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Javier Pastore
Javier Pastore
Javier Pastore
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Javier Matías Pastore (Spanish pronunciation: [xaˈβjeɾ maˈti.as pasˈtoɾe]; born 20 June 1989) is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Key Information

An attacking midfielder, Pastore began his club career with Talleres and then Huracán in his native Argentina before moving to Serie A team Palermo in 2009 for a reported transfer fee of €4.7 million.[4] In 2011, French side Paris Saint-Germain bought him for a reported €39.8 million.[4] He won numerous domestic honours with the club, including five Ligue 1 titles, before joining Roma in 2018, for a fee of €24.7 million.

At international level, Pastore made his senior debut in 2010, and went on to make over 20 appearances for his country. He represented Argentina at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and at three editions of the Copa América, reaching consecutive finals of the latter competition in 2015 and 2016.

Club career

[edit]

Early life

[edit]

Pastore was born in Córdoba in an Italian-Argentine family originally from Volvera, Turin.[5] He started his career in the youth system of the Argentine club Talleres, and slowly worked his way up to the first team. In 2007, he made his debut in the Argentine second division under the wing of manager Ricardo Gareca. In 2007, he only managed to play five games.

Huracán

[edit]

During the 2008 season, Pastore was loaned to Huracán of the Argentine Primera. He made his professional debut for Huracán on 24 May 2008 in a 1–0 loss with River Plate. In the 2009 Clausura championship, he established himself as a regular first-team player for the club under the management of Ángel Cappa. This was his breakthrough tournament, where his side narrowly missed out on the championship title. His performance against River Plate was particularly lauded where he opened the scoring with a 25-yard shot and then scored again with a piece of individual brilliance helping Huracán win 4–0 in the club's biggest win against River Plate in over 60 years. He ended up as the team's top scorer with seven goals and three assists. Pastore and teammate Matías De Federico was integral to Huracán's title challenge that season.

Palermo

[edit]

On 11 July 2009 Palermo formally announced the signing of Pastore for five years until 30 June 2014, with the transfer fee listed at approximately €4.7 million.[4][6][7] Before his move to Palermo, the player was also linked to number of other top European clubs, including Manchester United, Porto, Milan and Chelsea.[8]

Pastore's debut was on 15 August in the Coppa Italia, while his debut in Serie A came eight days later. His breakthrough game was on 4 October against Juventus, when he assisted Edinson Cavani's goal in a 2–0 win, appearing in all the websites and national newspapers. He scored his first Serie A goal on 30 January 2010 in a 2–4 away defeat to Bari. In his first season at Palermo, Pastore proved himself as being a promising but inexperienced youngster, playing mostly as a second-half substitute under head coaches Walter Zenga and, later, Delio Rossi.

Pastore then established himself as a regular under the tutelage of Rossi, playing usually in a role behind the regular striking duo of Fabrizio Miccoli and Edinson Cavani. Thanks to his performances, all praised by fans and pundits, Palermo finished off the season in fifth place, thus qualifying for the UEFA Europa League. In the 2010–11 season, on 14 November, Pastore scored his first career hat-trick in a derby match against Catania.[9] On 30 July 2011, Palermo club president Maurizio Zamparini revealed that a fee had been agreed over Javier Pastore's transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.[10]

Paris Saint-Germain

[edit]
Pastore with PSG in August 2011
Pastore playing against Chelsea in UCL

On 6 August 2011, Paris Saint-Germain formally announced the signing of Pastore, issuing him the number 27 shirt.[11] The transfer fee throughout was €39.8 million.[4] However, due to third-party ownership by his agent Marcelo Simonian, who would receive €12.5 million (not known if it included agent fee or not)[4] Palermo announced through its website that the club received only €22.8 million of the total fee.[12]

Palermo club president Maurizio Zamparini started a legal action over the matter,[4] despite the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) prohibiting any Italian club from forming any ownership agreement with third parties, which Zamparini acknowledged risked a punishment for himself.[13]

Pastore scored his first goal in a Ligue 1 match against Brest in a 1–0 win on 11 September 2011.[14]

During his first season at the Parc des Princes, Pastore scored 13 goals in 33 league matches. The following year, Pastore appeared in 34 league matches as PSG won the first of four consecutive Ligue 1 titles.[15] He also scored his first UEFA Champions League goal in a 4–1 win over FC Dynamo Kyiv on 18 September 2012.[16]

In 2014–15, Pastore made over 50 appearances and was named in the UNFP team of the season as PSG won an unprecedented domestic quadruple of Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue and the Trophée des Champions.[15]

Ahead of the 2016–17 season, Pastore inherited the number 10 shirt from the departing Zlatan Ibrahimović, switching from the number 27 shirt.[17] As with 2015–16, he missed a large portion of the season through injuries, but returned to the PSG starting line-up for Le Classique against rivals Olympique de Marseille, where he assisted Edinson Cavani in a 5–1 Ligue 1 away win on 26 February 2017.[18] Three days later, he came on as a substitute and scored the opening goal, before assisting Cavani again as PSG defeated Ligue 2 club Chamois Niortias 2–0 to reach the quarter-final stage of the 2016–17 Coupe de France.[19] On 19 March 2017, Pastore assisted both of PSG's goals by crossing the ball to the scorers Adrien Rabiot and Julian Draxler in their 2–1 Ligue 1 home win over Lyon.[20]

On 17 May 2017, Pastore appeared as a 72nd-minute substitute for Julian Draxler as PSG defeated Angers 1–0 in the 2017 Coupe de France Final.[21]

Before the start of the next season, he vacated his number 10 jersey to new signing Neymar as a welcome gift and reclaimed his previous number 27 jersey.[22]

On 8 May 2018, he came off the bench as PSG won 2–0 against Les Herbiers VF to clinch the 2017–18 Coupe de France.[23]

Roma

[edit]

On 26 June 2018, Pastore signed a five-year contract with Italian side Roma from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported fee of €24.7m. He was handed the number 27 shirt.[24] He made his club debut in a 1–0 away win over Torino in Serie A on 19 August.[25] He scored his first goal for the club on 27 August, opening the scoring with a back-heeled goal in the second minute of play in an eventual 3–3 home draw against Atalanta in the league.[26]

On 30 August 2021, he mutually terminated his contract with Roma.[27]

Elche

[edit]

On 4 September 2021, Pastore signed for La Liga club Elche on a one-year contract.[28]

In January 2023, Pastore announced that his Elche contract had been terminated by mutual consent and he was leaving the club.[29]

Qatar SC

[edit]

On 11 January 2023, Qatar Stars League club Qatar SC announced the signing of free agent Pastore.[30]

On 2 November 2024, Pastore announced that he would retire from professional football before June 2025.[31]

On 10 September 2025, in an interview with a media, Pastore said he had retired and he is preparing to be a sporting director.[32][33]

International career

[edit]

On 25 May 2010, Pastore was included by Maradona in Argentina's 23-man squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.[34] He debuted on 22 June by coming on the pitch in the 77th minute against Greece, replacing Sergio Agüero, ending in a 2–0 victory.[35] Against Mexico on 27 June, Pastore replaced Maxi Rodríguez in the 87th minute.[36] Pastore was included by manager Sergio Batista in Argentina's 23-man squad for the 2011 Copa América on home soil.[37] Argentina were eliminated by eventual champions Uruguay on penalties in the quarter-finals.[38]

On 31 March 2015, Pastore scored his first senior international goal in a 2–1 friendly victory against Ecuador at the MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.[39] Later that year, Pastore was selected by coach Gerardo Martino for the 2015 Copa América,[40] and started in the team's opening fixture against Paraguay in La Serena.[41] At the semi-final stage, Pastore scored the team's second goal and assisted Ángel Di María for the third as Argentina defeated Paraguay 6–1 to reach the tournament final.[42] In the final against hosts Chile on 4 July, Pastore came off for Éver Banega in the 81st minute; following a 0–0 draw after extra-time, Chile claimed the title with a 4–1 penalty shoot-out victory.[43]

In 2016, Pastore was included in Argentina's 23-man squad for the Copa América Centenario.[44] Argentina went on to reach the final, only to lose out on penalties to Chile once again.[45]

Style of play

[edit]

An elegant, creative and technically gifted advanced playmaker, with excellent dribbling skills and close control, Pastore is capable of playing in several offensive roles, due to his ability to both score and create goals. Although he is usually deployed as an attacking midfielder due to his vision, passing and striking ability from distance, he is also capable of functioning as a winger, as a supporting striker or even as a forward, and has also been deployed in more withdrawn midfield roles on occasion, operating as a central midfielder, as a deep-lying playmaker, or even as a mezzala, due to his work-rate, creativity, skill, and physical attributes, despite his lack of notable pace.[24][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53] A talented, strong, quick and hard-working right-footed player,[48] his playing style has drawn comparisons to Kaká, Zinedine Zidane, Zlatan Ibrahimović and one of his childhood idols, Enzo Francescoli, although Pastore has stated that his main influence is compatriot Juan Román Riquelme.[46][54][55][56] Nicknamed "El Flaco" (like Francescoli before him) due to his tall, slender build, he was regarded as a highly promising player as a youngster, and in 2010, Don Balón named him as one of the 100 best young players in the world born after 1988.[46][56][57] Despite his talent, however, he is known to be injury prone, and has also drawn criticism in the media for being inconsistent.[58][59]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 22 August 2022[60][61]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup[a] Continental[b] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Talleres 2006–07 Primera B Nacional 5 0 0 0 — 5 0
Huracán 2007–08 Argentine Primera División 1 0 0 0 — 1 0
2008–09 Argentine Primera División 30 8 0 0 — 30 8
Total 31 8 0 0 — 31 8
Palermo 2009–10 Serie A 34 3 3 0 — 37 3
2010–11 Serie A 35 11 4 1 6 1 45 13
Total 69 14 7 1 6 1 82 16
Paris Saint-Germain 2011–12 Ligue 1 33 13 3 1 7 2 43 16
2012–13 Ligue 1 34 4 4 2 10 3 48 9
2013–14 Ligue 1 29 1 6 1 6 1 41 3
2014–15 Ligue 1 34 5 7 1 10 0 51 6
2015–16 Ligue 1 16 2 4 1 6 0 26 3
2016–17 Ligue 1 15 0 6 3 2 0 23 3
2017–18 Ligue 1 25 4 9 1 3 0 37 5
Total 186 29 39 10 44 6 269 45
Roma 2018–19 Serie A 14 3 2 1 1 0 17 4
2019–20 Serie A 11 0 0 0 4 0 15 0
2020–21 Serie A 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Total 30 3 2 1 5 0 37 4
Elche 2021–22 La Liga 13 0 2 0 — 15 0
2022–23 La Liga 1 0 0 0 — 1 0
Total 14 0 2 0 — 16 0
Career total 335 54 50 12 55 7 440 73
  1. ^ Includes Coppa Italia, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue and Trophée des Champions
  2. ^ Includes Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[60][62]
National team Year Apps Goals
Argentina 2010 4 0
2011 7 0
2012 0 0
2013 0 0
2014 5 0
2015 11 2
2016 0 0
2017 2 0
Total 29 2
Scores and results list Argentina's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Pastore goal.
List of international goals scored by Javier Pastore[60][62]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 31 March 2015 MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, United States  Ecuador 2–1 2–1 Friendly
2 30 June 2015 Estadio Municipal de Concepción, Concepción, Chile  Paraguay 2–0 6–1 2015 Copa América

Honours

[edit]

Paris Saint-Germain[60]

Argentina

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Javier Pastore

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Javier Matías Pastore is an Argentine former professional footballer who played primarily as an attacking , renowned for his elegant , vision, and on the pitch. Born on 20 1989 in , he began his career in his homeland before achieving prominence in , most notably as one of Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) inaugural high-profile signings under Qatari ownership, where he contributed to a dominant era in French football. Pastore, who also holds Italian , stood at 1.87 meters tall and earned the nickname "El Flaco" (The Skinny One) for his slender build and graceful playstyle. Pastore's club journey started in Argentina's youth ranks at , making his senior debut with in 2007, where he played 31 matches and scored 8 goals over two seasons. In 2009, at age 20, he transferred to Italian club for €7.5 million, quickly becoming a standout with 82 appearances, 16 goals, and 16 assists, earning the Young Footballer of the Year award in 2010. His breakthrough drew attention from top European clubs, leading to a record-breaking €42 million move to PSG in 2011, where he spent seven seasons as a fan favorite despite recurring injuries. At PSG, Pastore made 261 appearances, scoring 44 goals and providing 59 assists, and was instrumental in the club's success, winning five titles (2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18), four (2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18), five (2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18), and five (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017). Notable moments include his stunning solo goal against Chelsea in the 2014 quarter-finals and consistent performances that helped PSG dominate domestically. After leaving PSG for a €24.7 million transfer to Roma in 2018, Pastore played 37 matches over three seasons, including a loan spell at Fiorentina in 2020–21 (5 appearances). He then moved to La Liga's in 2021, featuring in 16 games before departing in early 2023, followed by a short stint at (7 appearances, 1 goal) until his contract ended in June 2023. Pastore officially retired from professional football in July 2023 at age 34, citing physical challenges after a career hampered by injuries in his later years. On the international stage, Pastore represented 29 times between 2010 and 2017, scoring 2 goals and providing 4 assists. He debuted in a 2010 friendly against and featured in major tournaments, including the (3 substitute appearances), 2011 (2 games), 2015 (6 matches, 1 goal), and the 2016 Centenario edition, where finished as runners-up though he remained an unused substitute. Despite his talent, injuries limited his national team impact compared to his club exploits. Post-retirement, Pastore has pursued studies in sports management through a program, reflecting on football's evolution and emphasizing passion over financial incentives.

Early life and background

Family and upbringing

Javier Matías Pastore was born on 20 June 1989 in , to an Italian-Argentine family. His parents, Juan Carlos Pastore and Patricia Coseani, owned a in the city as a , providing a stable middle-class upbringing amid Córdoba's industrial landscape. Pastore grew up with siblings, including brothers and Ariel, in a household where the passion for football was nurtured through familial encouragement and the vibrant local sports culture of , a hub for Argentine soccer traditions.

Introduction to football

Javier Pastore's initial involvement in organized football began in the of Club Atlético Talleres in , where he joined the club's junior ranks in 2002 at the age of 13. Over the next five years, he developed his game in Talleres' academy, focusing on technical proficiency and agility, which distinguished him among peers in regional youth competitions. By 2006, Pastore's performances in youth tournaments had caught the eye of scouts, highlighting his exceptional and vision for creative play. This recognition paved the way for his limited senior appearances with Talleres, including one match in the 2007 Clausura tournament. Supported by his family in , Pastore transitioned to Club Atlético Huracán's youth setup later in 2007 after leaving Talleres. There, under the mentorship of coach Ángel Cappa, he refined his elegant, attacking midfielder style through intensive training emphasizing ball control and tactical awareness, solidifying his emergence as a top talent before his full senior integration.

Club career

Huracán (2007–2008)

Javier Pastore arrived at in mid-2007 from , initially integrating into the squad amid a period of rebuilding for the Buenos Aires-based club. Despite early injury setbacks, he broke into the senior team during the 2008 Clausura tournament, making his professional debut on 24 May 2008 as a substitute in a 0–1 home defeat to River Plate in the . Over the remainder of the Clausura, Pastore featured in five matches, showcasing his vision and dribbling as an attacking midfielder in a side that finished mid-table. In the subsequent 2008 Apertura, Pastore became a regular starter, appearing in 11 league fixtures and scoring his first professional goal for the club, contributing to Huracán's efforts to stabilize in the upper mid-table positions. His elegant playmaking and ability to unlock defenses drew praise from coaches and scouts, positioning him as a promising talent in Argentine football despite the team's inconsistent results. Overall, during the 2007–2008 period, he recorded 31 appearances and 8 goals in the Primera División, helping to inject creativity into a squad reliant on collective defensive solidity. Pastore's breakthrough performances culminated in a high-profile transfer to Italian club on 11 July 2009 for a reported fee of €7 million. The deal provided with significant financial resources to bolster squad depth and infrastructure, though it also highlighted the challenge of retaining emerging stars in a competitive domestic market, ultimately affecting the team's long-term stability.

Palermo (2008–2011)

Pastore transferred to from Huracán on 11 July 2009 for €7 million. Upon arriving in , the young playmaker encountered significant adaptation challenges, including the language barrier and the increased physical demands of compared to Argentine football. In his debut season of 2009–10, Pastore featured in 30 league appearances, scoring 3 goals while beginning to showcase his creative flair as an . The following 2010–11 campaign marked Pastore's breakout year, where he made 31 appearances and netted 5 goals, emerging as a pivotal figure in midfield with his vision and ability. He provided key assists in high-stakes matches against top sides, including a notable contribution in Palermo's 2–1 victory over in September 2010, helping the team secure crucial points. Pastore's performances that season earned him widespread acclaim, solidifying his role as the team's creative hub and attracting interest from Europe's elite clubs. Over his two-year stint at Palermo from 2009 to 2011, Pastore amassed 82 appearances, 16 goals, and 16 assists across all competitions, contributing significantly to the club's top finishes in (5th in 2009–10 and 8th in 2010–11). His departure came in August 2011 when Paris Saint-Germain signed him for a club-record €42 million, the highest fee ever paid for a Palermo player at the time.

Paris Saint-Germain (2011–2018)

In August 2011, Paris Saint-Germain signed Javier Pastore from for a then-French record fee of €42 million, marking him as the club's first major acquisition under the new ownership. Pastore quickly integrated into the squad, initially under manager before took over in December 2011, where the Italian coach praised the Argentine's technical skills and deployed him as an advanced playmaker. His elegant and vision complemented the team's emerging ambitions, contributing to PSG's first title in 19 years during the 2011–12 season. Pastore's standout 2011–12 campaign saw him make 28 appearances and score 9 goals across all competitions, establishing himself as a creative force with his flair and goal-scoring threat. Key moments included his stunning solo goal in the quarter-final first leg against Chelsea, securing a 3–1 victory. Over seven seasons, he amassed 269 appearances and 45 goals, often linking play with stars like , whom Pastore later described as the best captain he had experienced for his leadership and on-pitch influence. From 2014 onward, injuries plagued Pastore, including recurrent muscular problems and a collateral ligament tear in 2016–17 that sidelined him for 67 days, significantly limiting his playtime and consistency. Despite these setbacks, he adapted to the evolving squad dynamics, notably offering his No. 10 shirt to upon the Brazilian's 2017 arrival and pledging team support to elevate him to player. In 2018, with his contract expiring and amid competition from younger talents, Pastore departed for Roma on a free transfer, ending a tenure defined by both brilliance and frustration.

Roma (2018–2021)

On 26 June 2018, Roma signed Javier Pastore from Paris Saint-Germain on a permanent transfer for a reported fee of €24.7 million, with the Argentine agreeing to a five-year contract until 2023. Pastore made his debut for Roma in a pre-season friendly against Latina on 14 July 2018, before earning his first competitive start under manager in the opener against Torino on 19 August. He scored his first goal for the club on 27 August 2018 in a 3-3 draw with , marking an early highlight despite the team's inconsistent start to the campaign. The 2018–19 season saw Pastore make 25 appearances across all competitions, scoring 4 goals, though his progress was hampered by recurring injuries, including calf strains that sidelined him for several weeks. Under Di Francesco, and later following the manager's dismissal in March 2019, Pastore provided creative flair in midfield, contributing to Roma's sixth-place finish and qualification for the . His vision and passing ability were evident in moments like his backheel goal against , though limited minutes—often as a substitute—reflected ongoing fitness concerns carried over from his time at PSG. Over the subsequent seasons, Pastore featured in Roma's Europa League campaigns, particularly in 2019–20, where he made 5 appearances and scored once as the team reached the round of 16 before elimination by Manchester United. Injuries continued to plague him, including a hip issue requiring surgery in late 2019, limiting him to just 11 outings that season and 5 in 2020–21. In total, across three seasons, Pastore recorded 37 appearances, 4 goals, and 3 assists in all competitions, valued by fans for his technical quality and occasional moments of brilliance as a creative outlet in attack, despite the frustrations of his injury-hit tenure. Roma and Pastore mutually terminated his contract on 30 August 2021, two years early, amid ongoing challenges with consistent fitness that prevented a sustained role in the squad.

Elche (2021–2023)

On 4 September 2021, Pastore joined on a one-year as a after mutually terminating his deal with Roma the previous week. He made his debut for the club on 18 September 2021, coming on as a substitute in a 1–1 draw against Levante at home. During the 2021–22 season, Pastore featured in 13 league matches, primarily as a substitute, without recording a goal or assist as Elche fought to avoid relegation, ultimately securing survival on the final day. In July 2022, Pastore extended his contract with for another year, committing until June 2023. However, persistent fitness problems, including recurring injuries that had plagued his later career, restricted him to just two substitute appearances in the 2022–23 campaign amid the team's ultimately unsuccessful battle against relegation. Across both seasons, he totaled 15 outings, accumulating 527 minutes without contributing a goal, often serving as a depth option in midfield. On 6 January 2023, Pastore and agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent, allowing him to seek new opportunities after limited impact due to ongoing physical challenges. Reflecting on his stint, Pastore highlighted the difficulties of adapting to the intensity of Spanish football while managing injuries that hindered his consistency.

Qatar SC (2023)

In January 2023, of the signed Javier Pastore as a following the mutual termination of his contract with , where he had been hampered by recurring injuries. The move to the mid-table Qatari side, which ultimately finished fifth in the 2022–23 league standings, offered Pastore an opportunity to revive his career in a less demanding environment. Pastore made his debut for shortly after joining and featured in seven league matches during the remainder of the season, scoring one goal in a 2–0 victory over Al Ahli on 4 May 2023. His contributions were sporadic, as ongoing fitness challenges and the team's push for a solid mid-table position limited his starting opportunities and impact. Pastore's final competitive appearance came on 8 May 2023 in a league match against . His contract with expired in June 2023, after which he chose to step away from regular first-team football.

Retirement

Javier Pastore officially retired from professional football in 2025, following hints in a 2024 that he would step away before the end of June 2025 after focusing on recovery from hip surgery performed in February 2024. This was confirmed in a September 2025 , where he explicitly declared his and discussed transitioning to a new phase in sports management. The primary reasons for Pastore's retirement were a series of cumulative injuries that severely impacted his physical capabilities, culminating in a serious issue that required in February 2024. He described how his body "could no longer endure," with the injury limiting his ability to train and play effectively, while also noting a waning mental connection to the sport as football "was leaving" him. His final competitive appearance came in May 2023 during a match for , after which persistent fitness concerns prevented a return. Upon the announcements, former clubs paid tribute to Pastore's contributions, with Paris Saint-Germain highlighting his role as a key creative force during their dominant era and recalling his breakout performances that launched his European career. These reactions underscored his professional legacy, amassed over more than 470 appearances across major leagues in , , , , and , along with 29 caps for .

International career

Debut and early years (2010–2013)

Javier Pastore earned his first call-up to the senior national team under coach , reflecting his standout performances at . He made his debut on 24 May 2010, substituting in the 77th minute during a 5-0 friendly victory over in . Pastore's introduction came late in a dominant performance led by goals from (two), , , and , marking the beginning of his integration into a star-studded squad ahead of the . Pastore was selected for Argentina's 2010 World Cup squad in , where he appeared as a substitute in all three of Argentina's matches: entering in the 75th minute against in a 2-0 group stage win, the 84th minute against in a 3-1 round of 16 win, and the 69th minute against in a 0-4 quarter-final loss. These limited minutes highlighted his role as a rotational player behind established stars. Following Maradona's departure after the tournament, interim coach included Pastore in preparations for the , where he featured in two matches as a substitute during the group stage and quarterfinals, often from the bench due to the team's depth in attacking positions. Under new coach , who took over in August 2011, Pastore received regular call-ups through friendlies and qualifiers, accumulating a total of 15 appearances for between 2010 and 2013 without scoring. His involvement included substitute roles in key qualifiers, such as the 4-1 win over in October 2011, as Sabella experimented with midfield combinations. However, Pastore's opportunities were constrained by intense competition from and , who dominated starting spots in attacking midfield and wide areas, compounded by occasional dips in his club form during his early years at Paris Saint-Germain. This period solidified his place in the squad but emphasized a supporting role in 's transitional phase post-Maradona.

World Cup and later years (2014–2017)

Despite being a key figure in Argentina's squad during the early 2010s, Javier Pastore was notably omitted from the 23-man roster for the in , a decision made by coach amid intense competition in midfield. Pastore later expressed disappointment over watching the tournament from home, where reached the final but lost to . Following the World Cup, he made three friendly appearances in and November 2014 against , Hong Kong, and . His exclusion highlighted the depth of talent available, including established players like Ángel Di María and , though it marked a turning point in his international trajectory. From 2015 to 2017, Pastore earned 13 additional caps for , scoring two goals during this period. He featured prominently in the held in , where advanced to the final but fell to on ; Pastore started all six matches and contributed to the team's creative play, including his first international goal and a standout performance in the 6-1 semi-final win over . The following year, Pastore was included in the squad for the in the United States, though he remained an unused substitute as again reached the final, losing to in a . Pastore's international involvement continued into 2017, with appearances in the June friendly against (1-0 win, 45 minutes), and World Cup qualifiers against (0-0 draw) and (1-1 draw). His final appearance came on 5 2017 against , where he entered as a substitute. He was not selected for subsequent World Cup qualifiers or the squad under coach , signaling an effective end to his international career after a total of 29 caps and 2 goals.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Javier Pastore's club career spanned multiple leagues across , , , Spain, and Qatar, where he accumulated 442 appearances, 74 goals, and 86 assists in all competitions. His performances were particularly notable during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, though injuries limited his playing time in later seasons at Roma and . The following table summarizes his aggregated statistics by club, including all domestic leagues, cups, and European competitions:
ClubYearsAppearancesGoalsAssists
Huracán2007–20083186
Palermo2008–2011821616
Paris Saint-Germain2011–20182694561
Roma2018–20213743
Elche2021–20231600
Qatar SC2023710
Total4427486
Statistics sourced from Transfermarkt records. Pastore's contributions varied by competition, with stronger outputs in domestic leagues compared to European ties. In with PSG, he recorded 186 appearances, 29 goals, and 46 assists, while in across and Roma, he made 99 appearances with 17 goals and 16 assists. His European record includes 38 appearances and 4 goals, primarily with PSG, alongside 9 Europa League games and 1 goal with Roma. In cup competitions, highlights include 23 appearances and 7 goals for PSG, and 13 games with 2 goals for and Roma combined. Seasons at Roma (2018–2021) and (2021–2023) were notably impacted by injuries, restricting him to under 20 appearances per club despite his potential for greater involvement.

International statistics

Javier Pastore earned 29 caps for the senior national team from 2010 to 2017, during which he scored 2 goals and provided 4 assists. His goals came in 2015: the first in a 2–1 friendly win over on 31 March at , where he scored the winner in the 58th minute after a blocked clearance. The second arrived in the semi-final on 30 June, contributing to a 6–1 victory against , where he scored in the 49th minute to restore a two-goal lead. Assists are tracked in some records for his international career, totaling 4. He provided key contributions, such as assisting in the same match against . The following table summarizes his appearances and goals by major competition:
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
Friendlies121
30
81
World Cup Qualifiers60
Total292
Pastore had minimal youth international experience, with no recorded appearances in major U20 or U23 tournaments such as the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Honours

Club honours

During his professional career, Javier Pastore won all 19 of his club honours exclusively with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), spanning domestic competitions from 2011 to 2018. These achievements marked PSG's dominant era under Qatari ownership, with Pastore serving as a key creative force in the midfield during the club's early title successes, before injuries reduced his playing time in later years. Pastore contributed significantly to PSG's first Ligue 1 title in the 2012–13 season, starting in 34 of 38 league matches and recording 3 goals and 6 assists, helping the team secure the championship by 11 points. He also featured prominently in the 2013–14 Ligue 1 triumph (29 league appearances, 2 goals, 3 assists) and the Coupe de la Ligue win that year. The 2014–15 campaign represented a pinnacle, as Pastore played over 40 matches across competitions, including key roles in the domestic quadruple of Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, and Trophée des Champions, where his vision and passing were instrumental in the team's attacking play. Subsequent titles in 2015–16, 2016–17, and 2017–18 saw him as a squad player due to persistent injuries, yet he still appeared in winning lineups for the remaining Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, and Trophée des Champions victories. The full list of honours is as follows: Ligue 1 (5):
  • 2012–13
  • 2013–14
  • 2014–15
  • 2015–16
  • 2017–18
Coupe de France (4):
  • 2014–15
  • 2015–16
  • 2016–17
  • 2017–18
Coupe de la Ligue (5):
  • 2013–14
  • 2014–15
  • 2015–16
  • 2016–17
  • 2017–18
Trophée des Champions (5):
  • 2013 (for 2012–13 season)
  • 2014 (for 2013–14 season)
  • 2015 (for 2014–15 season)
  • 2016 (for 2015–16 season)
  • 2017 (for 2016–17 season)
Pastore did not win any major club trophies with Palermo, Roma, Elche, or Qatar SC.

International honours

Javier Pastore earned 29 caps for the national team between 2010 and 2017, scoring two goals, but did not win any major international titles during his tenure. His international career began with inclusion in the squad for the , where advanced to the quarter-finals before a 4-0 defeat to ; Pastore made his debut as a substitute in the group stage match against , playing the final 21 minutes of a 1-0 victory. Pastore featured in three editions of the , with reaching the final in two of them under coach . In the 2015 tournament hosted by , he started all six matches, contributing creatively in midfield alongside , and played 81 minutes in the final before being substituted, as lost 4-1 on to after a 0-0 draw. The following year, at the in the United States, Pastore again started the final against , logging 74 minutes in another 0-0 draw that ended in a 4-2 defeat for , marking consecutive runner-up finishes without a trophy. He also appeared in two group stage matches during the , where exited in the quarter-finals. At youth level, Pastore did not represent in major tournaments or secure any international honors.

Playing style and legacy

Playing style

Javier Pastore was renowned as an elegant , often drawing comparisons to for his exceptional , vision, and close control on the ball. His graceful running style and poise allowed him to navigate tight spaces with flair, making him a classic trequartista who thrived in the advanced playmaking role. Despite being naturally right-footed, Pastore demonstrated proficiency with his left foot, particularly in delivering precise passes and shots, which added unpredictability to his game. Pastore's strengths lay primarily in the final third, where his creativity shone through long-range passing and key through balls that unlocked defenses. He excelled at past opponents and providing indirect set-piece threats, often getting fouled due to his ball-carrying ability during counter-attacks. However, his weaknesses included a limited defensive work rate, which saw him contribute minimally in tracking back, and a vulnerability in aerial duels owing to his slender build. Additionally, Pastore's career was hampered by frequent injuries, such as multiple edemas and calf issues, which affected his consistency and physical robustness. Throughout his career, Pastore evolved from a flamboyant youth prospect showcasing raw flair at Talleres and to a more refined operator at and Saint-Germain, where he adapted to the No. 10 role or as a second striker behind the forward line. In later years, particularly after 2018, physical decline and recurring injuries led to a diminished output, though his technical elegance remained evident in spells at Roma and beyond.

Legacy

Javier Pastore holds a pioneering status in Paris Saint-Germain's history as the club's first major signing under the (QSI) ownership, acquired from in August 2011 for a then- record fee of €42 million. This transfer, which shattered the previous French domestic record, marked the beginning of PSG's aggressive investment strategy aimed at elevating the club to global prominence and challenging for European honors. Pastore's arrival symbolized QSI's ambition to transform PSG from a mid-tier outfit into a football powerhouse, setting the stage for high-profile acquisitions in subsequent years. As the inaugural high-profile Argentine import under the new regime, Pastore influenced the influx of compatriots to PSG, including and , fostering a cultural shift toward South American talent that became integral to the club's identity. His tenure, spanning seven seasons from to , established him as the longest-serving Argentine in PSG's , contributing to the team's domestic dominance while embodying the artistic flair associated with Argentine playmakers in . This legacy extended beyond the pitch, as his presence helped bridge the club's pre- and post-QSI narratives, highlighting a transition from local aspirations to international contention. Despite recurring injuries—particularly to his calf and ankles—that hampered his consistency and led to critiques of unfulfilled potential relative to his transfer fee and early promise, Pastore earned widespread admiration for his technical artistry and elegant dribbling, often described as turning football into an "art" form. Nicknamed "El Flaco" (The Skinny One) for his lanky 1.87-meter frame, he captivated fans with moments of brilliance that defined PSG's attacking ethos in the early QSI years. Following his retirement announcement in November 2024, Pastore officially retired from professional football.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Javier Pastore met Chiara Picone, an Italian model and from , in in 2009 while he was playing for the local club U.S. Città di Palermo. The couple began their relationship shortly thereafter and have been together for over 15 years as of 2025. They married on May 24, 2017, at the town hall in , a suburb of , . Pastore and Picone have two children: a daughter named Martina, born on May 27, 2015, in , and a son named Santiago, born on March 7, , also in . When Pastore transferred to Paris Saint-Germain in 2011, Picone relocated with him from , establishing a family base in the French capital that provided stability throughout his seven-year stint with the club. The children grew up in until , developing strong ties to the city, before the family moved to and later . Following Pastore's retirement from professional football in 2023, the family is primarily based in , , as of 2025.

Post-playing career

Pastore retired from professional football in 2023 after his last competitive in May with , later confirming in interviews that he would not return to playing. During the transition period from 2023 onward, Pastore engaged in media appearances to reflect on his and the sport, including an interview in September 2025 with where he critiqued the evolution of football, stating that excessive money at a young age—such as players earning €10 million per year at 18 or 19—often deters players from their passion for the game and shifts club priorities toward investments over the sport itself. He also noted regrets over modern training's over-structuring, which limits improvisation. Post-retirement, Pastore has shown interest in football management, enrolling in a sports management course (lasting 12 months) as his initial step toward an administrative role, with the ambition to become a . In September 2025, reports emerged of his training to become a , with support from Paris Saint-Germain president , including permanent access to PSG's training center, fueling rumors of a potential return to the club in a non-playing capacity. He is also exploring a multi-sports center project in , incorporating a . No positions have been confirmed for him as of 2025. Beyond management aspirations, Pastore has focused on , living in while prioritizing family; his son plays football in a local club there. He has not pursued confirmed endorsements or regular punditry roles, though he occasionally commented on events like the 2025 Club World Cup in media segments.

References

  1. https://www.transfermarkt.com/javier-pastore/profil/spieler/55215
  2. https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/102829/javier-pastore
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  9. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37470460/argentina-javier-pastore-23rd-copa-rank
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  87. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLAQkKJxPTc
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