Cristian Lema

Cristian Franco Lema (born 24 March 1990) is an Argentine former professional footballer who last played as a centre-back for Boca Juniors.

Club career Born in Puerto Madryn, Lema started his football career aged 8 at hometown club Guillermo Brown. He debuted for their senior team in 2007 and left the club in 2009.

A year later, Lema joined Newell's Old Boys and made his Argentine Primera División debut in a 0–0 home draw to Godoy Cruz in November. and there he played 11 matches, scoring one goal. In February 2019, after playing only two matches for the Lisbon side in October, he was loaned to Uruguayan club Peñarol until June 2019, with option to buy. Afterwards, he was loaned out to Newell's Old Boys for 2019–20. He left Benfica on 1 October 2020 to join Saudi Arabian club Damac FC.

On 18 February 2021, Lema returned to Newell's Old Boys, and signed a contract until December 2021.

In November 2022, Lema joined fellow Primera División club Lanús ahead of the 2023 season.

On 8 January 2024, Lema moved to Boca Juniors for a reported fee of $500.000, signing a two-year contract. After the expiration of the contract, Lema retired from the sport.

Career statistics

Honours Benfica Primeira Liga: 2018–19

Individual Argentine Primera División Team of the Season: 2023