Ezequiel Garay accumulated 201 La Liga appearances and scored 21 goals during a decade of professional football in Spain. Born in 1986 in Rosario, Argentina, the central defender began his professional career with Newell's Old Boys before moving to Europe at age 19 to compete in top-tier leagues across the continent.
Early Career in Argentina and Spain
Garay debuted professionally for Newell's Old Boys during the 2004–05 season, contributing to an Apertura championship title. In December 2005, he transferred to the Spanish club Racing de Santander. His performance improved significantly in his first full season, where he recorded nine league goals in 31 appearances. Despite a severe leg injury during the 2007–08 Copa del Rey semi-finals, he remained a key defender as the team secured sixth place and qualified for the UEFA Cup.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Real Madrid and Benfica Tenure
In May 2008, Real Madrid acquired Garay, though he remained on loan at Racing de Santander for one additional year. Returning to Madrid in 2009, he scored against Valencia CF in December of that year. Following limited playing time in the 2010–11 season, he joined S.L. Benfica in July 2011. During his tenure in Lisbon, he won the domestic treble in the 2013–14 season and reached two consecutive UEFA Europa League finals.
Zenit and Valencia
Garay moved to Russia in June 2014 to join FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, where he won the Russian Premier League in his debut campaign. He returned to Spain in 2016, signing with Valencia. His time there included a Copa del Rey title in 2019. In February 2020, after suffering a cruciate ligament injury, he requested to be released. Garay announced his retirement on 16 July 2021, citing a long-term injury that hindered his ability to compete consistently.
International Representation
Garay was a consistent fixture for Argentina's national squads, beginning with a FIFA U-20 World Cup title in 2005. He represented his country at the 2008 Summer Olympics and featured prominently in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. During the 2014 tournament, he played every minute, including a penalty shootout conversion against the Netherlands that helped Argentina reach the final. He also participated in the 2011 and 2015 Copa América tournaments.
Fast facts
- Born: 10 October 1986, Rosario, Argentina
- Professional debut: Newell's Old Boys, 2004–05
- Retirement date: 16 July 2021
- Primary position: Central defender
- International honors: 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup winner
- La Liga appearances: 201
- COVID-19 status: First La Liga player to test positive, 15 March 2020
Questions readers ask
When did Ezequiel Garay retire?
He announced his retirement from professional football on 16 July 2021.
Which major titles did he win with Benfica?
He secured the domestic treble in the 2013–14 season, which included the Primeira Liga title.
