Argentina National U-17 Football Team
The Argentina national U-17 football team serves as the premier representative of Argentina in all FIFA-sponsored tournaments for players under the age of 17. Known by affectionate nicknames such as Albiceleste (The White and Sky Blue), Los Cebollitas (Little Onions), and Los Pibes (The Kids), this squad is a vital pipeline for the nation's footballing talent.
Managed by the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (Argentine Football Association) and competing under the CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation), the team has established itself as a global powerhouse in youth football, consistently producing world-class athletes who transition into the senior national team.
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Key Facts
- FIFA Code: ARG
- Head Coach: Diego Placente
- Captain: Ezequiel Báez
- World Cup Best Result: Third place (1991, 1995, 2003)
- Continental Best Result: Champions (1985, 2003, 2013, 2019)
- Most Caps: Rodolfo Arruabarrena, Javier Mascherano, and Oscar Ustari
- Top Scorers: Fernando Gatti and Hernán Peirone
Competitive History and Performance
FIFA U-17 World Cup
Argentina has a storied history on the world stage, participating in 17 of the 21 FIFA U-17 World Cups since their debut in 1985. The team has secured a third-place finish on three separate occasions (1991, 1995, and 2003) and has reached the fourth-place position twice. Over 76 total appearances, they have recorded 37 wins, 16 draws, and 23 losses.
South American U-17 Championship
Regionally, Argentina is one of the most successful teams in the South American U-17 Championship. They have entered 21 editions of the tournament, claiming the championship title four times in 1985, 2003, 2013, and 2019. Their consistency is further highlighted by seven runner-up finishes and five third-place medals.
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Honours and Records
| Competition | Champions | Runners-up | Third Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA U-17 World Cup | - | - | 3 (1991, 1995, 2003) |
| CONMEBOL Sub 17 | 4 (1985, 2003, 2013, 2019) | 7 | 5 |
The Pipeline to Greatness
The U-17 team is renowned for developing elite players. Numerous stars have progressed through these ranks to achieve international fame, including Emiliano Martínez, Javier Mascherano, Carlos Tevez, Juan Sebastián Verón, and Lucas Biglia. Other notable alumni include Fernando Redondo, Marcelo Gallardo, and Esteban Cambiasso, proving the effectiveness of the Argentine youth system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the nicknames of the Argentina U-17 team?
The team is commonly referred to as Albiceleste (The White and Sky Blue), Los Cebollitas (Little Onions), and Los Pibes (The Kids).
How many times has Argentina won the South American U-17 Championship?
Argentina has been crowned champions of the South American U-17 Championship four times, specifically in 1985, 2003, 2013, and 2019.
What is Argentina's best finish in the FIFA U-17 World Cup?
Their best result in the FIFA U-17 World Cup is third place, an achievement they reached in 1991, 1995, and 2003.
Who are the all-time leading cap holders for the U-17 squad?
The players with the most caps for the national U-17 team are Rodolfo Arruabarrena, Javier Mascherano, and Oscar Ustari.
Who is the current head coach of the team?
The current head coach of the Argentina national U-17 football team is Diego Placente.