24 Facts About Ezequiel Lavezzi

Ezequiel Ivan Lavezzi is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as a forward.

Ezequiel Lavezzi began his career at Estudiantes, and after one season was signed by Genoa, who loaned him to San Lorenzo, where he eventually moved on a permanent basis.

Ezequiel Lavezzi finished his career in China, where he played for Hebei China Fortune from 2016 to 2019.

Ezequiel Lavezzi was part of their team which won an Olympic gold medal in 2008, and helped them reach the finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the 2015 Copa America and the Copa America Centenario.

Ezequiel Lavezzi moved to the youth side of Estudiantes in 2003 where, over one season, he played 39 games and scored 17 goals.

Ezequiel Lavezzi scored in the 69th minute to give San Lorenzo a famous victory and seriously damage River's title challenge.

Ezequiel Lavezzi's last act as a San Lorenzo player was to help them to the Clausura 2007 title, beating out Boca Juniors by six points.

Ezequiel Lavezzi himself played this down, instead comparing himself to another Argentine player, Carlos Tevez.

Ezequiel Lavezzi quickly became a focal point of the fans' affection with his quick feet and sharpness around the box.

Ezequiel Lavezzi popped up in the 86th minute to score the winning goal against Parma on 4 March 2012, though the result was controversial, as Ezequiel Lavezzi appeared to be in an offside position.

In May 2017, Ezequiel Lavezzi took part in a Chinese Super League photo session, in which he pulled his eyes back in one photo, a pose he was reportedly told to perform by the cameraman present.

Ezequiel Lavezzi made his international debut for the Argentina national team against Chile on 18 April 2007.

In 2008, Ezequiel Lavezzi was selected to the Olympic football team, which represented Argentina at the 2008 Olympics.

Ezequiel Lavezzi has since become a regular member for the senior national team under Sergio Batista, who managed Lavezzi at the 2008 Olympics.

Ezequiel Lavezzi was named in Argentina's 2011 Copa America squad by Batista.

Ezequiel Lavezzi was chosen by new manager Alejandro Sabella for Argentina's 23-man 2014 FIFA World Cup squad.

Ezequiel Lavezzi made six appearances throughout the tournament, setting up Messi's match-winning goal against Iran after coming off the bench, as well as Rojo's goal against Nigeria.

Ezequiel Lavezzi was a member of the Argentina squad that reached the final of the 2015 Copa America, only to be defeated by hosts Chile on penalties.

In May 2016, Ezequiel Lavezzi was included in Gerardo Martino's final 23-man Argentina squad for the Copa America Centenario.

Ezequiel Lavezzi is known for his pace, acceleration, energy, sturdy physique, movement, and hardworking style of play, as well as his technique, creativity, quick feet, dribbling ability, and sharpness around the box; he is a good shooter.

Ezequiel Lavezzi has excellent pace and crossing ability and is adept at beating an opponent or drawing a foul in dangerous areas.

Ezequiel Lavezzi is considered a quality player physically, tactically and technically.

Ezequiel Lavezzi has been used as a centre-forward, in a role which is known as a centravanti di manovra in Italian football jargon, which is similar to the modern false 9 role, due to his ability to drop deep and open up defences.

Ezequiel Lavezzi is Catholic and has a tattoo of Jesus on his chest, a tattoo of the Virgin Mary on his right arm and a tattoo of a pair of rosary beads on his right abdomen.