Happy birthday to Gerardo Martino, a man whose journey blends hierarchy, character, stubborn hard work, and a jersey carried with real pride. Some football figures pass through the sport quietly, but Martino left footprints so deep that even time tries to keep up. His influence still ripples through the sport.
Recently Lionel Messi reflected on his emotional bond with Barcelona and the decisions that shaped his career it's hard not to think how foundational leadership like Martino's played a part in defining those moments.
Born on 20 November 1962 in Rosario, Argentina, Martino grew from a sharp midfielder into a football thinker who saw the game differently. He made 505 official appearances for Newell's Old Boys, a record still untouched, and fans once voted him the best player in the club's history. The club also took time to wish him a happy birthday via their official X account.