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Julio Andrés Arca (born 31 January 1981) is an Argentine former professional footballer, who played as a left-back or central midfielder. He was most recently manager of South Shields.

Key Information

Arca spent the majority of his career in the North East of England, firstly for Sunderland from 2000 to 2006, and then for Middlesbrough from 2006 to 2013. He retired from professional football following his release from Middlesbrough, and subsequently played Sunday League football for Willow Pond for the 2014–15 season. He later signed for South Shields, in addition to his return to Sunderland as part of the club's youth coaching staff.

During his professional career, he was seen as an attack-minded player, with his key attributes including good long and short passing, as well as being a hard worker. Throughout his career at Sunderland and Middlesbrough, Arca has gained a cult following among supporters at Sunderland, Middlesbrough and South Shields.[2][3]

Club career

[edit]

Argentinos Juniors

[edit]

Born in Quilmes, Argentina, Arca began playing football when he was eleven and joined Argentinos Juniors when he was fourteen.[4][3][5] He went on to progress at the Argentinos Juniors’ academy and made his debut three years later at age seventeen; which saw his side lose 7–1 loss against Independiente.[6] Arca made thirty–six appearances during his time there, having broken into the first team at age eighteen.[7] He said playing in Argentina was tough, but acknowledged that it gave him a “great education”.[7][3]

Sunderland

[edit]

Sunderland's manager Peter Reid signed Arca in 2000 from Argentinos Juniors with a £3.5 million five-year deal, while holding off competition from Newcastle United and Leeds United.[8][9][10] It came after Peter Reid spotted him in a U21 match playing against England at Craven Cottage and tracked him until completing the signing in July 2000.[8][11] Upon joining the club, Arca was Reid's most expensive signing of that summer and was then second only behind Stefan Schwarz as the club's record buy.[10] The youngster was tipped for the brightest of futures and full international honours.[4]

Having missed the first three league matches, due to receiving his Italian passport, he was an immediate success, scoring on his debut at the Stadium of Light against West Ham United.[8][12][13] Arca then helped the side keep four consecutive clean sheets throughout October.[14][15][16][17] The following month, he only played three matches, including scoring against Manchester United, due to his international commitment with Argentina U20.[18][19][20] Arca's third goal of the season came on 1 January 2001, in a 4–1 win over Ipswich Town.[21] However, he missed five matches throughout January because of his continuous international commitment with Argentina U20.[22] It wasn't until on 10 February 2001 when Arca made his return to the first team, in a 1–1 draw against Liverpool.[23] Arca played for his previous club and national team at left-back but was successfully converted to left midfield by Reid.[8][24][25][26][4][3] Arca scored three times in thirty appearances for the Black Cats in his first season in the Premiership.[27] For his performance, he won the club's Young Player of the Year award.[28][4] Arca also became a fan favourite among Sunderland supporters.[29][4]

At the start of the 2001–02 season, Arca suffered a setback when he suffered a knee injury that saw him miss two matches.[30] He made his return from injury, starting the whole game, in a 1–0 win over Blackburn Rovers on 8 September 2001.[31] Following this, he regained his first-team place, playing in the midfield position.[32][33][34] In a 1–1 draw against Arsenal, Arca scored a header from two minutes into injury time but was denied by referee Mike Riley after the assistant referee flagged for offside.[35] Riley's decision to disallow Arca's goal was criticised by then-club captain Michael Gray and Manager Peter Reid.[36][37] Despite that setback, Arca managed to score his first goal of the season in a 2–1 win over Leeds United on 18 November 2001.[38] He did not manage to rediscover his form of the previous season and was out of action from February.[39][40][41][42] Because of his trouble with a series of niggling injuries, Arca's 2001–02 campaign was disappointing like so many other of Sunderland's players.[43]

At the start of the 2002–03 campaign, Arca continued to recover from the injuries he sustained from the previous season.[44] His first appearance of the season came on 28 August 2002, coming on as a late substitute, in a 1–0 win over Leeds United.[45] Arca, who had then played 54 games for the club, stated his determination to get back to his best – both in fitness and form, especially playing under the management of Reid's successor, Howard Wilkinson.[46][47] Due to being a fan favourite among Sunderland supporters, they chanted "Julio, Julio when he was not in the squad".[46] Despite this, Arca scored his first goal of the season, in the second round of the League Cup, in a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 1 October 2002.[48] He was sidelined for two months, due to an injury he sustained during the club's reserve match against Manchester United Reserve.[49][50] After returning from injury in December, Arca didn't make his return to the first team until 11 January 2003, coming on as a second–half substitute, in a 0–0 draw against Blackburn Rovers.[51][52] Three days later on 14 January 2003, he scored his second goal of the season, in a 2–0 win over Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup replay.[53] Since returning to the first team, Arca had a run in of first team for the rest of the season despite being on the sidelines on three occasions.[54][55][56] At the end of the 2002–03 season, the club was relegated to the Championship, finishing at the bottom of the Premier League, and he went on to make eighteen appearances and scoring twice in all competitions.

At the start of the 2003–04 season, Arca missed the first three matches, due to being linked to a move away and leaving Sunderland.[57][58] His first appearance of the season came on 23 August 2003 against Preston North End, starting the whole game in the left–back position, in a 2–0 win.[59][60] Having regained his first team place, playing in the left–back position, he kept two clean sheets in the next two matches, including scoring his first goal of the season, in a 4–0 win over Bradford City.[61][62][63] Since returning to the first team, Arca regained his first-team place, playing in the left–back position.[64][65][66] Manager Mick McCarthy and Gary Breen praised his recent performances for making a significant impact.[67][68][69] His second goal of the season came on 27 September 2003, in a 2–0 win over Reading.[70] A week later on 4 October 2003, however, he was sent–off for the second bookable offence, in a 1–0 win over Sheffield United.[71] Arca was sent–off for a second bookable offence once again two months later on 2 December 2003, in a 1–1 draw against Wigan Athletic, resulting in a two-match ban.[72][73] After returning to the first team, he scored three goals throughout January.[74][75][76][77] In the January transfer window Arca was linked a move away from Sunderland, prompting Manager McCarthy to rule out the sale.[78][79] Arca himself showed his loyalty to the club, electing to stay [80] Following this, he then scored his fourth goal of the season, in a 3–1 win over Walsall on 3 March 2004.[81] However, Arca missed five matches, due to a knee injury he sustained in a 1–0 win over Sheffield United in a FA Cup match.[82] It wasn't until 27 March 2004 that he made his return to the starting line-up, in a 2–1 win over Derby County.[83] Having regained his first team place for the next five matches, he suffered a knee injury that saw him sidelined for the rest of the 2003–04 season.[84][85][86] At the end of the 2003–04 season, Arca went on to make thirty–seven appearances and scored six times in all competitions. For his performance, he was named PFA Team of the Year for the First Division for the 2003–04 season.[87][88][89]

Ahead of the 2004–05 season, Arca was linked a move away from Sunderland, as Manager McCarthy predicted that he would leave the club should they failed to achieve promotion back to the Premier League.[90][91] Despite this, Arca declared that he was happy to stay at Sunderland, and opened talks with the club over a new contract.[92][93] At the start of the 2004–05 season, he continued as a first team regular, still playing in midfield.[94][95][96][97] It wasn't until on 14 September 2004 when Arca scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–0 win over Nottingham Forest.[98] However, he missed two matches, due to a sustained leg injury.[99] After returning to the first team from injury, Arca then scored his second goal of the season, in a 3–1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on 30 October 2004; followed–up by providing a hat–trick assists, in a 3–1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.[100][101][102] During a 2–0 defeat against Millwall on 5 November 2004, Arca made V-signs to Millwall supporters on three occasions after being involved in a tussle with Kevin Muscat; leading the Football Association reported the allegations to the police.[103] It was announced on 12 November 2004 that he signed a three–year contract, keeping him until 2007.[104] By the end of 2004, he added two more goals, which were against Burnley and Leeds United.[105][106] After being sidelined with another injury at the beginning of January, Arca didn't score again until on 19 February 2005, in a 2–1 loss against Brighton & Hove Albion.[107][108] In a follow–up match against Rotherham United, he suffered an injury and was substituted in the 33rd minute, resulting in him missing two matches.[109][110] It wasn't until on 12 March 2005 when he made his return as a substitute against Crewe Alexandra and set up the only goal in the game, in a 1–0 win.[111] In a follow–up match, Arca scored his sixth goal of the season, in a 5–1 win over Plymouth Argyle.[112] He later scored three more goals, including two victories over Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United.[113][114][115] Throughout the season, Arca was arguably their best player as they returned to the Premiership under manager Mick McCarthy, winning the Football League Championship in 2004–05.[116][117][118] At the end of the 2004–05 season, he went on to make forty–two appearances and scoring nine times in all competitions.[119][120] For his performance, Arca, once again, was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the Championship team in the 2004–05 season.[121]

At the start of the 2005–06 season, with Sunderland back in the Premier League, Arca continued to remain as first team regular, playing in the left–back position.[122][123] However, the club made a poor start to the season, losing the first five league matches.[124][125] He then scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–0 win over Middlesbrough, giving Sunderland their first Premier League since 2002.[126] However, Arca suffered a toe injury during training and missed two matches.[127][128] It wasn't until on 23 October 2005 when he returned to the first team, coming on as a second–half substitute, in a 3–2 loss against rivals, Newcastle United.[129] His return was short–lived when he once again injured his toe after the match and was sidelined for a month.[130][131] It wasn't until on 10 December 2005 when Arca returned to the starting line-up, playing the whole game, in a 2–0 loss against Charlton Athletic.[132] Since returning to the first team, he quickly regained his place in the starting eleven, playing either the left–back position or midfield position over the season.[133][134][135] In the January transfer window, Arca was linked a move away from the club, which he responded by stating that he has no intention of leaving Sunderland.[136][137] Amid to the transfer move, Arca then scored his second goal of the season, in a 2–1 loss against Brentford in the fourth round of the FA Cup.[138] During a 4–1 loss against rivals Newcastle United on 17 April 2006, he collided with Alan Shearer, resulting in him tearing his knee injury.[139] However, he suffered injuries on three occasions later in the 2005–06 season.[140][141][142] Sunderland were relegated again in the 2005–06 season.[120] At the end of the season, Arca went on to make twenty–six appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.

Arca's departure from Sunderland was announced in April 2006.[143] He stated that he would not play in the Championship again should the club be relegated.[144] By the time he departed Sunderland, he made 177 appearances and scored 23 times for the side in all competitions. Five years later, Arca was named Solid Gold XI on the club's website.[145]

Middlesbrough

[edit]
Arca with Middlesbrough in 2008

On 26 July 2006, following Sunderland's relegation from Premier League, it was announced that Arca had signed a five-year contract with Premier League side Middlesbrough, for a reported transfer fee of £1.75 million, becoming new manager Gareth Southgate's first ever senior signing; they beat Spanish club Espanyol to signing the player.[146][147][148] He was a replacement for Franck Queudrue, who moved to Fulham.[149]

Arca made his Premier League debut for Middlesbrough against Reading on the opening day of the 2006–07 season; he broke his foot and was substituted at half-time for Andrew Davies.[150] After regaining fitness, Arca made his return to the first team, coming on as a late substitute, in a 1–0 win over Everton on 14 October 2006.[151][152] With the progress of Andrew Taylor at left-back, Arca had been utilised as central midfielder.[8][153][154][155] He scored his first goal for the club against Charlton Athletic on 23 December 2006.[156][157] Arca then scored against Charlton Athletic for the second time this season, in a 3–1 win.[158] His third goal of the season came on 17 February 2007, in a 2–2 draw against West Bromwich Albion in the fifth round of the FA Cup; leading to a FA Cup, which they won on penalties and Arca was one of the players successfully convert.[159][160] He set up an equaliser goal for Lee Cattermole, in a 2–2 draw against Manchester United in the sixth round of the FA Cup; leading to a FA Cup replay once again, which Middlesbrough lost 1–0.[161][162] However, Arca suffered a groin injury that saw him sidelined for a month.[163][164] It wasn't until on 28 April 2007 when he returned from injury, coming on as a substitute during the second half, in a 3–2 loss against Tottenham Hotspur.[165] Arca later featured the remaining two matches of the season.[166] At the end of the 2006–07 season, he went on to make twenty–eight appearances and scoring three times in all competitions.

Ahead of the 2007–08 season, Arca was subjected of a transfer bid from his former club, Sunderland when they made a £2 million bid but Middlesbrough turned down the offer.[167][168] Amid the transfer speculation, Arca continued to remain his first team place, playing in the midfield position at the start of the season.[169][170][171] He then set up the opening goal for Mido, in a 2–1 win over Fulham on 18 August 2007.[172] Arca scored his first goal for the club in a follow–up match against Tyne–Tees rivals, Newcastle United.[173] A month later on 22 September 2007, he scored his second goal of the season, in a 2–2 draw against Sunderland.[174] During the match, he is still liked strongly by most Sunderland fans despite moving to their local rivals and in the 2007 Tees–Wear derby at the Riverside, when he went off injured after scoring against them, he was cheered by the visiting Sunderland supporters.[175] Unfortunately, following this injury that saw him out for two months, Arca struggled to regain his excellent form in the months prior to it.[176][177][178] It wasn't until on 9 December 2007 when he made his return from injury, coming on as a late substitute, in a 2–1 win over Arsenal.[179] Arca continued to regain his first team place since returning from injury.[180][181][182] In January 2008, Arca was named club captain, replacing George Boateng.[183] His first game as captain was against Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League in a 1–1 draw.[184][185][186] After only a few games leading the team, he was replaced by Emanuel Pogatetz.[187] By March, Arca was dropped from the first team by Manager Gareth Southgate, which he said: "I felt with Julio he just needs that break from the team. He's a fantastic player, he's very much with us and he understands why I left him out".[188][189][190] It wasn't until on 6 April 2008 when he returned to the first team, starting the whole game, in a 2–2 draw against Manchester United.[191] Since returning from injury, Arca continued to regained his first team for remaining matches of the 2007–08 season.[192] He also assisted two matches in the last three remaining matches of the season, against Sunderland and Manchester City.[193][194] At the end of the 2007–08 season, Arca went on to make twenty–nine appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.

Ahead of the 2008–09 season, Arca switched number shirt from three to twenty.[195] However, he suffered ankle injury during a 3–2 win over Hibernian in a friendly match and was sidelined for two months as a result.[196][197][198] It wasn't until on 29 October 2008 when he made his return to the first team from injury, coming on as a substitute in the 75th minute, in a 2–0 win over Manchester City.[199] Since returning to the first team, Arca regained back his first team place, playing in the midfield position over the months.[200][201][202][203] But in mid–January, Arca lost his first team place when suffered an illness that saw him miss one match, followed up by being placed on the substitute bench, as he continued to regain his fitness.[204][205][206] Arca made his return to the starting line-up, playing the whole game, in a 1–1 draw against West Ham United in the fifth round of the FA Cup; which Middlesbrough went through in the FA Cup replay by beating them 2–0.[207][208] Towards the end of the 2008–09 season, he suffered a hamstring injury that saw him out for a month.[209] It wasn't until on 16 May 2009 when Arca made his return to the starting line-up, in a 1–1 draw against Aston Villa.[210] The last game of the season against West Ham United, however, saw them lose 2–1, resulting in their relegation to the Championship in eleven years.[211][212] At the end of the 2008–09 season, he went on to make twenty–one appearances in all competitions.

Ahead of the 2009–10 season, Arca said that he would leave Middlesbrough if he wasn't getting first team football at the club.[213] But Arca suffered an injury at the start of the season that saw his playing time restricted.[214][215][216] He soon regained his first team place, playing in the midfield position since regaining fitness.[217][218][219][220] Arca then set up the opening goal in the game for Leroy Lita, in a 1–1 draw against Nottingham Forest on 21 November 2009; which was followed up by setting a goal for Dave Kitson, who scored twice in the game, in a 2–2 draw against Peterborough United.[221][222] He found himself in a competition with Adam Johnson, which saw Arca placed on the substitute bench and this lasted until Johnson's departure to Manchester City in January.[223][224][225] However, Arca, himself, was plagued with injuries that saw him miss four matches at the beginning of 2010.[226][227][228] It wasn't until on 16 February 2010 when he made his return to the first team from injury, coming on as a second–half substitute, in a 2–0 loss against Blackpool.[229] After missing one match, Arca made a return to the first team against Watford, where he set up an equalising goal for Lita, in a 1–1 draw.[230][231] At the end of the 2009–10 season, which saw Arca make thirty–six appearances in all competitions, the club failed to gain promotion from the Championship.

Ahead of the 2010–11 season, it was announced that Arca would stay at the club, having joined the club's pre–season tour.[232] Arca started the season well when he set up the opening goal for Scott McDonald, in a 3–1 loss against Ipswich Town in the opening game of the season.[233] Arca then scored in Middlesbrough's 2–1 win over Chesterfield in the League Cup and scoring his first league goal for over three years from a penalty kick, to give Middlesbrough a 1–0 victory over Cardiff City.[8][234] This proved to be a turning point for him, as he regained fine form towards the end of 2010.[235][236][237] Arca suffered two injuries throughout October.[238][239] Over time through the season, Arca played in both the left–back position and midfield position.[240][241][242] Arca then assisted three goals in three matches between 28 December 2010 and 3 January 2011 against Preston North End, Leeds United and Norwich City.[243][244][245] It wasn't until on 23 April 2011 when he scored his second of the season against Hull City and later that week, he scored his third of the campaign on a 2–1 win over Coventry City.[246][247][248] Despite being absent on three occasions later in the season, Arca made thirty–five appearances and scoring four times in all competitions.[249][250][251] At the end of the 2010–11 season, he was voted the club's supporters' and players' Player of the Year.[252] Arca was also named Middlesbrough's player of the year and Team of the Season by the local newspaper, The Northern Echo.[253][254]

His contract ended at the end of the 2010–11 season, having announced in February that he would leave.[255] Arca previously stated that he would take a pay cut to stay at Middlesbrough.[256] But mid–June, he was offered a new contract on reduced terms.[257][258] On 1 July 2011, Arca was officially a free agent, though Manager Tony Mowbray did not ruled out a return to sign him.[259][260] After turning down a chance to return to Boca Juniors, Arca re-signed with a two-year contract on 12 August 2011, having previously been released at the beginning of that same transfer window[261][252][262]

Two days after signing the contract, Arca came on as a substitute in an away league match at Leeds United and passed to Marvin Emnes to score the only goal of the game.[263][264] He continued to remain involved in the first team in a number of matches since returning to the club, mostly coming on from the substitute bench.[265][266][267] But at times, Arca was given starts in the first team in a number of matches.[268][269][270] In a match against Cardiff City on 17 December 2011, he set up a goal for Faris Haroun (who scored earlier in the game) to score the winning goal, in a 3–2 win.[271] In a 3–1 loss against Coventry City on 21 January 2012, Arca was sent–off at the last minute of the game for a foul on Sammy Clingan.[272] After serving three matches, he returned to the first team in the starting line-up, in a 2–1 win over Nottingham Forest on 14 February 2012.[273][274] In a follow–up against Millwall, Arca set up a goal for Curtis Main to score the third goal of the game, in a 3–1 win.[275] Despite being sidelined during the 2011–12 season,[276][277][278] Arca finished the season, making thirty–three appearances in all competitions.

At the start of the 2012–13 season, Arca appeared three times in the first team throughout August.[279][280][281] However, his first team opportunities at Middlesbrough was limited and placed on the substitute bench.[282][283] Arca was then sidelined with a toe injury that saw him out for months.[284][285] He was never featured in the first team for the rest of the 2012–13 season.[286][287] At the end of the 2012–13 season, making three appearances, Arca was released by the club.[288]

Arca later retired from professional football after his Middlesbrough contract expired in 2013.[289]

South Shields

[edit]

Arca played for Willow Pond, a second-division pub side in the Sunderland Sunday League.[290] In July 2015, he returned to Sunderland to join the club's youth coaching staff.[291]

On 4 September 2015, Arca joined Northern League Division Two club South Shields.[292] He scored on his debut for the club, in a 1–1 draw with Stokesley Sports Club at Mariners Park.[293] He later scored a goal against Ryton & Crawcrook Albion as the Mariners won 4–0 in front of a crowd of 1,045, while his third goal for South Shields came when he scored a free-kick in a 4–0 victory at Esh Winning.[294][295] Arca went on to score 12 times in his first season with the Mariners as they were promoted to Division One of the Northern League as champions.[296][297]

The following season, Arca captained the side and played at the Wembley Stadium in the FA Vase Final, as they beat Cleethorpes Town 4–0.[298][299][300] Following this, it was announced that he would signed a two–year contract with South Shields.[301] At the end of the 2017–18 season, Arca announced his retirement from football for the second time in his career; where by the time he retired, Arca helped South Shields to three promotions and three cup wins.[302][303]

International career

[edit]

Arca was the captain of the Argentina Youth Team which featured players like Javier Saviola, Nicolás Burdisso and Maxi Rodríguez in the same squad.[304][5] He won his only U21 cap in a 1–0 friendly defeat to England on 22 February 2000.[305] During his playing time at Argentina Youth Team, Arca said he learned under José Pékerman, who at the time was in charge of Argentina's youth sides.[5]

After his successful first season in the Premier League with Sunderland, Arca captained the Argentina Under-20 team which won the FIFA U-20 World Cup tournament in Buenos Aires, Argentina.[306] They beat the Ghana U-20 team 3–0 in the final to win their fourth title.[306][307] Earlier in the season he had been a part of the U20 team which had finished as runners-up in the 2001 South American U20 Championship.[305][308] During which, Arca scored twice for the international side.[309][4]

Three years later in 2004, Arca was expected to be called up for the Summer Olympic qualification.[310] But Sunderland refused to allow him to play in the qualification, citing his commitment to the club.[311] He was expected to be included in the Argentina U23 squad at the 2004 Summer Olympics.[312] Despite hopes of getting called, it was later announced that he was not included in the Argentina's squad for the Olympic Games.[313][314] Although Arca expressed his disappointment of not being included, he accepted the decision being made and would focus on his commitment at Sunderland.[315] Three years later, Arca said that he hope he would receive a call-up from the senior team; using then Premier League players Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano as example.[316]

Coaching career

[edit]

On 27 April 2023, Arca was appointed manager of his former club South Shields following the club's promotion to the National League North.[317] On 27 December 2023, Arca was sacked by the club after a poor run of form.[318] A 3–1 home defeat to local rivals Blyth Spartans proved the final straw for Arca as his side slipped to 8th in the table, marking their sixth game without a win.[319]

Personal life

[edit]

His father is Raúl Arca, who was also a footballer at Racing Club's Reserve Team but did not make an appearance and retired soon after, and has a younger brother.[320][4] Growing up, he supported River Plate but only did so because his family were supporters of the club. However, he rarely saw the team play, as he preferred to kick a ball himself.[4] He has Italian origins through his grandfather, which allowed him to have an Italian passport in August 2000.[11] However, it was under scrutiny when Arca used a fake passport; which Italian Embassy in Buenos Aires responded with: "Finally, at the request of the club Julio Arca's passport was presented to immigration authorities at Heathrow Airport, who assessed and verified this in advance of his arrival."[321]

When Arca started out at Sunderland, he struggled to speak English and had to rely on Emerson Thome to act as an interpreter.[4][3][322][323] Since settling in England, he quickly to learn and speak English.[7][4][324] Because he was a fan favourite at Sunderland, the supporters recorded a musical tribute to Arca, calling the song: Hooolio.[325] In August 2004, Arca suffered a severe allergic reaction after being stung by a jellyfish when he was swimming in the North Sea.[326][327] Having spent five years in England so far, he revealed that he has now settled in the country.[328][329]

Arca is married to his native wife, Valeria, and together, they have two children.[304][330][329][331] Since moving to England, he resided in Wearside, along with his family.[332] Following his retirement from professional football, Arca earned his UEFA B Licence, having announced his intention to become a manager in 2015.[7][333] He then became a Manager of the Sunderland Under 14 side.[329] In 2019, Arca and his family moved back to Argentina, where he started a new business, Premier Sport Division, which helps sportspeople to relocate, transporting their lives across the world when they join new clubs.[3][334][331]

Career statistics

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Argentinos Juniors 1999–2000 Argentine Primera División 19 0 0 0 — 19 0
2000–01[335] 17 0 0 0 — 17 0
Total 36 0 0 0 — 36 0
Sunderland 2000–01[27] Premier League 27 2 1 0 2 1 30 3
2001–02[336] 22 1 1 0 1 0 24 1
2002–03[337] 13 0 4 1 1 1 18 2
2003–04[338] First Division 31 4 6 2 0 0 37 6
2004–05[119] Championship 40 9 1 0 1 0 42 9
2005–06[339] Premier League 24 1 2 1 0 0 26 2
Total 157 17 15 4 5 2 177 23
Middlesbrough 2006–07[156] Premier League 21 2 7 1 0 0 28 3
2007–08[184] 24 2 5 0 0 0 29 2
2008–09[340] 18 0 3 0 0 0 21 0
2009–10[341] Championship 34 0 1 0 1 0 36 0
2010–11[246] 32 3 1 0 2 1 36 4
2011–12[342] 28 0 1 0 2 0 31 0
2012–13[343] 1 0 0 0 2 0 3 0
Total 160 7 18 1 7 1 185 9
Career total 353 24 33 5 12 3 398 32

Managerial statistics

[edit]
As of match played 26 December 2023
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record Ref.
P W D L Win %
South Shields 27 April 2023 27 December 2023 27 11 6 10 040.7
Total 27 11 6 10 040.7 —

Honours

[edit]
Arca playing for Sunderland in 2014

Sunderland

South Shields

Argentina

Individual

References

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

Julio Arca

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Julio Andrés Arca (born 31 January 1981) is an Argentine-Italian former professional footballer who primarily played as a central , left , or left-back. Born in , , Arca began his professional career with , making 18 appearances in the from 1999 to 2000. In July 2000, at age 19, he transferred to English club for a reported £3.5 million, marking one of the club's most expensive signings at the time. During his six seasons with (2000–2006), he featured in 155 league matches, scoring 13 goals, and was named the club's Player of the Year in 2004 while helping the team win the Football League Championship in the 2004–05 season. Arca joined in 2006 for £1.5 million and remained there until 2013, making 166 appearances in all competitions for the club, including 63 in the with 4 goals, contributing to the team's run to the . Later in his career, he played for lower-league clubs including Wycombe Wanderers (2013–2014), Cambridge United (2014–2015), and non-league , where he retired in 2018 after over 350 total appearances in English football. Internationally, Arca captained Argentina's Under-20 team to victory at the 2001 in , defeating 3–0 in the final, and earned caps at youth levels, captaining the Under-20 team. He holds dual Argentine-Italian nationality due to his Italian heritage. Since retiring, Arca has transitioned into coaching, including a managerial spell at non-league club , and in 2025 joined Michael William Recruitment as a in the business sector.

Early life

Early years

Julio Andrés Arca was born on 31 January 1981 in , a district located 11 miles south of in , . Arca grew up in a with deep Argentine roots and connections to Italian heritage through his grandmother. His father, Raúl Arca, had aspired to a professional football career, playing in the reserve team of Racing Club, but retired without a first-team appearance following the premature death of his own father, which forced him to take a job as a banker to support the . This background instilled in Julio a sense of determination, as his father encouraged him to pursue his football dreams despite the uncertainties involved. Arca also has a younger brother, Pablo. From childhood, Arca developed a strong passion for football, influenced by his family's affinity for the sport and his support for River Plate. He began playing organized football at the age of 11, initially joining local youth teams in , including a brief stint with the Quilmes club. He then transitioned to the professional youth academy of at age 11 in 1992. These early experiences honed his skills as a left-footed player.

Youth career

Arca joined the academy at the age of 11 in 1992. Arca progressed through the academy ranks. His development emphasized versatility, positioning him effectively as a left-back or central , while his technical skills were sharpened through intensive training and supplementary play that enhanced his close control and ball-handling precision. By his mid-teens, around age 16 to 17, he began integrating into first-team training sessions, gaining exposure to senior dynamics in anticipation of his breakthrough in 1999.

Club career

Argentinos Juniors

Julio Arca progressed through the youth academy of before making his senior debut for the club in 1998 at the age of 17 in the . Over the next two seasons, from 1998 to 2000, Arca featured in 36 appearances across all competitions for , without scoring any goals. As a versatile left-sided player, he emerged as one of the promising talents in the squad during a period when competed as a mid-table side in the Primera División. In July 2000, at age 19, Arca transferred to English club for a fee of £3.5 million.

Sunderland

Julio Arca joined in July 2000, signing from for a fee of £3.5 million at the age of 19. Initially, he faced significant challenges adapting to life in , including a as he did not speak English upon arrival and limited familiarity with the local culture and lifestyle. Despite these hurdles, Arca quickly integrated, aided by the supportive environment at the club and his debut performance, where he scored a headed equalizer in a 1-1 draw against West Ham United in front of over 48,000 fans at the . During his six-year stint at Sunderland from 2000 to 2006, Arca made 157 appearances across all competitions, scoring 17 goals, while demonstrating versatility in roles as a left-back and central . His technical proficiency, rooted in his Argentine upbringing, earned praise for adding flair to the team's play in the and . A highlight came in the 2004-05 season under manager , when Arca contributed to 's Championship title win and promotion to the , featuring in 40 matches and netting 9 goals that year. His passionate, wholehearted style—often described as giving 100% in every game—cemented his status as a cult hero among supporters, who appreciated his commitment and skillful contributions. Arca's time at the club was not without notable incidents, including a bizarre pre-season mishap in August 2004 when he suffered a severe allergic reaction after being stung by a while swimming in the during training, requiring hospitalization. Following Sunderland's relegation from the in 2006—their worst performance in the top flight with just 15 points—Arca departed on a £1.75 million transfer to rivals in July 2006, having expressed reluctance to return to the .

Middlesbrough

Arca joined from rivals on 26 July 2006 for a transfer fee of £1.75 million, becoming the first senior signing of manager . His previous experience in the North East with facilitated a smooth adaptation to the region and the club's culture. Over the next seven seasons, he made 185 appearances across all competitions, scoring 9 goals, while primarily operating as a versatile left-back or . Arca provided consistent defensive solidity and creative support in both and cup matches during his early years at the club, contributing to Middlesbrough's competitive showings before their 2009 relegation to the . His standout campaign came in the 2010–11 season, where he featured regularly in the midfield and was voted Middlesbrough's Player of the Year for his reliable performances amid the team's push for promotion. Following this recognition, he signed a new two-year contract extension at the end of that season. Throughout his tenure, Arca faced several injury setbacks that limited his availability, including a issue in 2009 and an ankle problem in 2008 that required specialist consultation. In 2011, he underwent surgery and briefly returned to for rehabilitation, missing the latter part of the previous campaign. These challenges coincided with Middlesbrough's fluctuating fortunes in the , including playoff appearances and periods of mid-table stability after their demotion. Arca's time at Middlesbrough concluded in April 2013 when his contract was terminated by mutual consent at age 32, allowing him to return to to address a persistent toe injury that had sidelined him. This marked his initial from professional football, ending a seven-year association with the club.

South Shields

After retiring from professional football in 2013, Julio Arca made a surprise return to competitive play by signing for Northern League Division Two side in September 2015 at the age of 34, following a two-year hiatus spent playing . He scored on his debut in a 1-1 draw against and went on to net 12 goals in his first season, contributing significantly to the team's Northern League Division Two title win and promotion to Division One. Arca's influence extended into the 2016–17 season, where he captained South Shields to the Northern League Division One championship, securing another promotion to the Northern Premier League Division One North, while also leading the team to a historic quadruple of trophies. His leadership was pivotal in the club's FA Vase campaign that year, culminating in a 4-0 victory over Cleethorpes Town at Wembley Stadium in May 2017, where South Shields lifted the trophy for the third time in their history. In the 2017–18 season, Arca helped guide the team to yet another promotion by winning the Northern Premier League Division One North title, completing three successive promotions during his tenure. Throughout his time at South Shields, Arca demonstrated enduring leadership qualities and technical skill in eighth-tier football, often dictating play from midfield with precise passing and long-range strikes, including a notable 40-yard goal in the . His passion and commitment endeared him to the local supporters, establishing him as a club hero and symbol of the team's rapid ascent. Arca announced his retirement from football for the second time at the end of the 2017–18 season, aged 37, after three impactful years that saw him make over 140 appearances and score more than 30 goals in total. His final match was an emotional farewell, marking the end of a remarkable non-league comeback.

International career

Under-20 career

Arca earned his first call-up to the under-20 national team ahead of the 2001 South American U-20 Championship in , where he contributed significantly in the group stage by scoring twice—once against in a 4–1 victory on 16 January and again in a 1–0 win over two days later. advanced as runners-up in the tournament, securing qualification for the . Following this success, Arca featured prominently as captain in the 2001 , hosted by , making five appearances as the team claimed the title with an unbeaten run, including a 5–0 semifinal thrashing of and a 3–0 final win against on 8 . His teammates included emerging talents such as , who topped the scoring charts with eight goals, and Maximiliano Rodríguez. Over his under-20 international career, Arca accumulated at least seven caps and two goals, primarily from these major tournaments, with his strong performances enhancing his reputation at and solidifying his status as a promising prospect in European football. His club form in the that season had aided his selection for the national youth setup.

Senior career

Despite his success at youth international level, Julio Arca never earned a senior cap for the national team. Throughout the , Arca was never called up to the full squad, an era when defensive positions were dominated by established stars such as at center-back and as the primary left-back option. Intense competition for places, combined with Arca's career trajectory in English football—particularly his stints at and , clubs not viewed as elite by Argentine selectors—prevented any senior opportunities. Arca himself noted that national team players typically came from bigger clubs, and his time at even cost him a spot in the Olympic squad. In post-retirement interviews, Arca has reflected on his international path with pride in his under-20 achievements—where he captained the side to World Youth Championship glory—but without regrets over the lack of senior appearances, attributing it to the challenges of his English club focus.

Coaching career

Early coaching roles

After leaving Middlesbrough in 2013, Julio Arca continued his in the lower tiers of English football with Wycombe Wanderers and Cambridge United before joining non-league in 2015, where he played until retiring in 2018. During this period, he began pursuing a career, obtaining his B Licence following his full retirement, having announced his intention to transition into management as early as 2015. Arca joined the coaching staff at Sunderland's academy around 2015, serving as an assistant coach in the setup, where he worked primarily with the under-14s and other development squads. In this role, he assisted in development sessions, focusing on inspiring young players by drawing from his own professional experiences to fuel their passion for the game. He emphasized the importance of maximum effort and dedication in training, qualities he had exemplified throughout his playing career at the club, helping to mentor emerging talents on maintaining high intensity and commitment. During this period, Arca balanced his academy duties with playing for non-league side , signing in September 2015 while continuing his coaching work at . This dual involvement allowed him to apply practical insights from the pitch to his youth mentoring until he stepped away from the academy role around 2016.

South Shields managerial spell

In April 2023, at the age of 42, Julio Arca was appointed as manager of in the , the sixth tier of English football, following the club's promotion from the Premier Division. He replaced former teammate Kevin Phillips and returned to the club where he had previously spent time as a player. Arca's tenure lasted from 27 April to 27 December 2023, during which he oversaw 24 league matches, recording 10 wins, 6 draws, and 8 losses for a win rate of approximately 41.7% and an average of 1.50 points per match. His team started strongly, topping the league table in October 2023 after an impressive run of results. However, South Shields encountered mid-table struggles later in the season, exacerbated by defensive vulnerabilities and a six-game winless streak across all competitions. These issues culminated in a 3-1 defeat to local rivals Blyth Spartans on , after which the club sat eighth in the standings. Arca was sacked the following day, 27 December 2023, alongside assistant , with the club citing on-pitch performances as the reason for the decision. Following his dismissal, Arca served as an assistant manager at non-league clubs before transitioning to a consultancy role in the business sector with Michael William Recruitment in 2025.

Personal life and legacy

Personal life

Julio Arca is married to Valeria, his wife from , and the couple has two sons, Franco and Mateo. Arca moved to in 2000 to join and spent nearly two decades there, adapting quickly to life in the North East despite the initial cultural challenges of relocating from . He has described the people in the region as "really, really friendly," which eased his transition, and noted that his family built a stable life with his children attending school and obtaining British passports. Arca and his family continue to reside in the North East of as of 2025. In 2011, during his time at , Arca briefly returned to for rehabilitation following surgery before resuming training in the UK. Arca's interests remain centered on his family, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive home environment post-retirement.

Legacy

Julio Arca is widely regarded as a cult hero across Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and South Shields, where fans have long adored him for his unwavering passion, technical skill, and humble demeanor. At Sunderland, where he made 177 appearances between 2000 and 2006, supporters celebrated his flair and commitment, often leading to chants like the one he famously started on a train ride back from a Newcastle match, belting out anti-rival lyrics with traveling fans. Similarly, Middlesbrough enthusiasts chanted "Julio Arca" during his 192 games from 2006 to 2013, appreciating his versatility as a left-back or midfielder and his role in key moments despite the club's challenges. At South Shields, his arrival in 2015 elevated the non-league side's profile, with fans embracing him as a local legend for captaining the team to the 2017 FA Vase triumph at Wembley, a brief nod to his earlier 2001 FIFA U-20 World Cup victory with Argentina. Arca's enduring influence extends to inspiring subsequent Argentine players in English football, as one of the early stories from who demonstrated adaptability and longevity in the and beyond. His contributions at further promoted in the North East, helping orchestrate the club's "rebirth" through a 27-game in 2015-16 and league titles that drew over 1,000 fans per match, showcasing the region's talent and rivalries. In media portrayals, particularly a 2020 interview, Arca reflected on career joys such as lifting the 2004-05 with and the Wembley euphoria with , contrasted with regrets over injuries, relegations, and unfulfilled international caps. Post-retirement, his appearance has transformed to the point of being described as unrecognizable, marking a stark shift from his on-pitch days. Arca's broader legacy includes mentorship bridging professional and levels; he coached young talents in Sunderland's and co-founded Back2Basics Football Coaching in the North East, delivering hands-on training to aspiring players with fellow ex-professionals. Additionally, he established Premier Sport Division to support relocating athletes, fostering connections between elite and community football.

Statistics

Playing statistics

Julio Arca's playing career spanned multiple clubs across and , where he demonstrated versatility as a and left-back, accumulating approximately 500 appearances and over 50 goals in all club competitions. His statistics reflect a solid contribution in both top-flight and lower divisions, with notable periods at and in the English leagues. International appearances were limited to the youth level, where he featured for 's U20 team.

Club Statistics

Arca began his professional career at , making 18 appearances without scoring in the between 1999 and 2000. He then moved to in 2000, where he played 157 league matches and scored 17 goals over six seasons, primarily in the and . At from 2006 to 2013, he recorded 160 league appearances and 9 goals, mostly in the following the club's relegation. He had brief spells at Wycombe Wanderers (2013–2014, approximately 7 appearances, 0 goals) and United (2014–2015, approximately 9 appearances, 0 goals) in League Two. Later, in with from 2015 to 2018, Arca made approximately 120 appearances and scored around 15 goals in the Northern League and cup competitions. Domestic league totals: approximately 335 appearances and 26 goals.
ClubAppearancesGoals
180
15717
1609
Wycombe Wanderers~70
Cambridge United~90
~120~15
Total (all comp.)~500+~50+

Season-by-Season Breakdown (Domestic Leagues)

The following table summarizes Arca's appearances and goals in major domestic leagues, drawing from his time in the , , and . Cup competitions are excluded here for focus on league play, but contributed to his overall totals (e.g., 29 FA Cup appearances with 3 goals across Sunderland and Middlesbrough).

Argentinos Juniors (Primera División)

SeasonAppearancesGoals
1999–2000180
Total180

SeasonCompetitionAppearancesGoals
2000–01272
2001–02221
2002–03130
2003–04314
2004–05409
2005–06241
Total15717

Middlesbrough

SeasonCompetitionAppearancesGoals
2006–07212
2007–08242
2008–09180
2009–10340
2010–11323
2011–12302
2012–1310
Total1609

South Shields (Northern League)

Detailed season-by-season data for non-league play is varied due to the level of competition, but Arca contributed significantly in the 2015–16 to 2017–18 seasons, with highlights including multiple goals in league and matches, aiding the club's promotions. Total estimates are approximate based on available records.
SeasonAppearancesGoals
2015–16~40~5
2016–17~40~5
2017–18~40~5
Total~120~15

International Statistics

Arca represented at the U20 level, captaining the team to victory at the 2001 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he made 5 appearances and scored 0 goals. Overall, he earned approximately 7 U20 caps and scored 2 goals, both in the 2001 South American U-20 Championship. He did not earn senior international caps.

Managerial statistics

Julio Arca's managerial record is confined to his stint at in the , the sixth tier of English football, from April to December 2023. He managed a total of 24 matches, achieving 10 wins, 6 draws, and 8 losses, for a win rate of 41.7%. This period marked his only professional managerial role to date. The following table summarizes his overall record, with goals scored and conceded across all competitions (detailed breakdown by league and cups not separately tracked in available records, but the totals reflect performance in the and associated cup competitions).
CompetitionMatchesWinsDrawsLossesGoals ForGoals AgainstWin %
Total241068372841.7

Honours

Team honours

During his international youth career, Arca captained the U20 team to victory in the 2001 , hosted in , where they defeated 3–0 in the final; he featured in five matches, providing defensive stability and leadership in midfield as the hosts claimed their fourth title in the competition. At club level with , Arca played a pivotal role in their 2004–05 EFL Championship-winning campaign, appearing in 42 league matches and scoring nine goals, including crucial strikes that contributed to a record 29 wins and promotion to the as champions. Later, while playing for non-league side , Arca served as captain and midfield anchor in their 2016–17 triumph, leading them to a 4–0 win over Cleethorpes Town in the final to secure the trophy; his leadership helped the team complete a historic quadruple, including the Northern League title.

Individual honours

Arca earned recognition for his performances at club and international levels through several individual awards. While at , he was named to the for the in both the 2003–04 and 2004–05 seasons, highlighting his contributions as a versatile left-sided player during the club's promotion campaigns, and was voted Player of the Year in 2004. Later in his career with , Arca was voted the club's Player of the Year for the 2010–11 season by both supporters and players, an honour reflecting his reliability and impact in midfield despite injury challenges. On the international stage, Arca served as captain of the U20 team that won the 2001 , a role that underscored his early qualities among a talented . Arca received further acclaim in , winning the Evo-Stik Supporters' Player of the Year and inclusion in the North Division Team of the Year in 2018 with , as well as the North East Football Writers' Association John Fotheringham Award in 2018 for services to football.

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