Overview
Leandro Paredes, born on June 29, 1994, in San Justo, Argentina, is a deep-lying midfielder renowned for his ability to control the tempo of a match. Standing at 1.80 m, Paredes has carved out a significant career in European football, representing several prominent clubs and establishing himself as a key figure for the Argentina national team. His journey from the youth ranks of Boca Juniors to the elite stages of European competition underscores a consistent development as a professional footballer.
Position
Paredes operates primarily as a defensive midfielder, often deployed as a 'regista' or a deep-lying playmaker. In this role, he is responsible for initiating attacks from the back, breaking up opposition play, and providing a crucial link between defense and midfield. His tactical discipline allows him to shield the backline effectively, while his passing range enables him to distribute the ball across various distances, unlocking attacking opportunities for his teammates.
Identity
Leandro Paredes's footballing identity is defined by his composure on the ball, vision, and robust defensive work rate. He is often seen as the engine room of the midfield, capable of both disruptive pressing and incisive passing. His performances have frequently demonstrated an ability to influence the game's flow, making him a central figure in the tactical setups of his clubs and country. His career trajectory reflects a player who adapted to different leagues and tactical systems, maintaining a consistent level of performance.
Career path
Leandro Paredes's professional career began in his native Argentina before progressing through several European leagues, marking him as a well-traveled and experienced midfielder.
Boca Juniors
Paredes emerged from the esteemed youth academy of Boca Juniors, making his senior debut for the club in 2010 at the age of 16. During his time at Boca, he gained valuable first-team experience, featuring in 28 league matches and contributing to the club's 2011-12 Primera División title and the 2011-12 Copa Argentina. His performances attracted interest from European clubs.
Chievo & Roma (Italy)
In January 2014, Paredes made his move to Europe, initially joining Italian club Chievo Verona on loan. He then moved to AS Roma, where he spent several seasons, including a loan spell at Empoli during the 2015-16 season. At Roma, he established himself as a versatile midfielder, capable of playing in various central roles. His tenure at Roma, including the Empoli loan, saw him make a combined 93 appearances across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists, according to Transfermarkt.
Zenit Saint Petersburg (Russia)
In July 2017, Paredes transferred to Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg for a reported fee, as per Transfermarkt. He quickly became a pivotal player for Zenit, showcasing his deep-lying playmaking abilities. He made 61 appearances across all competitions for the club, scoring 10 goals and providing 16 assists, and was instrumental in their league campaigns.
Paris Saint-Germain (France)
His impressive performances in Russia led to a significant move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain in January 2019. At PSG, Paredes continued to be a regular starter, contributing to multiple domestic titles, including Ligue 1 championships. He featured in 117 matches for PSG, scoring 3 goals and assisting 10, before returning to Italy.
Juventus & Roma (Italy)
In August 2022, Paredes returned to Italy, joining Juventus on a season-long loan. Following his loan spell, he re-joined AS Roma in August 2023, also on loan, where he continues to feature prominently in their midfield.
Playing style
Leandro Paredes is a technically proficient midfielder whose playing style is characterized by his tactical intelligence, passing range, and defensive acumen. He primarily operates as a number 6, often positioned deep in midfield to orchestrate play from the back.
One of Paredes's most notable attributes is his passing ability. He possesses an extensive range, capable of executing short, incisive passes to maintain possession, as well as long, diagonal balls to switch the play and exploit space. His vision allows him to identify passing lanes that unlock defensive lines, making him a key creator in build-up play. According to Sofascore data, Paredes consistently maintains a high pass completion rate, reflecting his accuracy and composure under pressure.
Defensively, Paredes is an intelligent operator. He excels in reading the game, anticipating opposition movements, and intercepting passes. His positioning is often exemplary, allowing him to break up attacks before they become dangerous. While not an overtly physical tackler, he uses his body effectively to regain possession and applies tactical fouls when necessary to disrupt counter-attacks. His work rate off the ball is also significant, as he often presses opponents and tracks back to support the defense.
Comparisons can be drawn to players such as Jorginho or Marco Verratti, particularly in their roles as deep-lying playmakers who dictate rhythm and provide defensive solidity. Paredes's ability to control the midfield tempo, combined with his defensive contributions, makes him a well-rounded and influential player in the modern game. His composure on the ball, even in tight spaces, allows him to navigate pressing schemes and maintain possession under duress.
Achievements & honours
Leandro Paredes has accumulated a notable collection of team trophies throughout his career, both at club and international level. His time in France with Paris Saint-Germain was particularly fruitful domestically, while his contributions to the Argentina national team have led to some of the most prestigious honours in international football.
Club Honours
| Competition | Club | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Argentine Primera División | Boca Juniors | 2011–12 |
| Copa Argentina | Boca Juniors | 2011–12 |
| Ligue 1 | Paris Saint-Germain | 2018–19, 2019–20, 2021–22 |
| Coupe de France | Paris Saint-Germain | 2019–20, 2020–21 |
| Coupe de la Ligue | Paris Saint-Germain | 2019–20 |
| Trophée des Champions | Paris Saint-Germain | 2019, 2020, 2022 |
International Honours
Paredes has been a central figure in a highly successful era for the Argentina national team, securing multiple major international titles:
- Copa América: 2021 (CONMEBOL)
- CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions (Finalissima): 2022 (UEFA)
- FIFA World Cup: 2022 (FIFA)
International career
Leandro Paredes has been a consistent and significant presence for the Argentina national team, earning over 60 caps since his debut. His international career is marked by key contributions to Argentina's recent successes on the global stage.
He made his senior debut for Argentina in June 2017, quickly establishing himself as a reliable option in the midfield. His ability to control the pace of the game and provide defensive cover made him an invaluable asset to the national side under various coaches.
Paredes played a crucial role in Argentina's triumph at the 2021 Copa América, a historic victory that ended the nation's 28-year senior title drought. He was a regular starter throughout the tournament, dictating play from deep midfield and providing the foundation for Argentina's attacking talent. His performances were consistently praised for their tactical discipline and effective ball distribution.
Following this success, Paredes was also integral to Argentina's victory in the 2022 CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions (Finalissima) against Italy, further cementing his place in the squad. The pinnacle of his international career came in December 2022, when he was part of the Argentina squad that clinched the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Paredes featured in several matches during the tournament, including coming on as a substitute in the dramatic final against France, contributing to his nation's third World Cup title.
His presence in the midfield provides a vital balance, linking defense with attack and ensuring the team maintains possession and tactical shape. As of May 2026, he continues to be a central figure in Argentina's plans, showcasing his leadership and experience.
What makes Leandro Paredes stand out
Leandro Paredes stands out primarily due to his exceptional blend of technical skill and tactical awareness in the deep-lying midfield role. His ability to consistently execute complex passes, often under pressure, is a defining trait. He possesses a rare talent for dictating the tempo of a match, slowing it down or speeding it up as required, making him a true midfield orchestrator.
Another distinguishing feature is his composure. Paredes rarely looks flustered, even when surrounded by opponents. This calmness allows him to make clear-headed decisions, retain possession, and launch accurate passes that bypass defensive lines. His defensive positioning, often anticipating play to break up opposition attacks, is another key aspect that makes him a vital asset to any team.
"Paredes is the player who gives balance to our team. He's fundamental because he knows how to read the game." – Lionel Scaloni