**Ariel Ortega: The Enigmatic Maestro of Argentine Football**
**Let's Begin**
Ariel Arnaldo Ortega, nicknamed *"El Burrito"* (The Little Donkey), is one of the most skilled and intriguing footballers Argentina has ever produced. Known for his dribbling abilities, ingenuity, and fiery nature, Ortega enthralled spectators during his heyday in the 1990s and early 2000s. Despite a career tainted by personal troubles, his talent on the game remains legendary.
This blog covers Ortega’s career, his teams, and the **five most famous moments** that characterized his legacy.
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**Ariel Ortega’s Career Overview**
Ortega began his professional career with **River Plate**, where he rapidly became a fan favorite. His talents won him transfers to Europe, playing for **Valencia, Sampdoria, and Parma**, before returning to Argentina. He also had a brief stint at **Fenerbahçe** in Turkey.
### **Teams He Played For & Squad Sizes** 1. **River Plate (1991–1996, 2000–2002, 2004–2006, 2008–2011)** — Squad: ~25-30 players
2. **Valencia (1997–1998)** – Squad: ~25 players
3. **Sampdoria (1998–1999)** - Squad: ~23 players
4. **Parma (1999–2000)** - Squad: ~26 players
5. **Fenerbahçe (2002–2003)** - Squad: ~28 players
6. **Newell’s Old Boys (2006–2008)** - Squad: ~22 players
Ortega’s career was a combination of genius and scandal, but his finest moments were pure beauty.
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**5 Most Iconic Moments of Ariel Ortega’s Career**
### **1. **1996 Copa Libertadores Final – The Rise of a Star** Ortega was essential in **River Plate’s 1996 Copa Libertadores** success. In the final versus **América de Cali**, his dribbling and vision were vital. Though he didn’t score in the final, his efforts throughout the tournament (including a breathtaking solo goal against **São Paulo**) confirmed his place as Argentina’s next great playmaker.
**Key Moment:** His assist in the second leg helped seal River’s 2-0 triumph, ending their 10-year Libertadores drought.
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### **2. **1998 World Cup – The Assist to Batistuta vs. England** Ortega was Argentina’s creative power in the **1998 World Cup**. In the **Round of 16 against England**, he produced a **perfect through-ball to Gabriel Batistuta**, who scored the opening in a dramatic 2-2 encounter (Argentina won on penalties).
However, the game is also known for Ortega’s **infamous headbutt on David Seaman** in the quarterfinals against the Netherlands, which garnered him a red card and led to Argentina’s elimination.
**Key Moment:** His assist vs. England demonstrated his intelligence, but the red card against. Netherlands emphasized his explosive personality.
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### **3. **2000 UEFA Cup with Parma – Masterclass Against Werder Bremen**
During his tenure at **Parma**, Ortega was part of a star-studded lineup comprising Buffon, Thuram, and Crespo. In the **2000 UEFA Cup semifinal against Werder Bremen**, he scored a **sensational solo goal**, dribbling past numerous players before slotting home.
Though Parma lost the draw, Ortega’s performance was a reminder of his world-class potential.
**Key Moment:** A stunning run and finish that left defenders helpless—pure *"El Burrito"* magic.
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### **4. **2002 World Cup – The Red Card That Ended His Tournament** Ortega was Argentina’s key playmaker in the **2002 World Cup**, but catastrophe struck in the important group-stage encounter against **Sweden**. With Argentina requiring a victory to progress, Ortega **earned a contentious penalty** (which was saved) and subsequently **was red-carded for diving**.
Argentina fell out in the group stage, and Ortega’s international career never really recovered.
**Key Moment:** A tragic goodbye that mirrored the unmet possibilities of Ortega’s career.
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### **5. **Return to River Plate – The Hero’s Comeback (2004–2006)**
After battles with drinking and injury, Ortega made an emotional comeback to **River Plate** in 2004. Despite his struggles, he still produced moments of greatness, notably a **stunning free-kick goal against Boca Juniors** in the *Superclásico*.
Fans forgiven his previous transgressions, embracing him as a flawed but revered figure.
**Key Moment:** Proving that, even past his peak, Ortega could still perform when it counted most.
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## **Conclusion: The Tragic Genius of Ariel Ortega**
Ariel Ortega’s career was a combination of **brilliance, scandal, and unrealized potential**. He had the talent to be among the all-time greats but was held back by personal issues.
Yet, his **dribbling, ingenuity, and passion** made him one of Argentina’s most iconic players. Whether it was his **Libertadores triumphs, World Cup moments, or heartbreaking comebacks**, *El Burrito* made an unforgettable stamp on football.
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