Overview
Juan Manuel Iturbe, born on June 4, 1993, in Capital Federal, Argentina, is a professional footballer recognized for his electrifying speed and attacking flair. Standing at 1.72 meters, Iturbe primarily operates as a forward, capable of playing across the front line, particularly as a winger on either flank. Although born in Argentina, Iturbe chose to represent Paraguay internationally, a decision that has seen him become a key figure for La Albirroja. His career has spanned multiple continents, featuring tenures in Argentina, Portugal, Italy, England, Mexico, and Brazil, showcasing his adaptability and desire for new challenges.
Position
Iturbe's primary position is a forward, often deployed as a wide forward or winger. His attributes are particularly suited to roles that allow him to run at defenders, cut inside, or deliver crosses from wide areas. He is known for his ability to play on both the left and right wings, making him a versatile option for coaches seeking direct attacking threats. While he can play centrally, his most effective performances typically come from wider positions where he can utilize his pace and dribbling skills in one-on-one situations against full-backs.
Identity
Juan Manuel Iturbe's footballing identity is defined by his explosive pace and directness. He is a player who thrives on carrying the ball forward, attempting to beat defenders with skill and acceleration. Often described as a 'pocket rocket' or a 'speedy winger,' Iturbe's game is built around creating offensive opportunities through individual brilliance. His ability to change direction quickly and accelerate past opponents makes him a constant threat in transition and counter-attacking situations. This direct approach often leads to shots on goal or opportunities for teammates, reflecting his role as a disruptive force in the final third.
Career path
Juan Manuel Iturbe's professional career began in Argentina before taking him to Europe, then Mexico, and finally to Brazil. His journey highlights a player consistently seeking opportunities to showcase his dynamic attacking talents.
Cerro Porteño (2009–2011)
Iturbe began his senior career at Cerro Porteño in Paraguay, making his debut at just 16 years old in 2009. His precocious talent quickly garnered attention, with his performances in the Paraguayan Primera División establishing him as one of South America's most promising young attackers. During his time at Cerro Porteño, he made 24 appearances, scoring 3 goals, as documented by Transfermarkt's career statistics.
FC Porto (2011–2013)
In 2011, Iturbe moved to European giants FC Porto in Portugal. Expectations were high, but his initial two seasons saw limited first-team opportunities. He primarily featured for Porto B, gaining valuable experience. A loan spell back at River Plate in Argentina during the 2012-13 season helped him regain form, where he scored 3 goals in 17 league appearances, as noted by Wikipedia's overview of his club career.
Hellas Verona (2013–2014)
Iturbe's career gained significant momentum during his loan spell at Hellas Verona in Serie A for the 2013-14 season. His performances were outstanding, scoring 8 goals and providing 4 assists in 33 league appearances, which led to Hellas Verona making the move permanent. This season established him as a top-tier attacking talent in European football, with his direct runs and powerful shots frequently troubling opposition defenses, as detailed on Transfermarkt's player profile.
AS Roma (2014–2017)
His impressive form at Verona earned him a high-profile transfer to AS Roma in 2014 for a reported €22 million. While at Roma, Iturbe showed flashes of his brilliance but struggled to consistently replicate his Verona form. He made 68 appearances across all competitions for Roma, scoring 5 goals before embarking on various loan spells. These included a return to Serie A with AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League and Torino FC in Serie A, as per Transfermarkt's transfer history.
Mexico & Brazil (2017–Present)
From 2017 onwards, Iturbe's career moved to Mexico, initially with Club Tijuana and then Pumas UNAM, where he became a prominent figure in Liga MX. His time in Mexico was marked by consistent playing time and goal contributions. In 2023, he transitioned to Brazilian football, joining Grêmio. This move represented another chapter in his diverse career, bringing his experience and attacking prowess to the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.
Playing style
Juan Manuel Iturbe's playing style is characterized by his exceptional athletic attributes and direct approach to attacking play. He is primarily a forward who excels in wide areas, using his speed and dribbling to create opportunities. His left foot is his preferred choice, allowing him to cut inside from the right wing to shoot or combine with teammates.
Pace and Dribbling
Iturbe's most notable attribute is his explosive pace. He possesses the ability to accelerate quickly, leaving defenders in his wake, particularly in open-field situations or during counter-attacks. This speed is complemented by his strong dribbling skills. He is adept at carrying the ball at high speeds, using close control and feints to beat opponents one-on-one. Data from platforms like FBref's player statistics often highlights his high volume of dribble attempts and successful take-ons, indicative of his direct play. He consistently ranks among players who attempt a significant number of carries into the final third.
Shooting and Finishing
While not a prolific goalscorer, Iturbe possesses a powerful and accurate shot, particularly from outside the box. He often looks to cut in from the right wing onto his stronger left foot to attempt efforts on goal. His finishing can be inconsistent, but when he connects cleanly, his shots are difficult for goalkeepers to handle. His expected goals (xG) metrics, available on sites like Understat's player data, show a player who frequently gets into good shooting positions, even if conversion rates vary.
Work Rate and Defensive Contribution
Despite being an attacking player, Iturbe also demonstrates a willingness to contribute defensively. He often tracks back to support his full-back, particularly when playing as a winger, and engages in pressing from the front. While not his primary role, his defensive work rate adds another dimension to his game, making him a more complete attacker in modern football systems. This aspect of his game can be observed in defensive action metrics on platforms such as Sofascore's detailed player ratings, which track tackles and interceptions for forwards.
Comparison
In terms of playing style, Iturbe can be compared to players known for their electrifying pace and direct attacking play, such as a younger Mohamed Salah during his early Roma days or even a quicker Jérémy Doku. These comparisons emphasize his ability to be a significant threat in wide areas, constantly looking to advance the ball and challenge defenders.
Achievements & honours
Juan Manuel Iturbe has accumulated several team trophies throughout his career, reflecting his contributions to successful sides in various leagues. While individual accolades have been less frequent, his presence in championship-winning teams underscores his impact.
| Competition | Club | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Primera División | Cerro Porteño | 2009 Apertura |
| Primeira Liga | FC Porto | 2011–12 |
| Primeira Liga | FC Porto | 2012–13 |
| Copa MX | Pumas UNAM | 2018 Apertura (Runner-up) |
His early success at Cerro Porteño, winning the Paraguayan Primera División Apertura in 2009, marked his first significant club honour. This was followed by back-to-back Primeira Liga titles with FC Porto in Portugal, where he was part of a dominant squad, as evidenced by FC Porto's 2011-12 season and their 2012-13 campaign. Although he primarily featured in a rotation role during his time in Portugal, his contributions were part of these championship victories. While his spell at AS Roma did not yield silverware, his performances at Hellas Verona are often cited as a career highlight, where he was instrumental in their strong Serie A campaign.
International career
Juan Manuel Iturbe's international career has seen him represent Paraguay at the senior level, despite having played for Argentina at youth levels. This decision was a significant one, shaping his national team identity.
Youth International
Iturbe initially represented Argentina at various youth levels, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2009 and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2011. He was a prominent figure in these squads, showcasing his potential on the global stage. His performances for Argentina's youth teams were highly regarded, leading many to believe he would eventually feature for the senior Albiceleste squad.
Switch to Paraguay
In a notable decision, Iturbe ultimately chose to represent Paraguay at the senior level. He made his debut for the Paraguay national team in 2016. This choice allowed him to gain consistent international playing time and become a key attacking option for La Albirroja. As of May 2026, he has accumulated 17 caps and scored 4 goals for the Paraguay national team, according to FIFA's player profile for Iturbe.
Major Tournament Appearances
Iturbe has represented Paraguay in major continental competitions, including the Copa América. His appearances in these tournaments have seen him provide moments of individual brilliance, utilizing his pace and dribbling to trouble opposition defenses. He has been a part of squads that aimed to challenge for the Copa América title, contributing to their attacking efforts from wide positions. His role often involves coming off the bench as an impact substitute or starting in games where his directness is particularly valued to break down compact defenses. His contributions in key qualifiers and tournament matches are tracked by CONMEBOL's Copa América statistics.
What makes Juan Manuel Iturbe stand out
Juan Manuel Iturbe stands out primarily due to his blistering pace and fearless direct dribbling. His ability to turn defense into attack in a matter of seconds, carrying the ball over significant distances, is a defining characteristic. This attribute makes him a constant threat in transition, forcing defenders to commit early or risk being bypassed. Another distinguishing trait is his powerful left-footed shot, which, despite occasional inconsistency, can produce spectacular goals from range. He is a player who thrives on taking risks in the final third, always looking to penetrate the opposition's defense rather than playing safe passes.
His willingness to play on either wing, adapting to the tactical needs of his team, also makes him a valuable asset. Whether asked to hug the touchline and stretch the play or cut inside to combine and shoot, Iturbe brings a dynamic and unpredictable element to the attack. His career path, spanning multiple top leagues and continents, further highlights his adaptability and resilience, embracing new challenges and cultures in his pursuit of consistent playing time.
"Juan has incredible speed and a very direct style. He's a player who can change a game with one moment of brilliance." – Former coach Rudi Garcia, on Iturbe's attacking qualities.