Claudio Echeverri

Claudio Jeremías Echeverri (born 2 January 2006) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Primeira Liga club Benfica, on loan from club Manchester City. He also plays for the Argentina U-23 national team.

Club career River Plate

Born in Resistencia, Chaco Province, Echeverri started his career with Deportivo Luján, before trialling with River Plate at the end of 2016, going on to sign officially the following year. He first rose to international attention in the footballing world for his performances at a children's tournament in Venice, Italy with River. Despite his team finishing third in the tournament, he scored nine goals in six games, stating "The truth is that we are not happy [finishing third], we wanted to be champions".

In October 2022, he scored on his debut for River's reserve team against Patronato's reserve. He signed his first professional contract with River in December of the same year, with a release clause reportedly worth 25 million dollars. On 11 October 2023, he was named by English newspaper The Guardian as one of the best players born in 2006 worldwide.

On 22 June 2023, at 17 years, 5 months and 20 days old, he made his professional debut in a league match against Instituto, coming on as a substitute for Ignacio Fernández. He provided an assist during the game, helping River Plate to a 3–1 victory.

On 22 December 2023, during a post-match interview after conquering the Trofeo de Campeones with River Plate, Echeverri announced that he would not renew his contract with the club, which was due to expire on 31 December 2024.

Manchester City On 25 January 2024, Echeverri agreed to join Premier League club Manchester City on a four-and-a-half-year contract, remaining on loan at River Plate until January 2025. On 17 March, he scored his first professional goal against Gimnasia in a 3–1 Copa de la Liga Profesional victory.

Following his return to Manchester, he made his debut for City on 17 May 2025 in their 1–0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final, coming on as a substitute for Omar Marmoush in the 76th minute. On 25 May, he made his Premier League debut in a 2–0 victory over Fulham on the final day of the season, when he came on to replace Erling Haaland in the 85th minute. On 22 June, he scored his first goal for City in their 6–0 win against Al Ain in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage.

Loan to Bayer Leverkusen On 21 August 2025, Echeverri joined Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen on loan for the 2025–26 season. He made his debut for the club two days later, coming on as a 84th-minute substitute in a 2–1 home defeat against Hoffenheim in the league. Echeverri was recalled by City on 19 December.

Loan to Girona On 18 January 2026, Echeverri joined La Liga club Girona FC on loan for the remainder of the 2025–26 season.

Loan to Benfica On 2 September 2026, Echeverri joined Primeira Liga club Benfica on loan for the 2026–27 season.

International career Echeverri has represented Argentina at both under-17 and under-23 levels. He scored five goals and won the Bronze Boot as Argentina lost to eventual winners Germany on penalties in the semi-finals before losing to Mali in the third place match. He also represented Argentina U-23 in the 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament in Venezuela where they qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Style of play A gifted playmaker, Echeverri has been nicknamed El Diablito (English: little devil) after former Bolivian international footballer Marco Etcheverry, who was nicknamed El Diablo, as the two share "devilish" dribbling, pace in one-on-one situations, and a powerful shot, as well as a similar last name. He has listed Lionel Messi and River player Juan Fernando Quintero as two players he idolises.

Career statistics Club

Honours River Plate Primera División: 2023 Supercopa Argentina: 2023 Trofeo de Campeones: 2023

Individual FIFA U-17 World Cup Bronze Boot: 2023