Matías Almeyda
Definition
Argentine professional football manager and former player, best known for his combative style as a defensive midfielder during his playing career with clubs like River Plate, Lazio, and Parma.
Born December 21, 1973, nicknamed 'Pelado' (Baldy), he has managed teams including Guadalajara, San Jose Earthquakes, and most recently Sevilla FC until his dismissal in March 2026 amid a poor run of results and a prior seven-match suspension for confronting officials.
Renowned for instilling discipline and passion in his teams, often drawing from his own tenacious playing days in high-stakes matches.
Examples
Matías Almeyda se ganó una suspensión de siete partidos por charlar demasiado animadamente con el árbitro, porque en Argentina, las discusiones son un deporte nacional.
Matías Almeyda earned a seven-match suspension for chatting a bit too animatedly with the referee, because in Argentina, arguments are a national sport.
En Sevilla, Almeyda duró lo justo para que los aficionados aprendieran a pronunciar su apellido antes del inevitable despido.
In Sevilla, Almeyda lasted just long enough for the fans to learn how to pronounce his last name before the inevitable firing.
El Pelado Almeyda transforma mediocres planteles en contendientes, o al menos les da una excusa para pelear con estilo.
Baldy Almeyda turns mediocre squads into contenders, or at least gives them an excuse to fight with style.
Después del fiasco sevillista, Almeyda ya debe estar negociando con un club que aprecie su disciplina... y su bigote invisible.
After the Sevilla fiasco, Almeyda must already be negotiating with a club that appreciates his discipline... and his invisible mustache.