Leonardo Julián Balerdi Rosa

Leonardo Julián Balerdi Rosa is an Argentine centre-back born in Villa Mercedes, commonly known as L. Balerdi. He began playing at Sportivo Pueyrredón before joining the Boca Juniors academy, where he spent five years developing as a right-footed defender. Balerdi made his Boca first-team debut against Huracán on 27 August 2018 and recorded five appearances for the club. In January 2019, he moved to Borussia Dortmund, although opportunities in Germany were limited and he spent time around the club’s second team and substitutes’ bench. A July 2020 loan to Marseille gave Balerdi experience in French football, and Marseille completed a permanent transfer in 2021. At Marseille, he developed into a proactive centre-back comfortable in a back four or back three, contributing through interceptions, tackles and line-breaking distribution. His progress also brought involvement with Argentina, while in 2024 he was named Marseille captain under Roberto De Zerbi.