Arsenio Erico

1930/34 Nacional (PAR)

1934/42 Independiente (ARG) 221 matchs, 242 goals

1942 Nacional (PAR) 1 matchs, 2 goals

1943/46 Independiente (ARG) 104 matchs, 53 goals

1946/47 Huracan (ARG) 7 matchs

1947/49 Nacional (PAR) 9 matchs, 5 goals

Originating from Asuncion in Paraguay, his journey in football began at Club Nacional, where he made his first team debut at the tender age of 15. His graceful play soon saw him advance to more prominent positions on the pitch until a tragic twist altered his path. In the 1930s, Erico departed from Paraguay to join the Paraguayan Red Cross team, embarking on a tour in Argentina to raise funds for the victims of the Chaco War between Paraguay and Bolivia. The team faced off against many of the top Argentine and Uruguayan squads, competing in 25 matches and only succumbing to defeat seven times. Amongst them, Arsenio Erico captivated onlookers with his prowess, particularly in a match against River Plate. The club's executives were instantly enamored with the number 9, going to great lengths to secure his signature. However, it was the strategic brilliance of Independiente's leaders, equally mesmerized, who directly negotiated with the Paraguayan Ministry of Defense, leveraging the fact that Erico was conscripted in a nation at war. Their efforts culminated in the acquisition of a player destined to enrich their trophy cabinet.

On May 6, 1934, Arsenio Erico dazzled the crowds with his debut for the Rojos against Boca Juniors. The following week, he began his scoring tally against Chacarita. His speed and skill captivated the Argentine stadiums. A master of dribbling with an impressive leap, he quickly became a scoring sensation. Not yet twenty, his fame soared over the years, reaching a pinnacle in 1937. That season, he scored 47 goals in 34 matches, setting a record that stands to this day in Argentina. Independiente witnessed the emergence of an attacking line that would transform Argentine football and the club's destiny. It featured José Vilarino, Vicente de la Mata, Antonio Sastre, José Zorrilla, and Erico himself. In 1938 and 1939, this remarkable team clinched the championship with a spectacular style of play that left their rivals no chance. In total, Erico netted 293 goals in 332 appearances. He was the league's top scorer in 1937 (47 goals), 1938 (43 goals), and 1939 (40 goals), etching his name in the annals of football history.

Fully aware of the potential contributions of Erico to the Albiceleste, the Argentine leaders were determined to recruit the Paraguayan to don their colors for the 1938 World Cup. However, the wicker man declined, earning the Argentine public's admiration, despite the fact that playing abroad barred him from representing his birth country's colors. In Asunción, the prodigy's stay was fleeting. Scarcely had he returned to his homeland when he departed again to delight Independiente. Yet, his stubborn menisci plagued the contortionist known by a thousand nicknames. Worn down by injuries, he undertook one last stint with Huracán in 1947, playing seven matches before returning to Nacional. It was there, in his home country, that he ultimately hung up his boots for good. Ironically, this legend never played in a major competition for the Paraguayan national team. At the 1930 World Cup, he was merely 15 years old. Thereafter, he could not be selected as he played abroad. Following a brief coaching career, Erico left the football world, dividing his time between Buenos Aires and Asunción. On July 23, 1977, having lost his left leg to blood complications, Erico passed away from a heart attack. The day after his passing, on July 24, 1977, Independiente triumphed over River Plate, and the stadium paid tribute to their idol by singing "we feel it, we feel it, Erico is here." Arsenio Erico was an inspiration to the Argentine player Alfredo Di Stefano, who regarded him as one of the greatest players of all time.

- Top scorer in the Argentine league in 1937 (47 goals), 1938 (43 goals) and 1939 (40 goals) (Independiente)

Homepage