In 2009, he signed his first professional contract with the club and was promoted to the main team.

Rojo had to cycle to training, a round trip of around 20 kilometres from his home to his training ground. He made a number of sacrifices in order to realize his dream of becoming a professional footballer. Despite the challenges he faced, Rojo remained determined and focused on his goals.

Rojo’s hard work paid off when he was selected to represent Argentina at the 2010 South American U-20 Championship. He played a crucial role in helping his team win the tournament, and his performances caught the attention of scouts from European clubs. In 2011, Rojo signed with Spartak Moscow, marking the beginning of his professional career in Europe.

Career

Rojo began his football career at Estudiantes de La Plata, where he won the Copa Libertadores in 2009 and the Primera Division in 2010. After a short stint with Spartak Moscow, he joined Sporting CP in 2012.

In August 2014, Rojo signed with Manchester United for a fee of £16 million. He made his debut for the club in September of that year, playing as a left-back in a 4-0 win over Queens Park Rangers.

Rojo was mainly used as a centre-back during his time at Manchester United, and he was known for his tough tackling and physicality. He played a key role in the club’s Europa League triumph in 2017, starting in the final against Ajax.

In 2020, Rojo joined Argentine club Estudiantes on loan, and the move was made permanent in 2021. He then signed with Boca Juniors in 2022.

Throughout his career, Rojo has also represented the Argentina national team, earning over 60 caps and scoring three goals. He was part of the team that reached the final of the 2014 World Cup and also played in the 2018 tournament.

Club Career

Estudiantes

Marcos Rojo began his club career with Estudiantes de La Plata, a local club in Argentina. He won the Copa Libertadores in 2009 with the club, played in the FIFA Club World Cup Final later that year, and won the Primera División in 2010. During his time at Estudiantes, Rojo played as a left-back.

Spartak Moscow

Rojo had a short spell with Spartak Moscow in 2011. He made 12 appearances for the Russian club before moving on to Sporting CP.

Sporting CP

Rojo joined Sporting CP in 2012. He played as a centre-back and made a total of 49 appearances for the Portuguese club. During his time at Sporting CP, Rojo won the Taça de Portugal in 2015.

Manchester United

In 2014, Rojo signed with Manchester United for a transfer fee of £16 million. He made his debut for the club on September 14, 2014, in a 4-0 victory against Queens Park Rangers. Rojo played as a centre-back and a left-back during his time at Manchester United. He won the FA Cup in 2016 and the EFL Cup and Europa League in 2017.

Estudiantes Loan

Rojo returned to Estudiantes de La Plata on loan in January 2020. He played in six matches for the club before the loan was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Boca Juniors

Rojo joined Boca Juniors on a permanent deal in February 2021. He has made 25 appearances for the club as of October 2023.

International Career

Argentina U20

Rojo was first called up to the Argentina U20 team in 2009 and played in the South American Youth Championship. He helped the team to qualify for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt. At the tournament, he played in all seven of Argentina’s matches, including the final against Ghana, which Argentina won 2-1. Rojo was named in the tournament’s Best XI.

Argentina National Team

Rojo made his debut for the Argentina national team in 2011 in a friendly match against Venezuela. He was included in the squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and played in all of Argentina’s matches, including the final against Germany, which Argentina lost 1-0. Rojo’s performances in the tournament earned him a place in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team.

Rojo was also a member of the Argentina squad for the 2015 and 2016 Copa América tournaments, reaching the final in both competitions but losing to Chile on both occasions. In 2018, he was included in the Argentina squad for the FIFA World Cup in Russia, but played in only one match due to injury. Rojo has since been a regular member of the Argentina national team, playing in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

During his international career, Rojo has played as both a center-back and a left-back, and has been praised for his physicality, aerial ability, and defensive skills.

Style of Play

Marcos Rojo is a versatile defender who can play both as a center-back and as a left-back. He is known for his aggressive style of play, which makes him a tough opponent to face. Rojo is a strong tackler who is not afraid to go into challenges, and he is always willing to put his body on the line for the team.

Rojo is also a good reader of the game, which allows him to anticipate opposition attacks and make timely interceptions. He has a good sense of positioning, which helps him to stay in the right place at the right time. Rojo is also a good passer of the ball, and he is comfortable with both short and long-range passes.

In addition to his defensive qualities, Rojo is also a threat going forward. He has a good left foot, which he uses to deliver accurate crosses and set pieces. Rojo is also a goal threat, and he has scored some crucial goals for his teams over the years.

Overall, Rojo is a complete defender who can contribute both defensively and offensively. His aggressive style of play, good reading of the game, and passing ability make him a valuable asset to any team.

Personal Life

Marcos Rojo was born on March 20th, 1990, in La Plata, Argentina. He grew up in a family of footballers, with his father and two brothers all playing the sport. Rojo is married to Eugenia Lusardo, and the couple has two daughters.

Rojo is known for his tattoos, which cover much of his body. He has a tattoo of his daughter’s name on his neck and a portrait of his mother on his arm. He also has a tattoo of Che Guevara on his leg, which has caused controversy in some circles.

Off the field, Rojo is a fan of motorsports and has been seen attending Formula One races. He is also known for his charitable work, including donating money to a children’s hospital in his hometown of La Plata.

Rojo has had some legal issues in the past, including a 2014 incident where he was accused of assaulting a neighbor. However, the charges were later dropped.

Philanthropy

Marcos Rojo has been actively involved in philanthropic activities throughout his career. He has worked with various organizations to help underprivileged children and families in Argentina.

One of the organizations Rojo has worked with is the Fundación P.U.P.I. (Por un Piberío Integrado), which translates to “For an Integrated Childhood.” The organization’s mission is to promote the social inclusion of children and youth in vulnerable situations through sports and education. Rojo has participated in several events organized by the foundation and has made donations to support their cause.

In addition to working with Fundación P.U.P.I., Rojo has also supported the Hospital de Niños Sor María Ludovica in La Plata, where he was born and raised. He has donated equipment and supplies to the hospital to help improve the quality of care for children in need.

Rojo’s philanthropic efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2019, he was awarded the “Golden Heart” award by the Argentine Football Players Association for his commitment to social causes.

Overall, Rojo’s dedication to giving back to his community is a testament to his character and values as a person.

Controversies

Marcos Rojo has been involved in several controversies throughout his career. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Lockdown violation: In May 2020, Manchester United issued a warning to Rojo after he was filmed appearing to flout Argentina’s coronavirus lockdown rules. The defender was seen playing cards and smoking with friends in his hometown of La Plata, despite the government’s strict quarantine measures. Rojo apologized for his actions and promised to comply with the regulations going forward.
Assault charge: In November 2010, Rojo was arrested and charged with assaulting a man outside a nightclub in La Plata. The victim claimed that Rojo and his friends had attacked him with a bottle and a knife, leaving him with several injuries. Rojo denied the allegations and was released on bail. The case was eventually dropped due to a lack of evidence.
Transfer request: In August 2018, Rojo reportedly handed in a transfer request at Manchester United after falling out of favor with manager Jose Mourinho. The Argentine defender was said to be frustrated with his lack of playing time and was keen to secure a move away from Old Trafford. However, the transfer did not materialize, and Rojo remained at the club for another two years.
World Cup controversy: In June 2018, Rojo sparked controversy after scoring a late winner for Argentina in their crucial World Cup group game against Nigeria. After the match, Rojo celebrated by shouting into a camera and using an expletive that was picked up by television microphones. The incident led to criticism from fans and pundits, who accused Rojo of being disrespectful and unsportsmanlike.

Legacy

Marcos Rojo’s career has been filled with ups and downs. He was a solid defender during his time at Sporting CP, earning him a move to Manchester United in 2014. However, his time at United was plagued with injuries, and he struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter.

Despite this, Rojo did have some memorable moments during his time at Old Trafford. He scored a crucial goal in the Europa League semi-final against Celta Vigo in 2017, helping United reach the final. He also played a key role in Argentina’s run to the 2014 World Cup final, where they were defeated by Germany.

Rojo’s departure from United in 2020 was somewhat anticlimactic. He joined Estudiantes on loan, but his time there was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He then returned to United for a brief period before being released at the end of the 2020-21 season.

Rojo’s legacy at United will be somewhat mixed. While he was never able to establish himself as a consistent starter, he did provide some important contributions during his time at the club. He was a passionate and committed player who always gave his all on the pitch, and he was a popular figure among United fans.

Overall, while Rojo’s time at United may not have been as successful as he would have hoped, he will always be remembered as a player who gave his all for the club.

Frequently Asked Questions

What teams has Marcos Rojo played for?

Marcos Rojo has played for several teams throughout his football career. He started his professional career at Estudiantes de La Plata in Argentina, where he won the Copa Libertadores in 2009. He then played for Spartak Moscow, Sporting CP, and Manchester United before joining Boca Juniors in 2022.

How old is Marcos Rojo?

Marcos Rojo was born on March 20, 1990. As of the current date, Sun Oct 29 2023, he is 33 years old.

What position is Marcos Rojo?

Marcos Rojo is a defender who can play both as a center-back and as a left-back.

Who is Marcos Rojo’s wife?

Marcos Rojo is married to Eugenia Lusardo. The couple got married in 2016 and they have two children together.

What is Marcos Rojo’s FIFA 23 rating?

As of the current date, Sun Oct 29 2023, FIFA 23 has not been released yet. Therefore, Marcos Rojo’s FIFA 23 rating is not available at this time.

Will Marcos Rojo play in the World Cup 2022?

As of the current date, Sun Oct 29 2023, the World Cup 2022 has already taken place. Marcos Rojo was part of the Argentina national team that won the Copa America in 2021, but it is unclear if he will be part of the team for future international competitions.