Rolando Schiavi Biography: The Life and Career of the Argentine Football Legend
Rolando Schiavi is a retired Argentine football defender, who is best known for his time spent playing for Boca Juniors. He was born on January 18, 1973, in Lincoln, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Schiavi started his football career in the lower leagues with Argentino de Rosario before moving to Argentinos Juniors in 1995.
Schiavi played for various teams throughout his career, including Newell’s Old Boys, Estudiantes de La Plata, and Club Atlético Lanús. He is regarded as one of the greatest defenders in Argentine football history and is known for his physical presence, aerial ability, and leadership skills. Schiavi was also a regular member of the Argentine national team, representing his country in the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the 2007 Copa América.
Throughout his career, Schiavi won numerous titles, including five Argentine Primera División championships and the 2007 Copa Libertadores with Boca Juniors. After retiring from football, he became a coach and managed various teams, including Club Atlético Banfield and Club Atlético Rosario Central. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Rolando Schiavi, including his early life, football career, coaching career, personal life, and legacy and impact.
Key Takeaways
- Rolando Schiavi is a retired Argentine football defender, who is best known for his time spent playing for Boca Juniors.
- Schiavi won numerous titles throughout his career, including five Argentine Primera División championships and the 2007 Copa Libertadores with Boca Juniors.
- After retiring from football, Schiavi became a coach and managed various teams, including Club Atlético Banfield and Club Atlético Rosario Central.
Early Life
Rolando Schiavi was born on January 18, 1973, in Lincoln, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. He grew up in a family of football enthusiasts, and his father was a former football player. From a young age, Schiavi showed a keen interest in the sport and began playing in local clubs.
Schiavi’s talent as a defender was evident from an early age, and he quickly gained recognition in the local football scene. He played for several amateur clubs in his hometown before being spotted by Argentino de Rosario, a professional team in the lower leagues of Argentine football.
Schiavi’s time at Argentino de Rosario was short-lived, and he soon moved to Argentinos Juniors, a club based in Buenos Aires. It was here that Schiavi began to make a name for himself as a formidable defender, and he helped the team win the Primera B Nacional championship in 1996.
Despite his success at Argentinos Juniors, Schiavi’s dream was to play for Boca Juniors, the most successful team in Argentine football history. In 1997, his dream came true, and he joined the club as a central defender.
Beginning of Football Career
Rolando Schiavi was born on January 18, 1973, in Lincoln, Argentina. He started his football career in the lower leagues with Argentino de Rosario. In 1995, he moved to Argentinos Juniors, where he played for two seasons.
In 1997, Schiavi joined Club Atletico Newell’s Old Boys. He played for the club until 2003, winning the Clausura championship in 2004. During his time at Newell’s Old Boys, he was known for his strong defensive skills and his ability to score goals from set-pieces.
In 2003, Schiavi transferred to Boca Juniors, where he became a fan favorite. He played for the club for six years, winning the Apertura championship in 2003, 2005, and 2008, as well as the Copa Libertadores in 2007. Schiavi scored 31 goals in 168 appearances for Boca Juniors, making him one of the most successful defenders in the club’s history.
Schiavi also had brief spells at clubs such as Getafe CF in Spain and Club Atlético Lanús in Argentina. He retired from professional football in 2014 and became a coach. Currently, he is the coach of the reserve team at Boca Juniors.
Club Career
Boca Juniors
Rolando Schiavi is most recognized for his time spent playing for Boca Juniors. He joined the club in 2001 and quickly became a fan favorite due to his tough tackling and leadership qualities. Schiavi was an instrumental part of the team that won the Copa Libertadores in 2003, the club’s first in over 22 years. He also helped Boca win the Intercontinental Cup in the same year, scoring the winning penalty in the final against AC Milan. Schiavi played for Boca Juniors until 2004, making 114 appearances and scoring 10 goals.
Newell’s Old Boys
After leaving Boca Juniors, Schiavi joined Newell’s Old Boys in 2004. He played for the club for two seasons, making 49 appearances and scoring 5 goals. During his time at Newell’s, Schiavi helped the team reach the final of the Copa Sudamericana in 2004, where they lost to Cienciano of Peru.
Ferro Carril Oeste
In 2006, Schiavi returned to Argentina and joined Ferro Carril Oeste. He played for the club for one season, making 35 appearances and scoring 2 goals.
Shanghai Shenhua
In 2007, Schiavi moved to China to play for Shanghai Shenhua. He played for the club for one season, making 25 appearances and scoring 2 goals.
Retirement from Club Career
Schiavi returned to Argentina in 2008 and played for a number of clubs before retiring in 2014. He played for clubs such as Estudiantes de La Plata, Club Atlético Lanús, and Club Rivadavia de Lincoln. Schiavi retired at the age of 41, having made over 400 appearances during his club career.
International Career
Schiavi’s international career began in 2001 when he was called up to the Argentina national team. He made his debut on July 11, 2001, in a friendly match against Honduras. Schiavi played in 13 matches for the national team, scoring one goal.
Schiavi was part of the Argentina squad that won the 2004 Copa América, playing in four of the team’s six matches. He also played in the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup, where Argentina finished in second place.
Despite his success at the international level, Schiavi was not selected for the 2006 FIFA World Cup squad. He retired from international football in 2007.
During his time with the national team, Schiavi was known for his physicality and aerial ability, which made him a formidable presence in defense. His performances for Argentina earned him the nickname “El Flaco” (The Skinny One) due to his lanky frame.
Overall, Schiavi’s international career was relatively short, but he made a significant impact during his time with the national team.
Coaching Career
Boca Juniors Youth Coach
After retiring from professional football, Schiavi began his coaching career at Boca Juniors. He started as a youth coach, working with the U-17 and U-19 teams. In 2016, he was appointed as the head coach of the U-20 team, leading them to win the Copa Libertadores Sub-20 in 2018.
Boca Juniors First Team Coach
In January 2021, Schiavi was appointed as the assistant coach of Boca Juniors’ first team, working under head coach Miguel Ángel Russo. He played a key role in helping the team win the Copa Diego Maradona in 2020 and the Copa de la Liga Profesional in 2021.
Schiavi’s coaching style is characterized by his emphasis on defensive solidity and organization. He is known for his ability to motivate his players and instill a winning mentality in them. His experience as a former player for Boca Juniors has also helped him to understand the club’s culture and values, which has been an asset in his coaching career.
Overall, Schiavi’s coaching career has been successful so far, and he is considered to be one of the most promising young coaches in Argentina. He has shown a great deal of potential and is expected to continue to make a significant impact in the world of football coaching.
Legacy and Impact
Rolando Schiavi is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in Argentine football history. He was known for his physicality, aerial prowess, and leadership on the pitch. Schiavi played for some of the biggest clubs in Argentina, including Boca Juniors, Newell’s Old Boys, and Estudiantes de La Plata. He won numerous domestic and international titles throughout his career, including three Copa Libertadores titles and two Intercontinental Cups with Boca Juniors.
Schiavi’s impact on Argentine football can still be felt today. Many young defenders look up to him as a role model and try to emulate his style of play. His leadership qualities have also been praised by his former teammates and coaches. Schiavi was known for his ability to motivate his teammates and lead by example on the pitch.
Off the pitch, Schiavi has also made a positive impact. He has been involved in various charity events and has used his platform to raise awareness for important causes. Schiavi is also a respected pundit and commentator, providing insightful analysis of football matches on television.
Overall, Rolando Schiavi’s legacy in Argentine football is secure. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest defenders in the country’s history and a true leader on and off the pitch.
Personal Life
Rolando Schiavi was born on January 18, 1973, in Lincoln, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. He is married to Jimena del Río, and they have two children together.
Schiavi is known for his love of football and his dedication to the sport. He has always been passionate about playing and has worked hard to achieve his goals. His determination and hard work have made him a successful player, and he has become a role model for many young athletes.
Off the field, Schiavi is a private person and does not share much about his personal life. He is known to be a family man and enjoys spending time with his wife and children. He also enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures.
Overall, Schiavi is a well-respected athlete, both on and off the field. His dedication to the sport and his family has made him a beloved figure in the world of football.
Retirement and Post-Football Life
After playing for over two decades, Rolando Schiavi retired from professional football in 2014 at the age of 41. He ended his career as the captain of Newell’s Old Boys (2008-2009, 2009-2011) and Boca Juniors (2011-2012).
Following his retirement, Schiavi has remained involved in football as a coach. He has worked as an assistant coach for several teams, including Boca Juniors, his former club. In 2019, he was appointed as the head coach of Club Atlético Platense, a team in the Argentine Primera División.
Off the pitch, Schiavi has been involved in various business ventures. He owns a clothing line called “RS5,” which features sportswear and casual clothing. He has also invested in a restaurant in his hometown of Lincoln, Buenos Aires Province.
Schiavi has been known for his charitable work as well. In 2011, he founded the “Rolando Schiavi Foundation,” which aims to help underprivileged children in Argentina. The foundation provides educational and sports programs for children in need.
Overall, Schiavi has transitioned successfully from a professional football career to a post-football life that includes coaching, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rolando Schiavi and what is his background?
Rolando Schiavi is a retired Argentine football defender born on January 18, 1973, in Lincoln, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. He started his football career in the lower leagues with Argentino de Rosario before moving to Argentinos Juniors in 1995.
What are some of the notable achievements of Rolando Schiavi?
Schiavi is most recognized for his time spent playing for Boca Juniors, where he won several titles, including the Copa Libertadores and the Intercontinental Cup. He also played for the Argentine national team, representing his country in the 2004 Copa America.
What teams did Rolando Schiavi play for during his career?
Apart from Argentinos Juniors and Boca Juniors, Schiavi played for several other teams during his career, including Newell’s Old Boys, Estudiantes de La Plata, and Club Atlético Lanús.
What is Rolando Schiavi doing now?
After retiring from football, Schiavi became a coach. He has managed several teams, including Club Atlético Banfield, Club Atlético Douglas Haig, and Club Atlético Patronato.
What is the playing style of Rolando Schiavi?
Schiavi was known for his physical and aggressive playing style. He was a tough defender who was not afraid to tackle hard and put his body on the line.
What are some interesting facts about Rolando Schiavi?
Schiavi is one of the few players to have won the Copa Libertadores with two different teams, Boca Juniors and Club Atlético Estudiantes. He is also known for his distinctive hairstyle, which he maintained throughout his career.