From River Plate prodigy to Premier League mainstay: the rise of Exequiel Palacios
In short: Few midfielders navigate the highs of World Cup glory and sudden spinal injuries with such resilience. Born in 1998, the Argentine talent has transitioned from South American dominance to European trophies, proving his worth on the world's biggest stages.
Exequiel Alejandro Palacios emerged as a standout talent from the River Plate academy, making his professional league debut in November 2015 against Newell's Old Boys. His rapid ascent saw him become a vital component of the River Plate squad that secured the 2018 Copa Libertadores, a campaign in which he appeared in eleven matches, including the high-stakes finals against Boca Juniors. His individual impact was so significant that he was named to the 2018 South American Team of the Year.
The midfielder's career has been defined by both historic triumphs and physical setbacks. In late 2019, he moved to Germany to join Bayer Leverkusen, a club where he would later participate in a historic domestic double. This achievement included winning the 2023–24 Bundesliga title and a 1–0 victory over 1. FC Kaiserslautern in the DFB-Pokal final. However, his path has not been without peril; in November 2020, a fractured spinal bone sustained during a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay threatened to derail his momentum.
On the international stage, Palacios has been a consistent presence for Argentina. Since his 2018 debut against Guatemala, he has been part of several landmark squads, including the 2021 Copa América winning team and the 2022 FIFA World Cup championship side. Following his successful tenure in Germany, he moved to the Premier League's Ipswich Town in August 2026, signing a four-year contract for €22.5m.
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