Leandro Cufré is an Argentine association football player and manager known for his defensive skills.
Cufré began his professional career at Gimnasia La Plata, where he played 129 games and scored four goals.
He was part of the Argentina squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where he faced a controversial red card incident.
Biography
Early Life
Leandro Damián Cufré was born in La Plata, Argentina, where he began his football journey in the youth ranks of Gimnasia La Plata. He made his professional debut with the first team in January 1996, quickly establishing himself as a reliable defender. Over his initial years, he played 129 matches and scored four goals, showcasing his potential on the field.
Career Highlights
Cufré's career took a significant turn when he joined AS Roma in January 2002, where he played 80 matches and earned the title of Best Defender in Italy. His time in Italy also included a loan to Siena, further solidifying his reputation. In 2006, he moved to AS Monaco, making 61 appearances and scoring three goals, eventually becoming vice-captain of the team. His European journey continued with a loan to Hertha BSC in Germany before returning to Gimnasia La Plata in 2009. After a brief return, he signed with Dinamo Zagreb, where he won the Croatian First League and Croatian Cup during his tenure.
Cufré also had a notable international career, earning four caps for the Argentina national team and being part of the squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. His first international appearance came in 2000, and he was a member of the Under-20 team that won the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship.
Legacy
Cufré's career is marked by his defensive prowess and leadership on the field. He has left a lasting impact in both club and international football, with honors that include multiple league titles in Croatia. His journey from La Plata to international competitions illustrates his dedication and skill as a footballer, making him a respected figure in Argentine football history.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Leandro Cufré has earned 4 caps for Argentina, his first appearance coming in 2000. He was part of the Argentina Under-20 team that won the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship in Malaysia. Cufré was also a member of the Argentina squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. On 30 June 2006, Cufré was red carded for violent conduct in an altercation following Argentina's loss on penalties to Germany in a quarter-final match. Germany's Per Mertesacker said Cufré, an unused substitute in the match, "attacked me even though I did not do anything. I have three or four red marks on my thigh and then he kicked me again in the groin." FIFA president Sepp Blatter said "I am furious about that and our disciplinary committee will monitor this incident. We will take some steps towards those who are identified as being the 'provocateurs' of this incident." FIFA fined Cufré CHF 10,000 and suspended him for four matches.
Early career
Born in La Plata, Argentina, Cufré began his professional career at Gimnasia La Plata U-19 before being promoted to the first-team squad in January 1996. He went on to play 129 games, scoring four goals in the process.
Roma
Cufré moved to AS Roma in January 2002. During his time at the Italia Serie A side, he played 80 games, scored two goals and received the award for Best Defender in Italy. He was also loaned out to fellow Italian side Siena, where he played 35 times.
Monaco
Cufré moved to France in Summer 2006, joining Ligue 1 side AS Monaco During his time at the club, he made 61 appearances and managed to score three goals. Cufré was a regular starter and, eventually, vice-captain of the team.
Hertha BSC
On 29 January 2009, Bundesliga side Hertha BSC announced that they had loaned Cufré from Monaco until the end of the 2008–09 season. He returned to Monaco in June 2009.
Gimnasia La Plata
On 18 July 2009, Cufré returned to Gimnasia La Plata after eight years in Europe. On 16 August 2009, after a mini "soap opera," the Argentine wingback asked for – and was granted – his release due to a conflictive relation with Leonardo Madelón, the head coach at the time (though, personal reasons were officially cited).
Dinamo Zagreb
On 19 August 2009, he officially signed a contract with Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb who had reportedly been persuading him to join the club since the summer transfer window opened.…
- Club
- AS Monaco FC (2006–2009)
- Club
- Atlas F.C. (2012–2015)
- Club
- GNK Dinamo Zagreb (2009–2011)
- Club
- Hertha BSC (2009–2009)
- Club
- Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata (1996–2002)
- Club
- AS Roma (2002–2006)
- Club
- Siena FC (2003–2004)
- Club
- Leones Negros de la Universidad de Guadalajara (2014–2015)
- Club
- Argentina national under-20 football team (1997–1997)
- Club
- Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata (2009–2009)
- Club
- Atlas F.C. (2011–)
- League
- Bundesliga
- National team
- Argentina
- Club
- Argentina national football team (2000–2006)
Legacy
Dinamo Zagreb
Croatian First League: 2009–10, 2010–11 Croatian Cup: 2010–11
Clubs
- Atlas F.C.2011current
- Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata1996–2002
- Argentina national under-20 football team1997–1997
- Argentina men's national football team2000–2006
- AS Roma2002–2006
- Siena FC2003–2004
- AS Monaco FC2006–2009
- Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata2009–2009
- GNK Dinamo Zagreb2009–2011
- Hertha BSC2009–2009
- Atlas F.C.2012–2015
- Leones Negros de la Universidad de Guadalajara2014–2015
Played together with
- Aadil AssanaAS Monaco FC · 2011–2014
- Aarón PadillaAtlas F.C. · 2007–2008
Aarón WergifkerArgentina men's national football team · 1934–1936
Abdelaziz Ben TifourAS Monaco FC · 1956–1958
Abdelkader GhezzalSiena FC · 2008–2010- Abdellah LiegeonAS Monaco FC · 1981–1987
- Abderrahmane BoubekeurAS Monaco FC · 1954–1958
Abdou DialloAS Monaco FC · 2014–2015
Abdoulay KonkoSiena FC · 2006–2007
Abdoulkader ThiamAS Monaco FC
Abel BalboArgentina men's national football team · 1989–1998- Abel BalboAS Roma · 1993–1998
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Leandro Damián Cufré is an Argentine football coach and former player who played as a defender.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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