Luis Ibáñez

Boca Juniors

Ibáñez started playing football professionally for Boca Juniors in Argentine Primera División, making his official debut for the club on 19 April 2008 in a 2–1 win against Newell's Old Boys. Ibáñez featured in another league match on 17 May, again in a 2–1 win, this time against Racing Club. Just as he started his breakthrough to the first team squad of Boca Juniors, he heard that the Croatian league club Dinamo Zagreb was interested in signing him. After consulting with his family and agent, he decided to accept the offer from Dinamo Zagreb and continue his footballing career in Europe. The transfer worth €650,000 was arranged on 11 June and Ibáñez officially joined Dinamo Zagreb two weeks later.

Dinamo Zagreb

First season

On 25 June 2008, Ibáñez signed a five-year contract worth €300,000 per annum with Dinamo Zagreb along with fellow Argentine footballer Guillermo Suárez who was transferred from Club Atlético Tigre. The two were also the first ever Argentine men's footballers to play for the club. He was presented to the Croatian media as a successor to Hrvoje Čale and competition to Carlos Santos on the left back position, and was issued a number 3 jersey. The club then signed another left flank player Mirko Hrgović on 18 July, who would quickly establish himself as a first-choice left back for the club, which eventually saw Ibáñez failing to make an appearance in a couple of early season matches. He was meant to play in his…

Ibáñez was not capped for Argentina at senior level, but he was made aware by the national team staff that they will consider calling him up when he gets older and if he keeps playing well. He also stated that he would like to play for Croatia.

Ibáñez prefers to play on the left flank, either as a full-back or winger and considers himself equally adept at both positions. Since his arrival, he has been praised by Croatian media for his work rate, pace, agility, technical skills and shot power. His powerful left foot shot is considered as his main attribute by the critics. He is also noted for being an excellent direct free kick taker. He was the usual set-piece taker whilst in the reserve team at Boca Juniors. He quickly arose to popularity due to his constant commitment on the field and for always giving his best. Dinamo Zagreb's executive vice president Zdravko Mamić once stated that Ibáñez is best Croatian left back since Robert Jarni, despite player not having Croatian citizenship at the time.

Club

As of match played 20 March 2021.