Figueroa: A Global Football Journey from Argentina to Malaysia
The career of Figueroa is a testament to the nomadic nature of professional football, spanning four continents and some of the most competitive leagues in the world. From his early dominance in the Argentine Primera División to his later success in Southeast Asia, Figueroa's journey was marked by prolific goal-scoring, high-profile transfers, and a resilient fight against career-threatening injuries.
Early Success and the Move to England
Born in Santa Fe, Figueroa began his professional journey with Rosario Central. It was here that he established himself as a formidable striker, forming a potent attacking partnership with César Delgado. His breakthrough came during the 2003 Clausura, where he finished as Argentina's leading goalscorer with 17 goals, including a remarkable five-goal haul in the final match of the season against Boca Juniors.
This performance attracted international attention, leading to a £2.5 million transfer to English Premier League side Birmingham City in the summer of 2003. However, the move was initially clouded by controversy when the Spanish club Osasuna claimed Figueroa had signed a contract with them first. While FIFA eventually ruled in Birmingham's favor in October 2003, Figueroa struggled to break into the first team. Manager Steve Bruce expressed concerns regarding his physique for the English game, and after just one league appearance and one League Cup outing, his contract was annulled.
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Resurgence in Mexico and the Spanish Experience
Seeking a fresh start, Figueroa moved to Cruz Azul in Mexico's Primera División, reuniting with his former teammate Delgado. After a slow start, he regained his scoring touch, netting 9 goals in the final 7 games of the 2004 Clausura and following it up with 10 goals in 14 games during the 2004 Apertura.
His form in Mexico earned him a move to Spain's Villarreal in November 2004 on a five-and-a-half-year contract, with a transfer fee estimated at €3 million. While he had less individual impact in Spain, he contributed to the club's third-place finish in La Liga for the 2004–05 season and etched his name into club history by scoring Villarreal's first-ever Champions League goal against Everton.
Injury Struggles and the Italian Chapter
In January 2006, Figueroa returned to Argentina to join River Plate, hoping to secure a spot in the national team for the 2006 World Cup. However, a devastating cruciate ligament injury—a tear of the key stabilizing ligaments in the knee—on 5 March 2006 effectively ended his tenure with the club.
Despite the injury, Genoa of Italy's Serie B purchased him from Villarreal on 1 August 2006 for a reported $13 million. His recovery was complicated by an unsuccessful knee reconstruction, requiring further surgery that sidelined him for a significant period. He eventually debuted for Genoa in Serie A on 28 October 2007, scoring his first goal six weeks later against Siena.
In October 2008, a loan spell at Boca Juniors proved highly successful. Figueroa played a pivotal role in the Torneo Apertura, scoring critical goals that helped Boca Juniors secure the league title.
Return to Roots and the Greek Venture
After being released by Genoa, Figueroa returned to his first professional club, Rosario Central, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract in January 2010 after passing a medical exam on his knee.
His later career saw a stint in Greece with Panathinaikos. Joining on a free transfer in February 2013, he scored goals against AO Kerkyra and Olympiacos. He had a second spell with the "Greens" in September 2013, signing for another year after a potential move to the Brazilian side Náutico fell through.
Legacy in Malaysia with Johor Darul Ta'zim
The final chapter of Figueroa's playing career took place in Malaysia. In December 2013, he joined Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) for a $1 million transfer fee, with an annual salary of $1.5 million. He made an immediate impact, scoring in the season opener against Perak FA.
Figueroa's experience was instrumental in JDT's rise. He helped the club win its first league title in 2014, scoring 11 league goals (22 overall). He added a second league title in 2015 and capped off his playing career by winning the club's first AFC Cup title on 31 October 2015, defeating Istiklol 1–0 in the final.
Following his retirement in 2015, Figueroa remained influential at JDT. He served as a club ambassador, briefly came out of retirement for the 2018 season, and eventually transitioned into management. He was appointed as team manager and later as head coach, with Benjamin Mora serving as his assistant.
Key Facts
- Top Scorer: Finished as Argentina's leading goalscorer in the 2003 Clausura with 17 goals.
- European Milestone: Scored Villarreal's first-ever goal in the UEFA Champions League.
- Major Honors: Won the Torneo Apertura with Boca Juniors and the AFC Cup with Johor Darul Ta'zim.
- JDT Impact: Led Johor Darul Ta'zim to their first Malaysia Super League title in 2014.
- Career Transition: Moved from professional player to club ambassador, and eventually to head coach at JDT.
| Club | Country | Key Achievement/Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rosario Central | Argentina | 2003 Clausura Top Scorer (17 goals) |
| Birmingham City | England | Premier League transfer (£2.5m) |
| Cruz Azul | Mexico | Prolific form in 2004 Apertura/Clausura |
| Villarreal | Spain | First Champions League goal for club |
| River Plate | Argentina | Career hampered by cruciate ligament injury |
| Genoa | Italy | Transferred for reported $13 million |
| Boca Juniors | Argentina | Won the Torneo Apertura (loan) |
| Panathinaikos | Greece | Two separate stints (2013) |
| Johor Darul Ta'zim | Malaysia | League titles (2014, 2015) and AFC Cup |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Figueroa leave Birmingham City so quickly?
Despite scoring frequently for the reserve team, manager Steve Bruce believed Figueroa's physique was not suited for the English Premiership. Consequently, he made only one league appearance before his contract was annulled.
What was the significance of his time at Villarreal?
While his overall impact was modest, he helped the team finish third in La Liga during the 2004–05 season and scored the club's first-ever goal in the UEFA Champions League against Everton.
How did injury affect his career at River Plate and Genoa?
A cruciate ligament injury on 5 March 2006 ended his time at River Plate. Later, at Genoa, a failed knee reconstruction required further surgery, which delayed his debut and limited his playing time during his first season.
What did Figueroa achieve in Malaysia?
He was a key figure for Johor Darul Ta'zim, helping them win their first Malaysia Super League title in 2014, a second title in 2015, and the club's first AFC Cup title in 2015.
What roles has Figueroa held at JDT after retiring?
Figueroa has served as the club ambassador, the team manager, and eventually the head coach of Johor Darul Ta'zim.