Rodrigo Palacio
Encyclopedia
Rodrigo Sebastián Palacio (born 5 February 1982 in Bahía Blanca
, Buenos Aires
) is an Argentine
footballer of Spanish
descent currently playing for Serie A
club Genoa
. He plays as a second striker and winger. One of his greatest skills is his speed, which he utilizes very effectively down the flanks. He is son of José Ramón Palacio, a historic player of Olimpo de Bahia Blanca
in the 80's. Palacio holds a Spanish
passport.
and then moved to Huracán de Tres Arroyos
in 2002, but he would debut professionally shortly thereafter with Banfield
, who had been promoted to Argentina's Premier League after winning the 2000–2001 Second Division, in mid 2003. In early 2004 Palacio underwent a 15 day trial for Spain's, Real Betis
. He eventually met the expectations of the club and was asked to return in June that same year. However, Palacio continued with his contract at Banfield and did not return to Spain. Palacio was a part of Banfield with his future Boca Juniors team mates; Jesús Dátolo
and Gabriel Paletta
.
and the Apertura tournament. The following year, Palacio, who was partnered up front with Martin Palermo
and Guillermo Barros Schelotto
, scored many goals for the dedication of his team when they took out the Apertura tournament, including what was known as one of his most important goals in the final game of the tournament against Independiente
. In the Recopa Sudamerciana of 2006 Palacio scored a total of 3 goals in the two-legged final to take home the title, for the second year in a row, against Brazil's São Paulo
. 2007 proved to be his most successful year at the club, with the help of Roman Riquelme who had been loaned to Boca Juniors from Villareal, Boca would go on to win the 2007 Copa Libertadores. Palacio, who had scored four goals in total, managed to score two goals in Boca's 7–0 thrashing of Bolivia's Bolívar
in a required win to progress to the knock-out stages. Along with Riquelme, Palacio had scored in a 2–0 second-leg win against Paraguay's Libertad in the quarter-final stages. Ultimately, he had opened the scoring after 18 minutes in Boca's 3–0 first-leg victory over Brazil's Gremio in the final. Boca went on to win the second-leg courtesy of two goals from Roman Riquelme.
In December, Palacio participated in the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup
. Palacio had played in Boca's 1–0 win against Étoile du Sahel on December 12. On December 16 he would score an equalizer to make the scores 1–1 against Milan as the Italian side eventually won the game at 4–2. Palacio then took out the trophy of the Bronze Ball of the tournament, being ranked as the third best player behind Clarence Seedorf
and Ricardo Kaka. Palacio's performance in the 2008 Copa Libertadores helped Boca from being knocked out in the group stage by scoring twice against Mexico's Atlas in a 3–0 home victory and the third goal in Boca's dramatic 4–3 win against Chile's Colo-Colo
. On May 7, 2008 Palacio scored in a 2–1 second-leg win against Brazil's Cruzeiro. Boca eventually reached the semi-final stage where they would lose to Brazil's Fluminense. Despite a minor injury that would see him sidelined for a small portion of the second half of the year, Palacio would then go on to win the Recopa Sudamericana
against Arsenal de Sarandí
, scoring one goal in the first-leg and another goal in the second-leg, and the Torneo Apertura, after the titled had to be fought out by the top three team's that were equal on points, Boca, San Lorenzo and Tigre
. The championship play-offs were all held at Racing de Avellaneda's stadium in a round-robin format were on December 20, 2008 Palacio would score in a 3–1 win against San Lorenzo to help claim the title.
for €4.5m to replace Diego Milito
and help out his fellow Argentine Hernan Crespo
. Along side Crespo, Palacio had joined another Argentine, Luciano Figueroa
, who had been on loan with him at Boca Juniors throughout 2008. During his first few months, Palacio would miss out on two matches after suffering a small ankle injury. On November 5, 2009 Palacio scored his first goal with Genoa, on a 3–2 victory over Lille
on the 2009–10 UEFA Europa League competition.
coach José Pekerman
, he debuted for Argentina on March 9, 2005 in a 1–1 draw against Mexico
. On March 26, 2005 he played in a 2–1 win against Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier. On May 15, 2006 Palacio was named as a definite squad member for the 2006 World Cup
by coach José Pekerman
and on June 10 he came on as a 60th minute substitute in Argentina
's 2–1 win in their opening group stage match against the Ivory Coast.
During 2007 Palacio was regularly included in the national team, he continued his outstanding performances at club level which helped him earned a spot for Argentina at the 2007 Copa America
. In a warm-up friendly prior to the tournament, Palacio played in a 0–0 draw against Chile. Palacio would start in Argentina's final group stage match and 1–0 victory against Paraguay as Argentina topped the group on 9 points. Palacio was a 78th minute substitute onto the field against Mexico in Argentina's 3–0 semi-final victory as Argentina would eventually go on to lose 3–0 to Brazil in the final.
On June 15, 2008 during a World Cup qualifier, Palacio was substituted on to the field in the 85th minute and scored an equalizer in the 93rd minute against Ecuador in a 1–1 draw. Three days later, on June 18, 2008 he was also substituted onto the field in the 90th minute against Brazil, however, the match ended at 0–0.
Bahía Blanca
Bahía Blanca is a city located in the south-west of the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, by the Atlantic Ocean, and seat of government of Bahía Blanca Partido. It has a population of 274,509 inhabitants according to the...
, Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires Province
The Province of Buenos Aires is the largest and most populous province of Argentina. It takes the name from the city of Buenos Aires, which used to be the provincial capital until it was federalized in 1880...
) is an Argentine
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
footballer of Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
descent currently playing for Serie A
Serie A
Serie A , now called Serie A TIM due to sponsorship by Telecom Italia, is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top of the Italian football league system and has been operating for over eighty years since 1929. It had been organized by Lega Calcio until 2010, but a new...
club Genoa
Genoa C.F.C.
Genoa Cricket and Football Club, commonly referred to simply as Genoa , is a professional Italian football club based in the city of Genoa, Liguria...
. He plays as a second striker and winger. One of his greatest skills is his speed, which he utilizes very effectively down the flanks. He is son of José Ramón Palacio, a historic player of Olimpo de Bahia Blanca
Olimpo de Bahía Blanca
Club Olimpo, usually referred to as Olimpo de Bahía Blanca, is a sports club based in the city of Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The club was founded on October 15, 1910, and their main activities are basketball and association football. The football team currently plays in the...
in the 80's. Palacio holds a Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
passport.
Early career
While a boy, Palacio started playing in local Bella Vista de Bahía BlancaBella Vista de Bahía Blanca
Club Bella Vista is an Argentine Football club, located is Bahía Blanca, in the Buenos Aires Province. The team currently plays in Zone F of the regionalised 4th level of Argentinian football Torneo Argentino B....
and then moved to Huracán de Tres Arroyos
Huracán de Tres Arroyos
Club Atlético Huracán is an Argentine football club based in the city of Tres Arroyos, in Buenos Aires Province.The club is the biggest of Tres Arroyos City, and one of the most big in Southern Buenos Aires Province...
in 2002, but he would debut professionally shortly thereafter with Banfield
Club Atlético Banfield
Club Atlético Banfield is an Argentine sports club located in the city of Banfield, part of Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires province. Founded on 21 January 1896 by residents of the town of British origin , its main activity is football...
, who had been promoted to Argentina's Premier League after winning the 2000–2001 Second Division, in mid 2003. In early 2004 Palacio underwent a 15 day trial for Spain's, Real Betis
Real Betis
Real Betis Balompié S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Seville, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded on 12 September 1907, it currently plays in La Liga, holding home games at Estadio Benito Villamarín....
. He eventually met the expectations of the club and was asked to return in June that same year. However, Palacio continued with his contract at Banfield and did not return to Spain. Palacio was a part of Banfield with his future Boca Juniors team mates; Jesús Dátolo
Jesús Dátolo
Jesús Alberto Dátolo is an Argentine football midfielder who currently plays for La Liga club RCD Espanyol.-Club career:Dátolo started his career in 2000 at Cañuelas in Primera C Metropolitana, Argentina's fourth division. In 2002 he signed for Primera División club, Banfield and broke into the...
and Gabriel Paletta
Gabriel Paletta
Gabriel Alejandro Paletta is an Argentine central defender who currently plays for Parma in Italy's Serie A.-Banfield:...
.
Boca Juniors
In the summer of 2005 Palacio transferred to Boca Juniors. Palacio managed to make his impact in the second half of 2005 where which Boca Juniors went on to win the Recopa SudamericanaRecopa Sudamericana
The Recopa Sudamericana is an annual football match-up between the reigning champions of the previous year's Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana, South America's premier club competitions....
and the Apertura tournament. The following year, Palacio, who was partnered up front with Martin Palermo
Martín Palermo
Martín Palermo is a retired Argentine footballer who formerly played for Boca Juniors of Argentina, and the Argentina national team...
and Guillermo Barros Schelotto
Guillermo Barros Schelotto
Guillermo Barros Schelotto is a former Argentine football forward.Barros Schelotto, nicknamed "Guille" or "Melli" , played 16 years of his professional career in the Argentine Primera División...
, scored many goals for the dedication of his team when they took out the Apertura tournament, including what was known as one of his most important goals in the final game of the tournament against Independiente
Club Atlético Independiente
Club Atlético Independiente is an Argentine athletic, sports and social club, which has its headquarters and stadium in the city of Avellaneda, Buenos Aires Province. The club is best known for its football team, that plays in the Argentine Primera División....
. In the Recopa Sudamerciana of 2006 Palacio scored a total of 3 goals in the two-legged final to take home the title, for the second year in a row, against Brazil's São Paulo
São Paulo
São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, the largest city in the southern hemisphere and South America, and the world's seventh largest city by population. The metropolis is anchor to the São Paulo metropolitan area, ranked as the second-most populous metropolitan area in the Americas and among...
. 2007 proved to be his most successful year at the club, with the help of Roman Riquelme who had been loaned to Boca Juniors from Villareal, Boca would go on to win the 2007 Copa Libertadores. Palacio, who had scored four goals in total, managed to score two goals in Boca's 7–0 thrashing of Bolivia's Bolívar
Club Bolívar
Club Bolívar, a football team from Bolivia, was founded in La Paz on April 12, 1925, with the name Atletico Bolívar Literario Musical later changed to "Club Atlético Bolívar"...
in a required win to progress to the knock-out stages. Along with Riquelme, Palacio had scored in a 2–0 second-leg win against Paraguay's Libertad in the quarter-final stages. Ultimately, he had opened the scoring after 18 minutes in Boca's 3–0 first-leg victory over Brazil's Gremio in the final. Boca went on to win the second-leg courtesy of two goals from Roman Riquelme.
In December, Palacio participated in the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup
2007 FIFA Club World Cup
The 2007 FIFA Club World Cup was a football tournament played in Japan from 7 December to 16 December 2007. It was the fourth FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament organised by FIFA for the winners of each confederation's top continental club tournament....
. Palacio had played in Boca's 1–0 win against Étoile du Sahel on December 12. On December 16 he would score an equalizer to make the scores 1–1 against Milan as the Italian side eventually won the game at 4–2. Palacio then took out the trophy of the Bronze Ball of the tournament, being ranked as the third best player behind Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Clyde Seedorf OON is a Dutch footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Serie A club Milan. Seedorf is the first player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs - Ajax in 1995, Real Madrid in 1998 and Milan in 2003 and 2007...
and Ricardo Kaka. Palacio's performance in the 2008 Copa Libertadores helped Boca from being knocked out in the group stage by scoring twice against Mexico's Atlas in a 3–0 home victory and the third goal in Boca's dramatic 4–3 win against Chile's Colo-Colo
Colo-Colo
Club Social y Deportivo Colo-Colo is a Chilean football club based in the commune of Macul, Santiago. It competes in the Primera División, the top-flight football league in the country, from which they have never been relegated. Their home ground is the Estadio Monumental David Arellano.Colo-Colo...
. On May 7, 2008 Palacio scored in a 2–1 second-leg win against Brazil's Cruzeiro. Boca eventually reached the semi-final stage where they would lose to Brazil's Fluminense. Despite a minor injury that would see him sidelined for a small portion of the second half of the year, Palacio would then go on to win the Recopa Sudamericana
Recopa Sudamericana
The Recopa Sudamericana is an annual football match-up between the reigning champions of the previous year's Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana, South America's premier club competitions....
against Arsenal de Sarandí
Arsenal de Sarandí
Arsenal Fútbol Club, usually referred as Arsenal de Sarandí, is a football club from the Sarandí neighbourhood in the city of Avellaneda, Argentina, which was founded in 1957 by the Grondona brothers. Arsenal currently plays in the top tier of Argentine football, the Primera División Argentina....
, scoring one goal in the first-leg and another goal in the second-leg, and the Torneo Apertura, after the titled had to be fought out by the top three team's that were equal on points, Boca, San Lorenzo and Tigre
Club Atlético Tigre
Club Atlético Tigre is a football club from Victoria, San Fernando Partido, Buenos Aires, Argentina. At the end of the 2006-2007 season the club was promoted to the Primera Division Argentina...
. The championship play-offs were all held at Racing de Avellaneda's stadium in a round-robin format were on December 20, 2008 Palacio would score in a 3–1 win against San Lorenzo to help claim the title.
Genoa
On July 17, 2009 Palacio signed a four-year contract with GenoaGenoa C.F.C.
Genoa Cricket and Football Club, commonly referred to simply as Genoa , is a professional Italian football club based in the city of Genoa, Liguria...
for €4.5m to replace Diego Milito
Diego Milito
Diego Alberto Milito is an Argentine footballer who plays as a striker for the Italian Serie A team Internazionale. He also plays for the Argentine national team. A prolific and consistent center-forward, Milito has statistically averaged just over a goal every two appearances, over the course of...
and help out his fellow Argentine Hernan Crespo
Hernán Crespo
Hernán Jorge Crespo is an Argentine footballer who plays for Parma in the Italian Serie A. Crespo has scored over 300 goals in a career spanning 18 years. His honors include an Olympic Games silver medal, a Copa Libertadores, an English Premier League title and three Scudettos. He was topscorer in...
. Along side Crespo, Palacio had joined another Argentine, Luciano Figueroa
Luciano Figueroa
Luciano Gabriel "Lucho" Figueroa Herrera is an Argentine association football player who currently plays as a striker for Rosario Central.-Club career:...
, who had been on loan with him at Boca Juniors throughout 2008. During his first few months, Palacio would miss out on two matches after suffering a small ankle injury. On November 5, 2009 Palacio scored his first goal with Genoa, on a 3–2 victory over Lille
Lille OSC
LOSC Lille Métropole is a French association football club based in Lille. The club was founded in 1944 as a result of a merger and currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football. Lille plays its home matches at the Stade Lille-Metropole in nearby Villeneuve-d'Ascq. In 2012, the...
on the 2009–10 UEFA Europa League competition.
International career
Palacio's performances for Boca got the attention of Argentine nationalArgentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
coach José Pekerman
José Pekerman
José Néstor Pékerman is an Argentine football coach and an ex-football player. He become famous as a youth level coach for Argentina, winning the FIFA World Youth Championship three times, and the U-20 South American Youth Championship twice...
, he debuted for Argentina on March 9, 2005 in a 1–1 draw against Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
. On March 26, 2005 he played in a 2–1 win against Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier. On May 15, 2006 Palacio was named as a definite squad member for the 2006 World Cup
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
by coach José Pekerman
José Pekerman
José Néstor Pékerman is an Argentine football coach and an ex-football player. He become famous as a youth level coach for Argentina, winning the FIFA World Youth Championship three times, and the U-20 South American Youth Championship twice...
and on June 10 he came on as a 60th minute substitute in Argentina
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
's 2–1 win in their opening group stage match against the Ivory Coast.
During 2007 Palacio was regularly included in the national team, he continued his outstanding performances at club level which helped him earned a spot for Argentina at the 2007 Copa America
Copa América 2007
The 2007 Campeonato Sudamericano Copa América, known simply as the 2007 Copa América or 2007 Copa América Venezuela, was the 42nd edition of the Copa América, the South-American championship for international association football teams...
. In a warm-up friendly prior to the tournament, Palacio played in a 0–0 draw against Chile. Palacio would start in Argentina's final group stage match and 1–0 victory against Paraguay as Argentina topped the group on 9 points. Palacio was a 78th minute substitute onto the field against Mexico in Argentina's 3–0 semi-final victory as Argentina would eventually go on to lose 3–0 to Brazil in the final.
On June 15, 2008 during a World Cup qualifier, Palacio was substituted on to the field in the 85th minute and scored an equalizer in the 93rd minute against Ecuador in a 1–1 draw. Three days later, on June 18, 2008 he was also substituted onto the field in the 90th minute against Brazil, however, the match ended at 0–0.
Titles
| Season | Country | Club | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Recopa Sudamericana 2005 The 2005 Recopa Sudamericana was the 13th Recopa Sudamericana, an annual football match between the winners of the previous season's Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana competitions... |
 |
Boca Juniors Boca Juniors Club Atlético Boca Juniors is an Argentine sports club based in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently plays in the Primera División.... |
Recopa Sudamericana Recopa Sudamericana The Recopa Sudamericana is an annual football match-up between the reigning champions of the previous year's Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana, South America's premier club competitions.... |
| 2005 Copa Sudamericana 2005 The 2005 Copa Nissan Sudamericana de Clubes was international football cup competition played annually by clubs of CONMEBOL and, starting with this edition, invited teams from CONCACAF... |
|
Boca Juniors Boca Juniors Club Atlético Boca Juniors is an Argentine sports club based in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently plays in the Primera División.... |
Copa Sudamericana Copa Sudamericana The Copa Bridgestone Sudamericana de Clubes , known simply as the Copa Sudamericana , is an annual international club football competition organized by the CONMEBOL since 2002. It is the second most prestigious club competition in South American football. CONCACAF clubs were invited between 2004... |
| 2005 Apertura | |
Boca Juniors Boca Juniors Club Atlético Boca Juniors is an Argentine sports club based in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently plays in the Primera División.... |
Primera Division Argentina Primera División Argentina The Primera División is a professional football league in Argentina. It is the country's premier football division and is at the top of the Argentine football league system. Contested by twenty clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the Primera B Nacional. The season runs... |
| 2006 Recopa Sudamericana 2006 The 2006 Recopa Sudamericana was the 14th Recopa Sudamericana, an annual football match between the winners of the previous season's Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana competitions.The match was contested by São Paulo, winners of the 2005 Copa Libertadores, and defending champions Boca... |
|
Boca Juniors Boca Juniors Club Atlético Boca Juniors is an Argentine sports club based in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently plays in the Primera División.... |
Recopa Sudamericana Recopa Sudamericana The Recopa Sudamericana is an annual football match-up between the reigning champions of the previous year's Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana, South America's premier club competitions.... |
| 2006 Clausura | |
Boca Juniors Boca Juniors Club Atlético Boca Juniors is an Argentine sports club based in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently plays in the Primera División.... |
Primera Division Argentina Primera División Argentina The Primera División is a professional football league in Argentina. It is the country's premier football division and is at the top of the Argentine football league system. Contested by twenty clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the Primera B Nacional. The season runs... |
| 2007 Copa Libertadores 2007 The 2007 Copa Libertadores de América was the 48th edition of the Copa Libertadores. It started on January 24, 2007 and finished on June 20, 2007... |
|
Boca Juniors Boca Juniors Club Atlético Boca Juniors is an Argentine sports club based in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently plays in the Primera División.... |
Copa Libertadores |
| 2008 Recopa Sudamericana 2008 The 2008 Recopa Sudamericana was the 16th Recopa Sudamericana, an annual football match between the winners of the previous season's Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana competitions.The match was contested by Boca Juniors, winners of the 2007 Copa Libertadores, and Arsenal, winners of the 2007... |
|
Boca Juniors Boca Juniors Club Atlético Boca Juniors is an Argentine sports club based in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently plays in the Primera División.... |
Recopa Sudamericana Recopa Sudamericana The Recopa Sudamericana is an annual football match-up between the reigning champions of the previous year's Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana, South America's premier club competitions.... |
| Apertura 2008 | |
Boca Juniors Boca Juniors Club Atlético Boca Juniors is an Argentine sports club based in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently plays in the Primera División.... |
Primera División Argentina Primera División Argentina The Primera División is a professional football league in Argentina. It is the country's premier football division and is at the top of the Argentine football league system. Contested by twenty clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the Primera B Nacional. The season runs... |
External links
- Player profile at Genoa official site
- Genoa Stats at ESPN Soccernet
- Argentine Primera statistics
- Rodrigo Palacio World Cup stats and timeline at FootballDatabase.com
- Video of goal
- Interview – Catch him while you can: Palacio is what makes Boca tick, but Europe is calling at Southamericanfutbol.com