Javier Alejandro Mascherano born 8 June 1984 is an Argentine professional football player who plays as a defensive midfielder or centre-back for Spanish club FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team.

Nicknamed El Jefecito "the little chief", Mascherano is a versatile and tactically intelligent footballer, with an excellent ability to read the game and organise his team; he is known in particular for his leadership skills, passing accuracy, tough marking of opponents, and hard-tackling style of play.

Mascherano began his career at River Plate, where he earned his first senior honours, the Primera División Argentina, in 2003–04.
He moved to Brazilian side Corinthians in 2005, winning the Brazilian Série A in his first season.
Mascherano then moved to Europe, signing for Premier League side West Ham United, but his brief time at the club was blighted by unusual contract terms with Global Soccer Agencies.
At the beginning of 2007, he joined Liverpool on loan, reaching the final of the UEFA Champions League, before he signed with the club for £18.7 million.

After three years playing for Liverpool, Mascherano joined Barcelona in 2010, where he changed his position of defensive midfielder to full central defender.

With Barcelona he has won four La Liga championships, two UEFA Champions League titles, and two FIFA Club World Cups, among other honours...

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