Sergio Agüero

On 5 July 2003, Sergio Agüero debuted for Independiente at the age of 15 years and 35 days, breaking a long-standing Argentine Primera División record. This early start launched a career that saw him become the all-time leading goalscorer for Manchester City and one of the most prolific foreign strikers in the history of the English Premier League.

Early Development and Domestic Success

Agüero joined the Independiente youth system at age nine. His professional debut against San Lorenzo preceded his participation in the 2004 Copa Libertadores. During the 2005–06 season, he solidified his reputation by scoring 18 goals in 36 league appearances. His performance prompted a high-profile move to the Spanish club Atlético Madrid in 2006 for a fee of €20 million, which set a club record.

THE FREE TEST

How high is yours?

Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.

Take the IQ test →

Spanish Tenure and European Recognition

During his time at Atlético Madrid, Agüero matured into a central figure for the squad. Following the transfer of Fernando Torres in 2007, he became a regular starter, eventually finishing as the third-highest scorer in La Liga during the 2007–08 season with 19 goals. His tenure in Madrid included winning both the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup before he secured a move to England in 2011.

Dominance in the Premier League

Signing for Manchester City for £35 million, Agüero spent a decade at the club. He won five Premier League titles, famously scoring the decisive last-minute goal during the final game of his debut season. Throughout his tenure, he achieved 184 Premier League goals, earned the 2015 Golden Boot, and set a record with 12 hat-tricks. He was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2022.

International Career and Retirement

Representing Argentina, Agüero helped the under-20 side secure FIFA World Cup titles in 2005 and 2007. He achieved Olympic gold in 2008 and appeared in three FIFA World Cups. He finished his national career as Argentina's third-highest all-time goalscorer. After moving to Barcelona in 2021, he retired prematurely at age 33 due to a heart condition.