Pablo César Aimar, born on November 3, 1979, in Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina, is a name that resonates with elegance, creativity, and footballing intelligence. Renowned for his technical brilliance, vision, and uncanny ability to unlock defenses, Aimar’s career journey took him from the local pitches of Argentina to the grandest stages in Europe and beyond.
Pablo Aimar’s footballing odyssey began in earnest when youth coach Alfie Mercado identified his potential at Estudiantes de Río Cuarto. Training three times a week, Aimar’s talent caught the attention of River Plate, a powerhouse in Argentine football. However, his journey to the River Plate academy was not without challenges; his father initially hesitated to let him pursue football, favoring academic pursuits. Yet, it was Daniel Passarella’s personal plea that eventually convinced Aimar’s father, allowing the youngster to follow his dreams.
Aimar’s decision to forgo medical school for football paid dividends quickly. Debuting for River Plate on August 11, 1996, against Colón, he showcased glimpses of his prodigious talent. His first goal came less than two years later, on February 20, 1998, against Rosario Central. These early moments laid the foundation for what would become a glittering career, and Aimar would go on to win five domestic titles with River, contributing 21 goals and 28 assists in 82 league appearances.
It was during these formative years that Aimar caught the eye of European scouts. His ability to glide past defenders, coupled with his pinpoint passing, made him a standout talent and River Plate would serve as the launchpad for his European adventure, a journey that began in January 2001 with a move to Spanish La Liga side Valencia.
Valencia, a club on the rise in the early 2000s, broke its transfer record to acquire Aimar for €24 million. His impact was immediate, as evidenced by his scintillating debut against Manchester United in February 2001. Johan Cruyff, the legendary Dutch maestro, hailed Aimar’s performance, underscoring the Argentine’s growing reputation. Just a week later, Aimar scored on his La Liga debut, marking the start of a fruitful tenure.
Under Héctor Cúper, Aimar quickly became a linchpin in Valencia’s midfield. That season, the club reached the UEFA Champions League final, only to lose to Bayern Munich on penalties. Nevertheless, Aimar’s creativity and flair stood out, signaling that he was destined for greatness. Moreover, the arrival of Rafael Benítez as Valencia’s manager in 2001 elevated Aimar’s influence on the team, culminating in a historic La Liga triumph during the 2001–02 season—the club’s first in 31 years.
Valencia’s fortunes mirrored Aimar’s brilliance. In the 2003–04 season, the club achieved a historic double, winning La Liga and the UEFA Cup. Aimar was pivotal, orchestrating attacks and dazzling with his vision, but injuries began to take a toll, sidelining him for crucial stretches and foreshadowing a pattern that would plague his career.
Despite his success, Valencia’s managerial changes and internal disputes impacted Aimar’s role. By 2006, with over 200 appearances and countless magical moments to his name, Aimar sought a new challenge, joining Real Zaragoza.
Aimar’s move to Real Zaragoza in 2006 was greeted with optimism. Reunited with compatriot Roberto Ayala, he hoped to rekindle his best form. His debut season hinted at promise, with Aimar scoring five goals in 32 appearances as Zaragoza secured a sixth-place finish. However, the following season proved disastrous, as the club faced relegation amidst turmoil.
The decline of Zaragoza was a bitter pill for Aimar, who had consistently performed despite the chaos around him. Consequently, he parted ways with the club in 2008, leaving behind a record of 57 appearances and bittersweet memories.
Portugal beckoned next, and Aimar joined Benfica in July 2008 for €6.5 million. Injuries continued to shadow him initially, but Aimar’s quality shone through, helping the team secure the Taça da Liga title. The 2009–10 season marked a resurgence, as Aimar, alongside Ángel Di María, Javier Saviola, and Óscar Cardozo, formed one of Europe’s most exciting attacking units. Benfica won the league and cup double, with Aimar’s artistry at the heart of their success.
Although injuries limited his contributions in subsequent seasons, Aimar remained a beloved figure at the Estádio da Luz. His ability to influence games, even in cameo appearances, endeared him to fans. By the time he left Benfica in 2013, Aimar had accumulated 179 appearances, 17 goals, and countless memories, cementing his status as a club legend.
Aimar’s career took an unexpected turn in 2013 when he joined Johor Darul Ta’zim in Malaysia. Despite being the highest-paid player in the Malaysia Super League, his time there was brief, limited to just eight appearances due to injuries and, In 2015, he returned to River Plate, aiming to conclude his career where it all began. However, injuries once again intervened, allowing him only fleeting moments of action. Despite this, his return symbolized a full-circle journey and an emotional homecoming for a player revered as one of Argentina’s finest exports.
On the international stage, Aimar was a key figure for Argentina, earning 52 caps and representing the nation in two FIFA World Cups and several Copa América tournaments. His partnership with players like Juan Román Riquelme and Hernán Crespo defined a golden generation, though silverware eluded them. Aimar’s graceful style and selfless play often drew comparisons to his idol, Diego Maradona, highlighting his profound impact on the national team.
After retiring, Aimar transitioned into coaching, joining Argentina’s staff as an assistant in 2018. His tenure coincided with a renaissance for Argentine football, culminating in triumphs at the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Aimar’s role behind the scenes exemplified his enduring influence on the game.