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| Fernando Redondo | |
|---|---|
| Name | Fernando Redondo |
| Fullname | Fernando José Redondo Neri |
| Birth date | 1969-06-06 |
| Birth place | Adrogué, Argentina |
| Height | 1.86 m |
| Position | Defensive midfielder |
Fernando Redondo Fernando José Redondo Neri is an Argentine former professional footballer, coach, and sporting director renowned for his elegant defensive midfield play and tactical intelligence. He played prominently for Argentinos Juniors, CD Tenerife, Real Madrid CF, and AC Milan, and represented Argentina national football team at major tournaments including the 1994 FIFA World Cup and 1998 FIFA World Cup. Redondo combined technical skill with positional discipline, earning plaudits from contemporaries such as Pep Guardiola, Zinedine Zidane, and Carlo Ancelotti.
Born in Adrogué, Buenos Aires Province, Redondo began footballing in a region associated with clubs like Club Almagro and Club Atlético Banfield. He progressed through the youth system of Argentinos Juniors, a club famed for producing players such as Diego Maradona, Juan Román Riquelme, and Erik Lamela. As a teenager he trained under youth coaches influenced by Argentine figures like César Luis Menotti and Carlos Bilardo, developing a blend of South American technique and tactical awareness. Early appearances in the Argentine Primera División showcased attributes later compared to midfielders like Daniel Passarella and Osvaldo Ardiles.
Redondo made his professional debut with Argentinos Juniors before transferring to CD Tenerife in La Liga alongside compatriots such as Diego Latorre and facing opponents like FC Barcelona, Real Sociedad, and Atlético Madrid. His performances attracted interest from clubs including Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona. In 1994 Redondo signed for Real Madrid CF, joining a squad featuring Raúl González Blanco, Fernando Hierro, Roberto Carlos, Clarence Seedorf, and coached by Jorge Valdano and later Vicenç (Vicenç)—during his tenure he helped Real Madrid win UEFA Champions League qualification and domestic honors including La Liga titles. At Real Madrid he formed midfield partnerships with Steve McManaman, Predrag Mijatović, and Michel Salgado under managers such as Fabio Capello and Vicente del Bosque.
In 2000 Redondo moved to AC Milan where he was reuniting with figures like Carlo Ancelotti and teammates such as Paolo Maldini, Andriy Shevchenko, and Alessandro Nesta. His time at Milan included appearances in Serie A and UEFA Champions League matches against clubs like Juventus FC, Inter Milan, and FC Bayern Munich. Persistent knee injuries limited his playing time at Milan, curtailing a career that had featured clashes with players like Rivaldo and managers like Louis van Gaal. Throughout his club career Redondo faced transfers and negotiations involving agents and directors from institutions such as La Liga clubs and FIGC-affiliated teams.
Redondo earned caps with the Argentina national football team across the 1990s, selected by national team managers including Daniel Passarella and César Menotti-era staff. He represented Argentina at the 1991 Copa América setup as a rising player and was part of squads for the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the 1998 FIFA World Cup cycles, competing against national teams such as Brazil national football team, France national football team, and Italy national football team. Redondo captained Argentina on occasions and played alongside internationals like Gabriel Batistuta, Javier Zanetti, and Diego Simeone. Disputes over call-ups and tactical selections involved interactions with the Argentine Football Association and tournament organizers like FIFA and CONMEBOL.
Redondo was widely regarded as a classic defensive midfielder with attributes compared to players like Claude Makélélé and Didi (Waldyr Pereira). He excelled in ball retention, positional awareness, long-range passing, and anticipation, often initiating attacks with progressive passes to attackers such as Raúl González Blanco and Fernando Morientes. Critics and commentators from outlets covering UEFA and CONMEBOL competitions praised his elegance, labeling him a "midfield architect" alongside contemporary playmakers like Zinedine Zidane and Andrea Pirlo. Coaches including Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti have cited Redondo's intelligence and technique as influential, while rivals such as Rivaldo and Diego Maradona acknowledged his impact. Despite limited physical aggression, Redondo's leadership and reading of the game led pundits at institutions like BBC Sport, Marca, and La Gazzetta dello Sport to include him in discussions of all-time great midfielders.
After retiring due to injury, Redondo transitioned to roles in coaching and sporting management, engaging with clubs in Spain and Italy and interacting with sporting directors from organizations like Real Madrid CF and AC Milan. He served in capacities that involved youth development, scouting, and occasional technical direction, collaborating with coaches such as Paco Jémez and administrators linked to La Liga academies. Redondo has been involved in charity matches and ambassadorial events associated with institutions such as FIFA Legends fixtures, and contributed to tactical seminars attended by ex-players including Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp.
Redondo's family background includes ties to Argentine communities in Buenos Aires Province. Off the pitch he has been associated with philanthropic activities and maintains connections with former teammates like Raúl González Blanco, Clarence Seedorf, and Roberto Carlos. He has kept a relatively private personal life, appearing at ceremonies honoring clubs such as Real Madrid CF and sporting events organized by entities like UEFA and CONMEBOL.
Category:Argentine footballers Category:Association football midfielders