Sergio Agüero Biography: Net Worth, Age, Career, Records, Family, Achievements!
Sergio Leonel Agüero del Castillo, simply known as Sergio Agüero, is an Argentine professional football player who is regarded as one of the greatest strikers of his generation.
Agüero has achieved remarkable success in his illustrious career spanning over 15 years. Some of his major achievements include being Manchester City’s all-time leading goal scorer, winning the Premier League title, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup as well as Olympic gold medal with Argentina.
Agüero’s journey from humble beginnings in Argentina to becoming a superstar in European football has been truly inspirational. At just 15, he made his professional debut for Independiente and went on to break several records as the youngest player to achieve various milestones in Argentine football.
His phenomenal goalscoring prowess attracted the attention of European scouts and he sealed a big money move to La Liga side Atletico Madrid at the age of 18. He spent 5 successful seasons at Atletico, winning the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup.
However, it was his high profile transfer to Manchester City in 2011 that truly catapulted him into superstardom. Agüero went on to cement his legacy as a City legend, leading the club into a period of sustained success and glory.In this comprehensive article, we will trace Sergio Agüero’s inspirational life story, his achievements, records, playing style, family and relationships.
Early Life and Background
Sergio Leonel Agüero del Castillo was born on 2 June 1988 in Buenos Aires, Argentina to Leonel Del Castillo and Adriana Agüero. His father Leonel had been a footballer himself and played as a midfielder for Los Andes and Independiente in the 1980s.
Agüero inherited his father’s passion for football at a young age. By the time he was 5, he would entertain himself by playing with a ball at every opportunity. Recognizing his natural talent and interest in the sport, his parents supported him in pursuing football seriously.
As a child, his idol and inspiration was the legendary Argentine forward Diego Maradona. Agüero harbored the dream of emulating his achievements for the national team one day. Apart from football, Agüero also played volleyball and basketball as a child but focused solely on football eventually.
Early Club Career at Independiente
By the age of 9, Agüero joined the youth academy of Club Atletico Independiente, one of the biggest clubs in Argentina. He progressed quickly through the junior ranks, showcasing his precocious talent.
At the age of 15 years and 1 month, Agüero made his senior team debut for Independiente on 5 July 2003 against Club Atletico San Lorenzo. In doing so, he became the youngest player to play in the Argentine Primera Division.
Agüero announced himself on the world stage in 2005 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Netherlands. Despite being the youngest member of the Argentinian squad, he played a key role in their victorious campaign. His dribbling skills, pace and finishing earned rave reviews at the tournament.
In 2006, at the age of 18, Agüero broke another record by becoming the youngest player to score in the Copa Libertadores, South America’s premier club competition. He further enhanced his reputation by finishing as the top scorer in the 2006-07 Argentine league season with 18 goals. His phenomenal performances attracted attention from top European clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid.
In total, Agüero made 90 appearances for Independiente over three seasons, scoring 23 goals. He helped the club win the 2006 Clausura championship and etched his name into the club’s folklore as one of their brightest youth prospects. His stint at Independiente laid the foundations for his successful career in Europe.
Move to Europe with Atletico Madrid
In May 2006, La Liga side Atletico Madrid secured the transfer of teenage sensation Sergio Agüero for a reported fee of €20 million. It was the highest transfer fee ever paid for a player under the age of 20.
Agüero endured a slow start to his Atletico career as he adapted to a new league and culture in Spain. But he soon found his footing and formed a lethal partnership with Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan.
In the 2008–09 season, Agüero announced himself in Spain, scoring 19 goals in 37 matches in all competitions. His stellar performances helped Atletico qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in over a decade.
The 2009-10 season proved to be a breakthrough campaign for the young Argentine as he scored 27 goals in all competitions. He earned the nickname ‘Kun Agüero’ after his mother’s favorite cartoon character. His exploits earned him the nickname ‘Kun Agüero’ among the fans.
Agüero was instrumental in helping Atletico Madrid win the 2010 UEFA Europa League final against Fulham. He set up both goals in their 2–1 victory, further enhancing his reputation as one of the most promising talents in world football.
The following season, Agüero helped Atletico go on a scintillating run to the Copa del Rey title by scoring in the semifinal and final. His performances were rewarded with the Atlético Madrid Player of the Season award.
In the 2011–12 season, Agüero won his first European title by helping Atletico defeat Italian side Inter Milan in the UEFA Super Cup. By the time he departed Atletico Madrid in 2011, he had cemented his legacy as a club hero with 101 goals from 234 appearances across all competitions.
Career Highlights at Atletico Madrid:
- UEFA Europa League: 2009–10
- UEFA Super Cup: 2010
- Copa del Rey: 2009–10
Transfer to Manchester City and Premier League Stardom
In July 2011, Premier League club Manchester City completed a £35 million transfer deal to sign Sergio Agüero on a five-year contract. City manager Roberto Mancini brought him in to bolster their attack as the club aimed to challenge for top honors in England and Europe.
Agüero made an instant impact on his Premier League debut, coming on as a substitute against Swansea City on 15 August 2011. He scored two goals and assisted another in a 4–0 win, giving the fans a glimpse of his talent.
The 2011-12 Premier League season marked the arrival of Agüero as a world-class player. He scored 23 goals and provided 8 assists in 34 league appearances and struck up a formidable partnership with David Silva.
However, Agüero’s defining moment in City colors came in the final match of the season against Queens Park Rangers. With City trailing 2-1 heading into injury time, Agüero popped up in the 94th minute to score the most dramatic of title winning goals. His goal crowned Manchester City Premier League champions for the first time and etched his name into English football folklore.
In the following seasons, Agüero established himself as one of the Premier League’s most feared strikers and Man City’s talisman. He won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2014-15 with 26 goals and helped City regain the title in 2014 and retain it in 2018 and 2019.
Some of Agüero’s other highlights in a Manchester City shirt include:
- Becoming City’s all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing Eric Brook’s 78-year old record
- Winning 5 Premier League titles, 6 League Cups and 1 FA Cup
- Scoring 12 Premier League hat-tricks (joint highest overall)
- Breaking records for most goals by an overseas player (260 goals)
- Leading City’s scoring charts every season after joining the club
Agüero collected 10 major trophy wins during his decade at Manchester City and cemented his status as a true club legend. His 260 goals from 390 appearances in all competitions represents a phenomenal return.
Beyond just goals and titles, Agüero provided City fans with some of the most memorable moments through his flair, skills and dramatic late winners. He played a pivotal role in transforming the club into a dominant force in English football.
International Career with Argentina
On the international stage, Sergio Agüero represented Argentine national teams across various age levels. He was part of the Argentina under-20 squad that won the FIFA World Youth Championship in 2005 and 2007.
Agüero made his senior debut for Argentina in September 2006 against Brazil when he was just 18. However, he struggled to establish himself as a regular under coach Diego Maradona due to injuries and loss of form.
Agüero returned to the national team during the 2010 FIFA World Cup but made just two substitute appearances. In the 2011 Copa America, he scored twice as Argentina finished runners-up to Uruguay.
After missing out on the 2014 World Cup due to injury, Agüero was back to lead the line for Argentina in the 2015 and 2016 Copa America editions. However, both campaigns ended heartbreakingly for Agüero as Argentina lost twice in the finals to Chile on penalties.
Agüero’s crowning moment in Argentina colors finally came at the 2008 Beijing Olympics where he scored twice in the final against Nigeria to secure the Gold medal. At the 2021 Copa America, Agüero made his last appearance for Argentina.
Conclusion
Sergio Agüero will go down in history as one of the greatest strikers of his generation and one of the Premier League’s most lethal goalscorers. His illustrious career has been defined by remarkable consistency, breath-taking talent and a knack for scoring crucial goals in the biggest games.
Agüero’s trophy-laden stint at Manchester City has assured his status as a true Premier League icon. He was instrumental in ushering in the most successful period in the club’s history. His larger-than-life persona, dazzling skills, passion and late-game heroics have endeared him forever in the hearts of City fans.
On the international stage, Agüero’s career may have lacked silverware but he served Argentina with distinction through his brilliance and goals across three World Cups, five Copa Americas and the Olympics. Very few players can boast of such a decorated career at both club and international level.
As Agüero enters the twilight of his career, he has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Argentine footballers of all time. The ‘King of the Premier League’ revolutionized the striker’s role in England and set a benchmark for consistency very few can match.
Agüero’s rags-to-riches story serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers all over the world. The unlikely boy from Buenos Aires who used to play football on the streets went on to conquer every major league and cup competition through his dedication and love for the beautiful game.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Sergio Agüero born?
Sergio Agüero was born on 2 June 1988 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Which club did he make his professional debut for?
Agüero made his senior professional debut at the age of 15 for Club Atletico Independiente in Argentina in 2003.
When did he make his transfer to Atletico Madrid?
In May 2006, Atletico Madrid signed the teenage sensation for a reported €20 million transfer fee.
What was his most iconic moment for Manchester City?
His dramatic stoppage-time winning goal vs QPR on the final day of the 2011-12 season to win City’s first Premier League title.
How many trophies did he win at Manchester City?
Agüero won a total of 10 major trophies at Manchester City including 5 Premier League titles.
What is his goalscoring record for Manchester City?
Agüero scored 260 goals from 390 appearances in all competitions during his time at Manchester City.
When did he make his debut for the Argentina national team?
Agüero made his senior international debut for Argentina in September 2006 against Brazil when he was 18 years old.
What is Agüero’s biggest achievement for Argentina?
Winning the Gold Medal at 2008 Beijing Olympics where he scored twice in the final against Nigeria.
How many goals has he scored for Argentina?
Agüero has scored 42 goals from 97 appearances for the Argentina national team.
What unique nickname was given to him by fans?
He earned the nickname “Kun Agüero” from fans after the name of his mother’s favorite cartoon character from his childhood.