Matías Vargas

Martín Matías Ezequiel Vargas (born 8 May 1997), nicknamed Monito (in English: "Little Monkey"), is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a left winger for Gimnasia Mendoza.

Career Vélez Sarsfield Vargas started his professional career with Vélez Sarsfield under Miguel Ángel Russo's coaching, entering the field in a 0–0 draw with Colón for the 2015 Argentine Primera División.

His first game as a starter was against Defensa y Justicia for the 2016–17 Argentine Primera División under Omar De Felippe's coaching, in which he scored a goal to help his team to a 2–1 victory. He went on to play 16 games (13 as a starter) in the season, scoring four goals.

Espanyol On 14 July 2019, Vargas joined La Liga side RCD Espanyol on a five-year deal, for a reported club record fee of €10.5 million. He made his competitive debut in Europa League third qualifying round as a substitute and also scored a goal in a 3–0 win against Luzern.

On 25 August 2021, Vargas was loaned to Turkish Süper Lig side Adana Demirspor, for one year.

Shanghai Port On 24 August 2022, Espanyol transferred Vargas to Chinese Super League side Shanghai Port for a fee of around £3.5 million.

On 27 December 2024, Shanghai Port announced that Vargas is leaving the club as a free agent.

Al Fateh On 8 January 2025, Vargas joined Saudi Pro League side Al Fateh for free.

International career Vargas made his international debut for Argentina on 7 September 2018 in a 3–0 win against Guatemala.

Personal life Vargas' father Omar, nicknamed Mono, was a former footballer who played for San Martín de Mendoza and Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza, among other teams.

Career statistics

Honours Espanyol Segunda División: 2020–21

Shanghai Port Chinese Super League: 2023, 2024 Chinese FA Cup: 2024

Individual Süper Lig top assist provider: 2021–22