The Top 10 – DS Argentina Futbol 1998-1999

Leandro Romagnoli was a gifted attacking midfielder known for his creativity, close control, and ability to deliver in big moments. With his dribbling and vision, he was the heartbeat of the attack, capable of a killer pass and dazzling dribble. For San Lorenzo fans, “Pipi” was much more than just a player—he was a symbol of loyalty, passion, and skill. As a homegrown talent, his love for the club shone through every time he stepped on the field, making him a true legend and a fan favourite who embodied the spirit of San Lorenzo.

Martín Palermo was a classic target man and one of football’s most iconic strikers and a legend in Buenos Aires! He is known for his incredible aerial ability, physical strength, and knack for scoring in the most dramatic ways. He thrived on determination and passion, always finding a way to make an impact, whether with a powerful header, a poacher’s finish, or even a bizarre long-range strike. While not the fastest or most technical player, Palermo’s positioning and killer instinct in front of goal made him a legend, especially in clutch moments!

He is one of the greatest ever Boca players and below I have shown one of his most famous goals after coming back from a long term injury.

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Leandro Cufré was a solid and reliable defender known for his versatility and composure. Cufré could play both center-back and left-back, bringing tactical awareness and a strong defensive presence to any role. Cufré was tough in tackles, good in the air, and comfortable playing the ball out from the back.

His best football came at AS Roma where he received the award for the Best Defender in Italy. He was with Roma for 4 seasons before making the move to AS Monaco. He lasted 3 seasons and after his football began to decline. Cufre managed 4 caps for Argentina and is a nice little collectors piece.

Ernesto Farías was a natural goal-scorer with a sharp instinct inside the box. Known for his positioning and knack for being in the right place at the right time, he made scoring look easy. Farías had a calm, clinical touch in front of goal and could finish with both feet or his head.

He spent most of his career with Estudiantes, scoring 93 league goals! He earned moves to River Plate and FC Porto, where he showed a decent goal output. After 3 seasons with Porto, he moved back to South America to finish his career.

Juan Pablo Ángel was a classy striker known for his smooth finishing, intelligent movement, and ability to link up play. He combined technical skill with a calm demeanor in front of goal, making him a reliable scorer from almost any position. Ángel excelled in the air and was equally comfortable striking with both feet, often scoring spectacular goals.

After successful seasons at River, Ángel signed for Aston Villa in the Premier Legaue. He spent 7 seasons at Villa, before moving back to the Americas to finish off his career. A really cool rookie sticker in my opinion. Its possible there is an earlier sticker of his, but I haven’t found one.

Iván Córdoba was a tenacious and athletic defender known for his speed, strength, and incredible leaping ability despite his shorter stature. A versatile player, he could excel as a center-back or full-back, always bringing energy and determination to the game. Córdoba was fearless in challenges, sharp in reading the play, and had a knack for making crucial interceptions or blocks.

Córdoba is famous for his time at Inter Milan, spending a whopping 2 season with the Italian giants, and 455 appearances! He won 5 Serie A titles and a UCL title as well as 73 caps for Colombia. This sticker represents his first club sticker (I think), but his World Cup 98 sticker represents the rookie – assuming he doesn’t have an earlier club sticker.

Juan Román Riquelme was the ultimate midfield maestro, a player who dictated the tempo of the game with his incredible vision and technique. Known for his elegant style, pinpoint passing, and genius football brain, Riquelme could control matches almost single-handedly.

He thrived in the classic number 10 role, pulling the strings from midfield and delivering breathtaking assists or curling free kicks. Slow but deliberate, he played the game at his own pace, always calm and composed, making football look like an art form.

Maybe only behind Maradona as the greatest ever Boca player, Riquelme is one of the greatest 10s ever to play the game! As I understand, like Cordoba, this is his first club sticker but the World Cup 98 sticker sticker is the rookie.

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Javier Saviola was a quick, crafty forward with a killer instinct in front of goal. Known for his agility and sharp movement, he was always a step ahead of defenders, finding space and creating chances out of nowhere. Saviola was clinical with both feet, had great composure, and loved to take on defenders with his pace and trickery. Despite his smaller size, he made a big impact with his fearless play and eye for goal.

Saviola started his career on fire bagging goals left right and center for River Plate and earning a move to FC Barcelona in the process. The goals didn’t stop, as Saviola scored 60 goals in his first 3 seasons at Barca. He was one of the world’s greatest young talents!

For some reason – a history unknown to myself – the goals started drying up and Saviola found himself as a nomad, moving to Monaco, Sevilla, Benfica, Real Madrid, Malaga, Verona, and finally finishing his career back where he started: River Plate.

I don’t know what exactly happened in his career, maybe someone can comment below. But in his youth, he was a scary player to play against.

Pablo Aimar was a magical playmaker who brought flair, creativity, and elegance to the game. Known for his incredible vision and silky dribbling, he could unlock defences with pinpoint passes or a clever piece of skill.

Aimar had a knack for making football look effortless, orchestrating attacks with intelligence and style. He wasn’t just about tricks; his football IQ and ability to deliver in crucial moments made him a joy to watch and a nightmare for defenders. A bit of trivia, Aimar was Leo Messi’s idol!

After some magical performances at River, Aimar earned a move to Valencia, where he dazzled La Liga for a few seasons. Interestingly, like his River teammate Saviola, his level dropped. After being considered one of the best 10s in the world, he left Valencia after 5 seasons to join the weaker side, Real Zaragoza. He then moved to Benfica, where he played some great football but given the expectations on him, he didn’t fulfil his potential.

Interestingly, he linked up with Saviola again at Benfica. Both players who had the world at their feet, but saw themselves playing in Portugal in what should have been their prime.

Walter Samuel, nicknamed “The Wall,” was a no-nonsense, rock-solid defender known for his physicality, positioning, and unshakable presence on the field. He played with grit and determination, excelling at winning duels, blocking shots, and shutting down top attackers. Despite his tough defensive style, he also had the skills to play out from the back when needed.

Samuel is one of the greatest defenders of his generation playing for Roma, Inter Milan and Real Madrid. He won 5 Serie A titles with Inter and 1 with Roma! In 2010 he won the Italian Defender of the Year and won the UCL title alongside the aforementioned Ivan Códoba!

A really nice rookie sticker and definetley one for every collector! He had previously played for Newell’s Old Boys, so its possible there is an earlier sticker, but I haven’t found any.