9 forgotten ballers you had no idea are now playing in Argentina: Cavani, Lanzini, Rojo…

Former Aston Villa, Manchester United and West Ham stars are among the nine forgotten ballers we can’t believe are still playing in Argentina.

The Argentine Primera Division always delivers the drama and you’d be surprised by how many familiar faces are currently playing in the league.

We’ve taken a closer look at the top flight in Argentina and have picked out nine ballers that we’re surprised are still going strong today.

Marcos Rojo

The Argentine defender never quite hit the heights that were originally expected of him at Man Utd, but he certainly always wore his heart on his sleeve.

His passion for the game still shines through today as he now captains Boca Juniors. Since returning to his native country in 2020 the 34-year-old has won four trophies and seems to be a popular figure within the Boca Juniors faithful.

With Rojo on the pitch, there’s rarely a dull moment.

Marcos Rojo during Boca Juniors Copa Libertadores 0-0 draw with Corinthians. La Bombonera, Buenos Aires, July 5 2022.

READ: Marcos Rojo’s Superclasico kung fu head kick summed up his career in a second

Carlos Sanchez

After spending his peak years in Europe, Sanchez is now playing out the twilight years of his career in South America. The former Aston Villa midfielder spent a couple of years with Colombian outfit Santa Fe before joining San Lorenzo last year.

Still going strong at 38 years of age, it still seems as if Sanchez has a few years left in him yet. By all accounts, he’s enjoying life in Argentina right now.

“I am very happy, in San Lorenzo they have treated me very good,” Sanchez told reporters in Janaury. “When I had the opportunity to live here, I didn’t hesitate, I was happy to be here.”

Sergio Romero

Man Utd were truly blessed in the goalkeeper department when they had Romero and a prime David de Gea in their ranks.

After spending a large bulk of his career as a backup keeper, it’s nice to see that he’s getting plenty of action these days. The 37-year-old joined Boca Juniors in 2022 and hasn’t looked back since.

Since heading back to Argentina, Romero has made 60 appearances in total, that’s just one fewer than he managed during his entire six-year stay at Old Trafford.

Edinson Cavani

Having recently turned 37, you’ll be pleased to learn that El Matador is still doing the business. Since joining Boca Juniors last summer, the Uruguayan forward has bagged 10 goals in 1,938 minutes of action.

“What we like most about him is how he puts himself at the service of the team, how he always tries to be an example and help the team,” Boca Juniors manager Diego Martinez told reporters when discussing Cavani.

“I hope he can continue doing it. For us, it is very important to have a centre forward at the level he is at.”

TRY A QUIZ: Can you name every Argentinian to score 10+ Champions League goals?

Manuel Lanzini

During his best years at West Ham, Lanzini always had a trick or two up his sleeve. After falling down the pecking order under David Moyes last season, the 31-year-old re-joined River Plate in the summer.

He managed to get his hands on a couple of trophies last season and will no doubt be targeting some more silverware this time around.

Enzo Perez

Remembered fondly from his time at Benfica and Valencia, Perez is still doing the business in midfield today in his native country.

The 38-year-old spent the last seven years playing for River Plate before re-joining Estudiantes for a third spell in January.

Ever Banega

Having spent the last four years playing in the Saudi Pro League, Banega returned to Argentine earlier this year to sign for Newell’s Old Boys.

The former Sevilla midfielder penned a two-year deal with the Argentine club with the option of an extra year. We’re in no doubt that he’ll be a hit in his new surroundings.

Abel Hernandez

The streets won’t forget Hernandez and his memorable stint at Hull City between 2014 and 2018. Since leaving the Tigers, the 33-year-old forward has barely stayed in one place for long.

He’s enjoyed short but sweet stints in Russia, Qatar, Mexico, Uruguay and now Argentina. Earlier this year he joined Rosario Central on a free transfer and we can’t wait to see more from him this year.

Ramiro Funes Mori

After enjoying his peak years in Europe with Everton and Villarreal, Funes Mori re-joined River Plate last year after an eight-year absence. With his contract valid until 2026, he’s not got any plans to retire any time soon.