Tevez was born Carlos Alberto Martínez by his mother's surname inCiudadela,Buenos Aires Province, and raised in the neighbourhood of Ejército de Los Andes, better known as "Fuerte Apache". It was from there he received the nickname of "El Apache".[7] His biological parents were Juan Alberto Cabral and Fabiana "Trina" Martínez. He was adopted by his maternal aunt Adriana Noemí Martínez and her husband Segundo Raimundo Tévez. His adopted parents changed his surname to his adopted father's during a conflict between his junior clubAll Boys andBoca Juniors.[8]
Tevez has a distinctive burn scar that runs down his neck from his right ear to his chest. He was accidentally scalded with boiling water as a child, which causedthird-degree burns and kept him hospitalised in intensive care for nearly two months.[9] After joining Boca Juniors, Tevez refused an offer from the club to have them cosmetically improved, saying the scars were a part of who he was in the past and who he is today.[10]
The early life of Tevez was featured inApache: The Life of Carlos Tevez (Spanish: Apache: La vida de Carlos Tevez), an eight-part 2019 Argentine television series starring Balthazar Murillo, Sofía Gala and Vanesa González.
Club career
Boca Juniors
Tevez playing for Boca Juniors in 2004
At age 16, Tevez made his debut for Boca Juniors againstTalleres de Córdoba in theTorneo Apertura of the2001–02 Argentine Primera División, on 21 October 2001. Boca Juniors were crowned champions of the2001 Copa Libertadores and facedBayern Munich at the2001 Intercontinental Cup on 27 November, where they lost 1–0, although Tevez was not included in the squad. He went on to score 1 goal in 11 league appearances in the 2001–02 season. Boca had finished in first place of their2002 Copa Libertadores group and had reached the quarter-finals, where they faced Paraguay'sClub Olimpia on 8 May. Tevez scored after 18 minutes in the first-leg to give Boca Juniors a 1–0 lead, until Olimpia levelled the scores in the 67th minute when Boca defenderCristian Traverso scored anown goal. Boca lost the second-leg 1–0 inAsunción on 16 May.[11] Boca finished three points behindIndependiente to finish in second position during the Torneo Apertura. Boca Juniors eventually finished four points behindRiver Plate to claim second position in the Torneo Clausura.
Tevez scored 10 goals in 32 appearances for Boca during the2002–03 season. During the2002 Copa Sudamericana, Boca were eliminated 3–1 on aggregate byGimnasia de La Plata in the first round. Boca participated at the2003 Copa Libertadores and reached thefinal of the competition, where they facedSantos. Boca won 5–1 on aggregate, with Tevez scoring in the 3–1 away win in the second leg. Tevez was also voted as the tournament's best player. Tevez scored 12 goals in 23 appearances during the2003–04 season. Boca were crowned champions of the Torneo Apertura, where Tevez finished as the Apertura's seventh top goalscorer with eight goals. Boca then finished in second spot of the Torneo Clausura, four points behind River Plate. During the2003 Copa Sudamericana, Boca Juniors reached the quarter-final stages where they were eliminated by Colombia'sAtlético Nacional 5–1 on aggregate. During the2003 Intercontinental Cup, Tevez, who had just returned to the side from injury, entered the field in the 73rd minute forGuillermo Barros Schelotto, as Boca Juniors defeatedMilan 3–1 on penalties to claim the Intercontinental Cup.[12]
Boca had reached the final of the2004 Copa Sudamericana, where they beat Bolivia'sBolívar 2–1 on aggregate. Tevez scored in Boca's 2–0 second-leg win. Boca finished as runners-up of the2004 Copa Libertadores. Tevez scored in both games of Boca's round of 16 wins against Peru'sClub Sporting Cristal. Tevez also scored for Boca Juniors in their 2–1 second-leg loss to arch rivals River Plate, having drawn them level 2–2 on aggregate, which Boca went on to win 5–4 on penalties. Tevez was sent off forimitating a chicken when celebrating a goal against River Plate, clearly mocking the opposition crowd, with River called 'Gallinas' ('chickens') by other fans for their habit choking late on.[13] Boca played against Colombia'sOnce Caldas in the final, where after drawing 1–1 on aggregate, Boca lost 2–0 on penalties. Tevez scored two goals in nine league appearances in the Torneo Apertura of the2004–05 season. Boca Juniors faced Peru'sCienciano in the2004 Recopa Sudamericana on 7 September. Tevez scored after 33 minutes to give Boca Juniors a 1–0 lead, but Cienciano equalised and the match was decided by apenalty shoot-out. Boca lost 4–2 on penalties, where Tevez had failed to convert his side's second spot-kick.[14]
During his time at Boca Juniors, Tevez was listed by the media as a potentialheir toDiego Maradona, whosenumber 10 shirt he had inherited at the club .[15]
Corinthians
In January 2005, Tevez was transferred toCampeonato Brasileiro Série A clubCorinthians for $16 million cash and youth players worth $2 million.Kia Joorabchian and Tevez also received an additional 15% and 10% transfer fee respectively.[16] The transfer fee has also been reported as $22 million.[17] Tevez signed a five-year, £6.85 million contract following the Brazilian club's deal withMedia Sports Investment (MSI). The deal was the biggest transfer ever in South American football.[18] Investigation by Brazilian police later revealed MSI owned 35% of the player rights (through BVI company MSI Group Limited) while another 65% owned by Just Sport Limited, another BVI company.[16]
Tevez made his debut for the club on 29 January, in a 1-0 victory against America-SP.[19] He scored his first goal on 5 February, in a 2-0 away victory againstInter de Limeira.[citation needed] Five days later, he scored a brace in a 3-1 victory against Rio Branco. Tevez ended theCampeonato Paulista with seven goals in 13 games.[citation needed]
On 21 April, during the Copa do Brasil QF, Tevez scored in a 2-0 win against Figueirense.[citation needed] Tevez played in the second leg, which ended in a penalty shootout victory for Figueirense, as they had levelled the aggregate score at 2-2.[citation needed] During the cup campaign, Tevez scored four goals.[citation needed][20]
Tevez began theCampeonato Brasileiro by scoring on the first matchday, a 2-2 draw against Juventude.[21] During the campaign, Tevez scored multiple important goals, such as a brace at home to Coritiba,[22] followed by braces away from home against Ponte Preta[23] and Flamengo.[24] He also scored a hat trick in a 7-1 victory over Santos on 6 November.[25] With 20 goals,[26] Tevez captainedTimão to the league title, and was named the league's best player by theBrazilian Football Confederation, becoming the first non-Brazilian player to win the award since 1976.[18]
After scoring in a match against Fortaleza in July 2006,[27] Tevez celebrated by putting his index finder to his mouth to make a gesture asking for silence, a gesture which angered the Corinthians supporters; reports said that the fans later damaged his car. In response to the incident, Tevez apologized for the gesture, but threatened to leave the club if the violence continued, also adding that he would not take his daughter and wife to the stadium anymore.[28][29] With the arrival of new managerÉmerson Leão in August 2006, who stripped Tevez of the captaincy, Tevez requested to exit the club, saying that he would "not play as long as Leão is in charge". The Argentine striker's last match for the club was on 20 August 2006, a 1-0 victory at home to Botafogo.[30][31][32]
Despite altercations withMarquinhos,[33]Carlos Alberto,[34][35] and some fans, Tevez left a legacy at the club.[36][37][38] In a 2020 survey byGloboEsporte, Tevez was voted into the club's ideal XI for the 21st century. He had the third most votes, only behindRonaldo Nazario andMarcelinho.[39] Also that year, fans were asked in a survey if they wanted Tevez to return to Corinthians, with over 85% saying yes.[40]
West Ham United
Tevez with West Ham United in April 2007
Tevez confirmed on his website on 31 August that both he and Corinthians teammateJavier Mascherano were signing forWest Ham United on permanent deals for undisclosed fees.[41][42]
Tevez made his West Ham debut after coming on as a second-half substitute in the 1–1 home draw withAston Villa on 10 September 2006.[43] However, after this match, West Ham went on a nine-game winless streak (one draw and eight defeats), which included seven consecutive matches without scoring. This winless run also included going out of both theUEFA Cup andLeague Cup. In November of the same season, Tevez left the ground early after being substituted and throwing a tantrum during a league match againstSheffield United, and as punishment, his teammates decided Tevez had to donate half of a week's wages to charity and train in aBrazil jersey. Tevez refused to wear the shirt, saying, "I played in Brazil and have a great respect for Brazil and Brazilians but I'm Argentine and won't wear that shirt."[44]
On 6 January 2007, Tevez made his first start for West Ham under the new management ofAlan Curbishley in a 3–0FA Cup third round victory overBrighton & Hove Albion. He scored his first West Ham goal and assisted two others on 4 March 2007 in a 4–3 home defeat toTottenham Hotspur. In April 2007, West Ham were fined a record £5.5 million for breaching Premier League rules over the signings of Tevez and Mascherano. Nonetheless, Tevez was cleared to play for West Ham by the Premier League after changes were planned to be made to a third-party agreement related to him.[45][46] That same month, Tevez was named the club's Hammer of the Year.[47]
In relegation-threatened West Ham's final league match of the season againstManchester United on 13 May, Tevez scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory.[48] The match result secured West Ham's stay in the top flight after Sheffield United's failure to beatWigan Athletic at home on the same day.[49]
2007 transfer saga
In June 2007, Tevez rejected a move toInter Milan,[50] and his representative, Kia Joorabchian, stated that he was in discussions to stay with West Ham, as the player had settled into the Premier League and wanted to remain in England. Tevez replied that he would not make a decision until theCopa América concluded in July.
On 5 July, it was reported that Tevez had agreed to join Manchester United.[51][52] West Ham said they would block any transfer unless they received a majority of the transfer fee.[53] The next day, West Ham released a statement saying Tevez was under contract until June 2010, in addition to denying having held negotiations with any other club.[54] Joorabchian contradicted the claim by stating West Ham had given permission to United to engage in talks.[55]
Manchester United and West Ham soughtFIFA's assistance to rule on Tevez's ownership, but on 24 July, FIFA suggested the case be referred to theCourt of Arbitration for Sport.[56] Joorabchian intervened by issuing West Ham with a High Court writ "...to compel West Ham to release the registration of Carlos Tevez in accordance with contracts entered into between the parties".[57] However, the case never made it to court as the Premier League approved an agreement between West Ham and MSI in which MSI would pay £2 million to West Ham, who in turn released Tevez from his contract.[58]
Sheffield United controversy
Sheffield United were relegated after their loss to Wigan Athletic on the final day of the2006–07 season, while West Ham United narrowly avoided relegation by beating the newly crowned champions Manchester United 1–0 on the same day, finishing three points ahead of Sheffield United and having a superior goal difference to them by one. The Premier League fined West Ham a record £5.5 million in the signing of Tevez and compatriotJavier Mascherano. They were found to have beenpartially owned by businessman Kia Joorabchian'sMedia Sports Investment (MSI) company.
As a result, Sheffield United first appealed to the league for reinstatement to the Premier League. After this claim failed, the club soughtdamages from West Ham arising from the relegation. Initial media reports suggested Sheffield United sought £30 million, which they believed was the true cost of relegation. The controversy continued for nearly two years, interspersed with various differing media reports and speculations. However, on 17 March 2009, both clubs reached an out-of-court settlement to end their dispute, whereby West Ham paid £20 million (£4 millionper year over the next five seasons) as compensation to Sheffield United.[59]
Manchester United
Tevez playing for Manchester United in February 2008
Manchester United put forward a proposed two-year loan deal for Tevez, which was approved on 10 August 2007.[60] He made his debut on 15 August when he started in place of the injuredWayne Rooney in a 1–1 draw againstPortsmouth.[61] On 23 September, he scored his first goal in a 2–0 home victory againstChelsea. In November, United managerSir Alex Ferguson confirmed the club wanted to sign Tevez permanently, saying, "He'll get me 15 goals this season, and what's more, they'll be important goals."[62] Tevez was greeted with an ovation and singing of "There's Only One Carlos Tevez" from the West Ham supporters upon his return toUpton Park for an away match (lost by Manchester United) on 29 December.
Tevez scored a total of five goals during Manchester United's successful2007–08 UEFA Champions League campaign. He also scored the first penalty in the shoot-out against Chelsea in thefinal, which Manchester United won 6–5 after the match had ended 1–1 after extra time.[63]
Tevez scored his first league goal of the2008–09 season on 13 September 2008 in a 2–1 away defeat toLiverpool, and his firsthat-trick came on 3 December 2008, when he scored a quartet of goals in United's 5–3League Cup win overBlackburn Rovers in the fifth round.[64][65] His firstUEFA Champions League goal of the season, againstAalborg BK on 10 December, was the fastest goal scored in the tournament for 2008–09 at two minutes and 41 seconds.[66]
On 10 May 2009, Tevez was reported as saying that he believed his time at Manchester United would come to an end that summer and he expressed his dissatisfaction at not having been offered a permanent contract with the club and having been dropped from the team despite, in his opinion, not having played badly. Despite this outburst, Tevez was named in Manchester United's starting 11 for thederby match againstManchester City later that day, before scoring the second of United's two goals on the stroke of half-time, which prompted chants of "Fergie, sign him up" from some of the club's fans. After the match, Ferguson refused to be drawn on the subject of Tevez's future with the club, saying, "I didn't read any of the papers. He's a Manchester United player."[67]
The following match for Manchester United was away at Wigan. Tevez did not start the match, but came off the bench on 58 minutes and scored the equaliser three minutes later with a flamboyant back-heeled finish. His introduction immediately improved the team's play andMichael Carrick scored the winner on 86 minutes. After the game, to the relief of most United fans, Ferguson announced the club had commenced talks to sign Tevez on a permanent deal. Tevez started the next match againstArsenal, but was substituted byPark Ji-sung in the 66th minute. As he left the field, the Manchester United supporters applauded him in what would be his last match atOld Trafford for United. United chief executiveDavid Gill suggested that Tevez's future would be resolved by early June 2009.[68] Although United agreed to meet the option fee of £25.5 million and offered Tevez a five-year contract that would have made him one of the club's top earners, Tevez's advisors informed the club he no longer wished to play for Manchester United. Nevertheless, reports also emerged that Tevez had ruled out signing for Liverpool, given the implications of a Manchester United player moving to join theirnorth-west rivals.[69]
Manchester City
Tevez joined Manchester United's cross-town rivals, Manchester City, after his contract with United ran out in July 2009
After protracted negotiations, Tevez signed a five-year contract with Manchester United's cross-town rivals, Manchester City, after a medical on 14 July 2009.[70] On 12 September, it was claimedthe transfer fee was £47 million, a British transfer record,[71] but this was later denied by both Manchester City and MSI. Tevez was given the number 32 shirt, just as he was at Manchester United and West Ham. In signing for Manchester City, Tevez became the first player to move between the two Manchester clubs sinceTerry Cooke moved from United to City in 1999.[72] After signing Tevez, Manchester City erected a blue "Welcome to Manchester" billboard with Tevez in the background. The billboard was located at the top ofDeansgate in theManchester city centre, which leads toSalford andTrafford, where Old Trafford is outside the boundaries of theCity of Manchester.[73]
Tevez made his City debut coming off the bench against Blackburn Rovers in a 2–0 away win. He scored his first goal for the club on 27 August 2009 againstCrystal Palace in the second round of theLeague Cup, heading-in City's second goal in a 2–0 victory.[74]
in September 2009, Tevez suffered a knee injury while on international duty withArgentina, which would keep him out for two to three weeks, forcing him to miss the match against Arsenal.[75] It was also thought Tevez would miss theManchester derby the following weekend, but he recovered in time to play in the match. He set up his side's first goal forGareth Barry, but City ended uplosing 4–3.[76]
Tévez playing for Manchester City during the 2009–10 season
Tevez scored his first and second Premier League goals for the club during a 3–1 win over his former club, West Ham,[77] prompting City fans to imitate the chant, "Fergie, sign him up." Later that week, he scored the third goal in Manchester City's 5–1 win overScunthorpe United in the League Cup,[78] and three weeks later, he scored his third successive cup goal in the quarter-finals against Arsenal.[79] The following week, he scored the winner in a 2–1 win over Chelsea. One week later he scored twice in a 3–3 draw withBolton Wanderers. His next two goals came againstSunderland andStoke City, scoring six goals in as many matches. On 28 December, he continued his goalscoring run, scoring two againstWolverhampton Wanderers, making it eight goals in seven matches.[80] Tevez scored his first Premier League hat-trick for Manchester City on 11 January 2010 in a 4–1 home win over Blackburn,[81] coincidentally on the same night he received his first everPremier League Player of the Month award for December 2009.[82]
On 19 January 2010, Tevez spearheaded City's attack as the club defeated Manchester United in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final at theCity of Manchester Stadium. Despite United taking a 1–0 lead, Tevez hit the equaliser in from the penalty spot before heading the winner in the 65th minute.[83] On 27 January, Tevez scored his and Manchester City's third goal of the tie in the second leg at Old Trafford. However, a stoppage-time goal from Wayne Rooney sent Manchester United through to the final with a 4–3 aggregate win.[84]
On 27 February 2010, Tevez scored two goals against Chelsea in a 4–2 away win over the league leaders,[85] following his return from compassionate leave in Argentina.[85] On 29 March 2010, Tevez scored his second Premier League hat-trick for Manchester City against Wigan in a 3–0 victory.[86] At the end of his first year at Manchester City, he was given two club awards, the Etihad Player of the Year award and the Players' Player of the Year award.[87]
On 18 August 2010, Tevez was made club captain by managerRoberto Mancini, replacing defenderKolo Touré.[88] Tevez continued his scoring form in the Premier League from2009–10 in the2010–11 season with two goals in the 3–0 victory over Liverpool.[89] Against Wigan, Tevez scored again in a 2–0 win.[90] He continued his goalscoring run in a 1–0 win against Chelsea, taking his tally to six goals in five matches.[91] He scored a penalty in a 2–1 home win againstNewcastle United, then followed up with two more goals againstBlackpool in a 3–2 away win.[92]
In December 2010, despite his agent recently asking the club to renegotiate and improve his contract,[93] Tevez handed the club a written transfer request, citing family reasons and a breakdown in "relationship with certain executives and individuals at the club".[94] The transfer request was rejected by the club, with a senior club official describing Tevez's reasons for wanting to leave as "ludicrous and nonsensical",[95] while the club also stated the player would not be sold in the January transfer window and would seek compensation for breach of contract from his agent if he retired or refused to play.[96]
On 20 December 2010, Tevez withdrew his transfer request and expressed his "absolute commitment" to Manchester City following "clear-the-air" talks.[97] On 26 December 2010, Tevez scored twice as City won 3–1 away at Newcastle.[98] Further goals againstLeicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers,West Bromwich Albion,Birmingham City andNotts County took him to 50 goals for the club.[99] The mere 73 matches played to reach this figure made him the second-fastest player in City's history to reach that figure, behindDerek Kevan's 64-game record.
Tevez on the FA Cup victory parade in Manchester in May 2011
After missing the 1–0FA Cup semi-final victory over Manchester United atWembley Stadium due to a hamstring injury, Tevez returned to captain City on 14 May 2011 in the 1–0final over Stoke City.[100] Two days later, amid rumours of his departure to Italy in the summer, he announced his desire to stay at Eastlands.[101] However, on 8 June, he told an Argentine chat show host that he "would not even return there on vacation".[102]
Due to his commitments to the national team in the summer, Tevez was not on the bench for City in the first Premier League match of the2011–12 season againstSwansea City. Tevez made his first appearance of the season in City's second match of the season against Bolton Wanderers, coming on in the 68th minute for fellow ArgentineSergio Agüero. Despite losing the captain's armband toVincent Kompany, Tevez stated in an interview he had a complete turn around on his stance on Manchester and that he is not moving: "I'm happy at City and I'm not moving from there."[103] Tevez started his first match of the season against Wigan Athletic, in which Tevez missed a penalty that was won byDavid Silva; nonetheless, he played well in the match which ended 3–0 to City, with Agüero scoring a hat-trick. On 14 September, Tevez made an appearance in City's first ever UEFA Champions League match, againstNapoli, coming on as a second-half substitute forEdin Džeko in a 1–1 draw.
Bayern Munich dispute
On 27 September 2011, Tevez was named as a substitute for City's game at Bayern Munich.[104] Mancini claimed Tevez refused to come on as a substitute in the second half, when City was 2–0 down to Bayern, although Tevez denied this calling it a misunderstanding.[105] Tevez's actions received widespread condemnation from various pundits and commentators,[106] with Mancini claiming he wanted Tevez "out of Manchester City", and that he would never play for the club again.[107] Tevez was suspended by Manchester City for a maximum period of two weeks as the club began an investigation into whether he refused to come on as a substitute.[108] Following discussions with Mancini, club ownerSheikh Mansour authorised the placing of Tevez ongarden leave where the Argentinian would be paid in full but instructed to stay away from the Manchester City training ground.[109]
Return to first team
Having failed to secure a transfer, Tevez was fined several weeks' wages and denied a loyalty bonus, but returned to Manchester and resumed training on 14 February 2012, with the backing of his fellow players.[110][111] Mancini had previously stated he was ready to welcome Tevez to the fold to boost their bid for the Premier League title.[112] On 21 February, Tevez publicly apologised "sincerely and unreservedly" for his conduct, and withdrew his appeal over the city's decision to severely fine him. However, he was omitted from the club's2011–12 UEFA Europa League squad.[113] On 23 February, Mancini drew a line under his dispute with Tevez and insisted Tevez was available for selection.[114]
Tevez made his return to the Manchester City first-team in a 2–1 home victory against Chelsea on 21 March, coming on forNigel de Jong in the 66th minute before providing the assist forSamir Nasri's winning goal.[115] His first goal of the season came four matches later, the third goal in a 4–0 home win against West Brom on 11 April.[116] On 14 April, Tevez scored a hat-trick and provided an assist for Sergio Agüero in a 6–1 away win againstNorwich City. He celebrated his third strike with a golf swing, in response to the pundits who questioned his desire during his leave of absence in which he was pictured on the golf course.[117] He also played in City's title-winning match againstQueens Park Rangers on 13 May.[118]
On 12 August 2012, Tevez scored Manchester City's second goal in a 3–2 win over Chelsea in the2012 Community Shield.[119] The following weekend, he scored City's first goal of the2012–13 Premier League season, againstSouthampton.[120] On 26 August, Tevez scored his third goal in three matches in a 2–2 draw with Liverpool, his 100th goal inEnglish football.[121] The following week, he scored the final goal in a 3–1 win over QPR to become the first Manchester City player to score 50 goals for the club in the Premier League.[122] On 3 November, when City met West Ham at Upton Park, Tevez received a warm welcome from West Ham fans; he responded by giving them a cross-armed "Hammers" salute. Speaking after the match, Tevez said, "I have always had a fantastic relationship with the West Ham supporters. They were singing my name before the game and that's why I did that (Hammers salute), in tribute to them. I've always felt really at home there."[123]
On 19 January 2013, it was reported Tevez had revealed he nearly retired from professional football in 2012 in the midst of his Manchester City and Argentina crisis.[124] He also spoke about his future and when he would return to Argentina: "I've already said I want to retire wearing a Boca shirt, it's my dream as well as my family's. After theWorld Cup, we'll see. I could finish my contract next year and go to Boca."[125]
Juventus
2013–14 season
Tevez playing for Juventus in December 2013
On 26 June 2013, Tevez signed a three-year contract withJuventus for a reported £12 million, with the fee subject to performance. The fee combined with wages and bonuses due to Tevez in the final year of his contract was estimated to save Manchester City about £27 million.[126] He was assigned the number 10 shirt, which had last been worn by the club's all-time top goalscorer and appearance holderAlessandro Del Piero in 2012.[15][127]
On 18 August 2013, Tevez made his competitive debut for Juventus, scoring the fourth goal in a 4–0 rout ofLazio in the2013 Supercoppa Italiana.[128] On 24 August, he made his first appearance inSerie A, scoring the only goal as Juventus beatSampdoria 1–0 in their opening match of the2013–14 season.[129]
On 15 December 2013, Tevez scored his first hat-trick for Juve in a 4–0 Serie A win againstSassuolo atJuventus Stadium.[130] On 23 February 2014, he scored the only goal in Juve's 1–0 victory againstTorino in theDerby della Mole.[131]
Tevez ended the season as the team's top goalscorer with 21 goals in all competitions, and was named as Juve's "Player of the Season".[132] He was the third-highest goalscorer in Serie A with 19 goals, as theBianconeri won a 30thScudetto.[133]
2014–15 season
On 16 September 2014, Tevez scored twice in Juventus' 2–0 win againstMalmö FF in the group stage of the2014–15 Champions League, his first goals in the competition since 2009.[134] He scored another brace in the2014 Supercoppa Italiana againstNapoli inDoha on 22 December, but hit the post with the first attempt as Juventus lost in a penalty shoot-out.[135]
On 24 February 2015, Tevez scored the opening goal in Juventus's 2–1 defeat ofBorussia Dortmund in theChampions League round of 16 first leg. Three weeks later, he scored twice and assisted another at theWestfalenstadion as Juve beat the German club 3–0 to qualify for the quarter-finals.[136] On 5 May, Tevez scored from a penalty to give Juventus a 2–1 victory against defending championsReal Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final, at Juventus Stadium inTurin; this was his 50th goal for Juventus.[137]
Tevez ended the Serie A season with 20 goals, helping Juventus to a fourth consecutiveScudetto. On 6 June 2015, he started in the2015 Champions League final as Juventus was defeated 3–1 byBarcelona at Berlin'sOlympiastadion. Tevez was involved inÁlvaro Morata's temporary equaliser, as he scored from a rebound after Barcelona's goalkeeperMarc-André ter Stegen had parried the Argentine's initial shot.[138]
Return to Boca Juniors
2015 season
Tevez with Boca Juniors in July 2016
On 26 June 2015, while representing Argentina at the2015 Copa América, Tevez returned to his first club Boca Juniors to pursue his dream of winning theArgentine Primera División.[139] On 13 July 2015, Juventus confirmed Tevez had transferred to Boca Juniors for a fee of €6.5 million, but in a pure players swap deal.[140][141] On 15 July 2015, Tevez was named to the ten-man shortlist for the 2015UEFA Best Player in Europe Award,[142] where it was announced on 12 August he placed ninth.[143] Tevez made his first appearance since his return to the club on 18 July in a 2–1 win overQuilmes,[144] and scored his first goal from a free-kick on 29 July in a 3–0 win overBanfield in the last 32 of theCopa Argentina.[145] Four days later, he scored the first league goal of his return in an eventual 3–4 home loss toUnión.[citation needed] Tevez had a large impact, scoring 9 goals in 15 matches as he finished the 2015 season by achieving his goal of winning theArgentine Primera División andCopa Argentinadouble with Boca Juniors, becoming the first footballer to win two domestic league and cup doubles in one calendar year.[146] On 14 December 2015, Tevez was named the 2014–15Serie A Footballer of the Year.[147]
2016 season
Tevez was criticised in the media for his negative performance following Boca's 4–0 defeat toSan Lorenzo in the2015 Supercopa Argentina on 10 February 2016.[148] On 20 April 2016, Tevez scored two goals in a 6–2 win overDeportivo Cali, which allowed Boca to top theirCopa Libertadores group and advance to the round of 16 unbeaten.[149] On 5 May, he scored from a penalty and later set up a goal for teammateCristian Pavón as Boca defeatedCerro Porteño 3–1 at home in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores to advance to the quarter-finals, following a 5–2 win on aggregate.[150][151] On 19 May, he scored Boca's first penalty in their 4–3 home shootout victory over Nacional, in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals, following a 2–2 draw on aggregate, to help his team to advance to the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time since 2012.[152][153] However, Boca were eliminated 5–3 on aggregate byIndependiente in the semi-finals of the competition, on 14 July.[154] On 11 December, Tevez scored a match-winning brace in a 4–2 away win in theSuperclásico against rivals River Plate.[155]
Shanghai Shenhua
On 29 December 2016, Tevez signed forChinese Super League clubShanghai Shenhua,[156] on a reported annual salary of $41 million, which would make him the world's highest-paid football player. Tevez subsequently played down the reports he became the highest-paid player in the world following his move, saying, "My salary isn't as high as the legends."[157]
He made his league debut on 5 March in the first round of the2017 Chinese Super League againstJiangsu Suning, also scoring his first goal in the match, from the penalty spot in the first half in his team's 4–0 win. He also assisted his club's first and fourth goals, both scored byGiovanni Moreno.[158]
He was criticised by manager,Wu Jingui during his time in Shanghai for being overweight and unfit to play.[159] Tevez described his time in China as a "holiday".[160]
Third spell at Boca Juniors
On 5 January 2018,Boca Juniors announced on their social media that Tevez had rejoined the club.[161]
On 4 June 2021, Tevez announced that he would be leaving Boca Juniors.[162] In a press conference, Tevez said that he was "physically fit to continue but not mentally" and that he can continue to play "at the age of 42, but not in Boca Juniors".[163] He also thanked the club and left the option open for an offer to continue playing elsewhere.[164]In June 2022, Tevez announced his retirement from professional football.[165] He attributed his decision to retire to the loss of his father, Segundo, whom he called his "number one fan", to COVID-19 in February 2021.[166]
International career
Early international career
Tevez with Argentina in 2010
Tevez first came into prominence with Argentina while playing in the2001 FIFA U-17 World Championship. At the2004 Olympic Games in Greece, he won the gold medal – Argentina's first in any event since1952 – and scored eight goals in six matches to be the top scorer of the competition. This included the winner in the final againstParaguay, two in a 6–0 group-stage rout of Serbia and Montenegro, and a hat-trick in a 4–0 quarter-final win overCosta Rica.[167] Tevez represented Argentina's senior team in the2004 Copa América, where the team reached thefinal, only to lose out torivalsBrazil on penalties; he scored a goal in both of the preceding rounds. He was the world's second-highest goalscorer of 2004 in overall international competition with 16 goals, one fewer thanIran forwardAli Daei.[168]
During2010 World Cup qualifying, Tevez wassent off twice in a three-game stretch, once againstColombia on 21 November 2007 after he kickedRubén Darío Bustos in the 24th minute,[171] and then on 9 September 2008 after a late tackle onDarío Verón which earned him a red card in the 31st minute of a 1–1 draw withParaguay after he had been booked earlier. Tevez later apologised for the incident.[172]
Tevez was again selected in the Argentina squad for the2010 World Cup in South Africa. He scored twice in the tournament, both goals coming in the round of 16 match againstMexico. His first goal was a header scored in controversial style as he was in anoffside position as Lionel Messi passed to him. However, the offside was missed by the referee's assistant and the goal was allowed to stand. Tevez scored his second goal of the game with a powerful shot from outside the box.[173][174]
Later international career
At the2011 Copa América, Tevez was the only player from either side to miss in the quarter-final penalty shoot-out againstUruguay, resulting in Argentina's elimination.[175] AfterAlejandro Sabella's appointment as manager in July 2011, Tevez was not selected in an Argentina squad for three years, missing out as the team finished as runner-up at the2014 World Cup.[176]
On 27 October 2014, new managerGerardo Martino recalled Tevez for friendly matches againstPortugal andCroatia.[177] He made his return to international football on 12 November 2014 at the Boleyn Ground, London, in a 2–1 win against Croatia.[178]
In May 2015, Tevez was selected in Argentina's squad for the2015 Copa América in Chile.[179] On 26 June, he scored the winning kick in the 5–4 penalty shoot-out defeat of Colombia in the quarter-final, which allowed Argentina to advance to the semi-final.[180] Argentina reached the final, only to be defeated by hostsChile on penalties, as Tevez won his third runners-up medal in the tournament.[181]
Tevez was a quick, tenacious, powerful, hard-working, dynamic and versatile forward, with a sturdy physique.[183][184][185][186] A technical, tactically intelligent, and creative player, with an eye for goal, Tevez was capable of playing as astriker, as awinger, or even as asupporting forward, or as anattacking midfielder, due his finishing and positioning, as well as his vision, creativity, movement and passing ability, which enabled him to exploit space and provideassists for teammates as well as score goals himself.[187][183][184][188][189][190] He was also occasionally deployed as afalse 9 throughout his career.[191] Due to his pace, strength, work-rate and stamina, Tevez was also extremely useful when possession is lost, and he excelled at pressing opponents, aiding his team to win back the ball and start attacking plays, making him effective both defensively and offensively.[187][183][190][192] Tevez was also a skillfuldribbler,[187] and he possessed an accurate and powerful shot from distance;[184][185][189] he was also an accuratepenalty kick andfree-kick taker.[192][193][194]
Goal celebrations
Tevez was known for his dancing goal celebrations ever since playing for Boca Juniors, as well with Corinthians of Brazil. During his time at Manchester United, he would hide a baby's dummy in his shorts and put it in his mouth after scoring a goal as a commemorative gesture to his baby daughter. After his move to Manchester City, Tevez often performed a dance where he puts his hands together, bends down and rocks his body; this dance has been named after him as the "Tevez Dance".[195]
In August 2023, Tevez became the manager ofIndependiente.[198] On 9 December 2023, he extended his contract with Independiente until 31 December 2026.[199]
On 17 May 2024, Tevez announced that he would leave Independiente after the subsequent match againstPlatense.[200]
Personal life
Tevez once performed as the front-man for hiscumbia villera musical groupPiola Vago alongside his brother Diego.[201] The group's most successful hit, "Lose Your Control", charted in Argentina.[202]
On 6 February 2009, Tevez was stopped byGreater Manchester Police near junction 7 of theM60 motorway. It was found Tevez was driving without a full UK driving licence and with illegally tinted windows. His car was then impounded by the police since he could not arrange for it to be removed himself.[203]
In 2010, he was in an open relationship with 19-year-old actressBrenda Asnicar that lasted about a year.[204]
On 22 December 2016, Tevez married 32-year-old Vanesa Mansilla in his homeland Argentina.[206] They have two daughters together: Florencia and Katia.[citation needed]
In a 2023 interview, Tevez said that during his time in England he had refused to learnEnglish as he had a "cultural problem with the English". This had happened as he blamed the English for theFalklands War in which his uncle had taken part and after which he had become analcoholic.[207]
Career statistics
Club
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[208][209]
^"Toyota Cup 2003".FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived fromthe original on 26 October 2012. Retrieved11 January 2014.
1 AsHors concours 2Placar started to give this prize to the best grade holder atBola de Prata since 1973. In its 2013 ceremonies, a Bola de Ouro was given to Dirceu Lopes, holder of the best 1971 grade.Francisco Reyes andElías Figueroa, holders of 1970 and 1972 ones respectively, have not been announced as these years' winners yet.
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