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World Cup Icons: Gabriel Batistuta – Argentina’s talisman

By Thomas Bradley Alderman

28 JUN 1994: FERNANDO REDONDO, LEONARDO RODRIGUEZ AND GABRIEL BATISTUTA OF ARGENTINA, REST DURING THE 1994 WORLD CUP MATCH ARGENTINA V BULGARIA AT FOXBORO STADIUM IN MASSACHUSETTS. Mandatory Credit: Chris Cole/ALLSPORT
28 JUN 1994: FERNANDO REDONDO, LEONARDO RODRIGUEZ AND GABRIEL BATISTUTA OF ARGENTINA, REST DURING THE 1994 WORLD CUP MATCH ARGENTINA V BULGARIA AT FOXBORO STADIUM IN MASSACHUSETTS. Mandatory Credit: Chris Cole/ALLSPORT /
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28 JUN 1994: FERNANDO REDONDO, LEONARDO RODRIGUEZ AND GABRIEL BATISTUTA OF ARGENTINA, REST DURING THE 1994 WORLD CUP MATCH ARGENTINA V BULGARIA AT FOXBORO STADIUM IN MASSACHUSETTS. Mandatory Credit: Chris Cole/ALLSPORT
28 JUN 1994: FERNANDO REDONDO, LEONARDO RODRIGUEZ AND GABRIEL BATISTUTA OF ARGENTINA, REST DURING THE 1994 WORLD CUP MATCH ARGENTINA V BULGARIA AT FOXBORO STADIUM IN MASSACHUSETTS. Mandatory Credit: Chris Cole/ALLSPORT /

Goal-scorers do not come better than Gabriel Batistuta. Argentina’s fabled former striker is a World Cup icon. And that is for good reason.

Although he retired in 2003, Gabriel Batistuta’s legend looms large. Only Lionel Messi has outscored him for Argentina. That speaks volume of class and status.

And the fact that Diego Maradona describes Batistuta as, ‘the best striker I’ve ever seen’, is a glowing endorsement. Maradona himself found the net less times for their shared homeland. Playing together in World Cup 1994 in USA.

‘Batigol’, as he is known, came about as a moniker for his canny ability to finish domestically and internationally from anywhere.

Currently, the 49-year-old resides in his native country. Golfing and playing Polo, while running his construction company.

Recently reported is his interest in becoming a coach; he has the required badges, and of course, the experience.

Early days

Incredibly the talent spotter, Jorge Griffa, found and developed both Batistuta and later the infamous Carlos Tevez.

Way back in his fresh career at Argentine team Newell’s Old Boys, Batistuta became noticed for his ruthlessness, as Goal point-out.

Rather unusually for a footballer – a most enthusiastic and focused breed – Batistuta was not particularly interested in City soccer academies. Favouring his studies instead, whilst wishing to retain his rural lifestyle.

Thankfully for us enthusiasts, they reached a deal. The club paid for his further education. By 1988 he completely focused on his play, graduating from the fourth to first team. His new craft eventually took precedence over studies.

It began in South America

His reputation with the opposition and elite scouts grew. Through perseverance in training and matches, Newell’s could no longer contain their goal-getting hitman.

Argentinian football is a religion. It may not have religious status but I am telling you, it is bigger than a game. More so than other intensely passionate countries, like England.

River Plate and Boca Juniors are rivals. Batistuta is a Boca fan who joined River for a chance at the big time.

When things deteriorated after a year at Los Millonarios, his favoured team plucked him away. Finishing league top-scorer and title runner-up in his second season of the pinnacle Argentine league oozes greatness.

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