Javier Mascherano announced his retirement from professional football at Estudiantes de La Plata, putting an end to one of the most important careers in the history of an Argentine player. The midfielder hangs up his boots after 17 years, 794 matches, and eight goals.

Mascherano had a very peculiar start to his career, as he debuted for the Argentina national team (2-2 against Uruguay in a friendly match in 2003) before making his debut in the top division with River Plate. The midfielder is the player with the most appearances in the history of the Albiceleste with 147 matches.

He played in four World Cups with the national team: Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, and Russia 2018. He is together with Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, the Argentine player who played in the most World Cups. His most memorable moments in these competitions came in Brazil, where he was one of the leaders of the team that reached the final against Germany.

In his extensive club career, which began at River Plate, he also played for Corinthians, West Ham, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Hebei Fortune in China, in addition to Estudiantes de La Plata.

It was with Liverpool (five seasons) where his level caught the attention of Pep Guardiola and led him to Barcelona. With the Blaugrana (eight seasons), he won 19 trophies out of the 21 he achieved in his career: five La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey titles, three Spanish Super Cups, two UEFA Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cups. In addition to these, he won the Brasileirao in 2005 and the Clausura 2004 with River Plate.

Mascherano only scored eight goals in his professional career, three with the Argentina national team and five at club level (one at River Plate, two at Liverpool, one at Barcelona, and one at Hebei Fortune). His style of play was always highlighted for his commitment and defensive work, but several players have also praised his leadership skills in each of the teams he played for.