Exequiel Alejandro Palacios

Exequiel Alejandro Palacios is an Argentine midfielder born in Famaillá on 5 October 1998. After moving to Buenos Aires as an infant, he joined River Plate’s academy at age 10 and progressed into the first team. Palacios made his senior debut against Newell’s Old Boys in November 2015, initially developing as an attacking midfielder before moving into a more central role. He helped River Plate win the 2018 Copa Libertadores, including the final against Boca Juniors. In January 2020, Palacios moved to Bayer Leverkusen and gradually adapted to the Bundesliga after an interrupted start. Under Xabi Alonso, he became an important central midfielder, helping Leverkusen complete an unbeaten domestic double in 2023–24 through secure passing, ball progression and defensive work. Palacios also represents Argentina and was part of the squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, adding international experience to a career developed across South America and Europe.