Leandro Paredes at FIFA World Cup 2026
Boca Juniors
Primary
Defensive Midfielder
Others
Central Midfielder, Deep-Lying Playmaker
Leandro Paredes remains the technical heartbeat and defensive anchor of the Argentina national team as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 31-year-old Boca Juniors midfielder personifies the modern deep-lying playmaker, combining an elite passing range with the physical grit required to protect the backline. His return to his boyhood club in 2025 provided him with a renewed sense of purpose and a platform to maintain peak match rhythm ahead of the world title defense.
Quick Answer
Leandro Daniel Paredes is a 31-year-old Argentina midfielder for Boca Juniors.
He is primarily used as a defensive midfielder, with cover across central midfielder, deep-lying playmaker.
His current club contract runs through December 2028.
His reported weekly salary is £44,000, and his estimated net worth is £44,512,000.
Early Life and Background
Leandro Daniel Paredes was born on June 29, 1994, in San Justo, a city in the Greater Buenos Aires area. His football journey began at the age of 9 when he joined the world-renowned youth academy of Boca Juniors in 2003. Growing up in the shadows of La Bombonera, Paredes was immersed in the club's rich history and its demanding football culture from a very early age, shaping his identity as a player and a fan.
Birthplace, family, and youth football journey
Development at Boca was meteoric for the young midfielder. He was identified early as a special talent, a player with the vision and the technical skill to dominate matches from a central position. Making his senior debut at just 16 years old in 2010, he became one of the youngest players in the club's history to feature in the first team. This early exposure to the pressures of Argentine top-flight football forged the mental toughness that would later allow him to succeed in Europe's most demanding leagues.
His family provided the foundation for this rapid ascent. They supported his move into the Boca system and helped him navigate the transition from a local prospect to a national talent. The San Justo roots remain a key part of his public identity, often cited by the player as the source of his competitive drive and technical flair.
Leandro Paredes Personal Info and Profile
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Leandro Daniel Paredes |
| Date of birth | 29 June 1994 |
| Age | 31 |
| Nationality | Argentina |
| Height | 182 cm |
| Weight | — |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Current club | Boca Juniors |
| Contract end | December 2028 |
| Transfer value | €8.5M |
| Jersey number | 5 |
| Weekly salary | £44,000 |
| Estimated net worth | £44,512,000 |
Paredes' personal info highlights a player in his absolute prime, with the physical attributes and technical experience to dominate the midfield. His height and weight provide the necessary frame for the defensive demands of his role, while his preferred foot and position define his creative influence from deep areas. The contract situation at Boca Juniors provides the stability needed for his final World Cup push.
Leandro Paredes Club Career
Early clubs and development
Paredes' early senior career at Boca Juniors was a period of rapid ascent, leading to a move to Italy with Roma in 2014. His time in Europe was defined by high-profile moves to some of the world's biggest clubs. After loan spells at Chievo and Empoli, he established himself at Roma before moving to Zenit Saint Petersburg in Russia. His form in Russia earned him a move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, where he won multiple Ligue 1 titles and reached the Champions League final.
Time at PSG and a subsequent loan spell at Juventus refined his tactical understanding of the deep-lying playmaker role. He became known for his ability to control matches against elite opposition, often performing the 'dirty work' of defending while maintaining his creative influence. In 2023, he returned to Roma for a second spell, further cementing his reputation as a top-tier European midfielder before making the emotional decision to return home.
Current club and recent form
Boca Juniors completed a dream return for Paredes in July 2025, signing him to a contract that runs until December 2028. The move was a major statement for Argentine football, bringing a reigning World Cup winner back to his boyhood club in the prime of his career. Since his return, he has been the undisputed leader of the Boca midfield, providing the experience and technical quality that have helped the club compete at the highest level of South American football.
The 2025-26 season has seen Paredes record 2 goals and 3 assists in the Liga Profesional, showing that his creative influence remains as strong as ever. His leadership in the dressing room and his connection with the Boca faithful have made his second spell at the club a resounding success. He is currently the highest-paid player in the Argentine league, a status that reflects his world-class quality and his importance to the club's future ambitions.
Leandro Paredes - Stats and Performance
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-2014 | Boca Juniors | 31 | 5 | — |
| 2014-2017 | Roma / Chievo / Empoli | 85 | 13 | — |
| 2017-2019 | Zenit | 61 | 10 | — |
| 2019-2023 | Paris Saint-Germain | 117 | 3 | — |
| 2023-2025 | Roma | 52 | 4 | — |
| 2025-2026 | Boca Juniors | 33 | 4 | — |
Paredes' statistical profile is characterized by high pass completion rates and elite ball recovery numbers. His ability to function as a defensive shield while maintaining high progressive passing volume makes him one of the most efficient midfielders in both domestic and international football.
Detailed metrics from the 2025-26 campaign show Paredes averaging over 65 successful passes per 90 minutes with an accuracy rate exceeding 90%. This level of precision is matched by his defensive output, where he ranks in the 85th percentile for interceptions and successful tackles among defensive midfielders in South America.
His impact on Boca's build-up play is equally significant. He leads the team in progressive passes and entries into the final third, highlighting his role as the team's primary creative hub from deep positions. These numbers confirm that he has lost none of the technical quality that made him a success in Europe's top leagues.
International Career
Caps, goals, and major tournaments
International success has been the hallmark of Paredes' career. He has been a fixture in the Argentina squad since 2017, playing a central role in the team's transformation under Lionel Scaloni. He was a key member of the squads that won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His ability to perform in penalty shootouts, most notably in the World Cup final, highlights his mental strength.
Experience now defines his role in the 'Scaloneta' era. With over 70 senior caps, he is one of the most experienced leaders in the squad. While his primary role is defensive, he has contributed 5 international goals, often from set-pieces or long-range strikes. Preparation for 2026 sees him remain a cornerstone of the national team, providing the winning pedigree and the tactical discipline needed for a successful title defense.
| National team | Caps | Goals | Tournament involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 43 | 5 | World Cup winner in 2022; Copa America winner in 2021 and 2024 |
World Cup Record by Tournament
| Year | Host | Matches | Goals | Assists | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Qatar | 5 | 0 | 0 | Champion |
| Total | - | 5 | 0 | 0 | World Cup winner |
Paredes' World Cup story reached its peak in Qatar, where he was a vital part of the team that secured Argentina's third star. He appeared in 5 matches during the tournament, providing defensive stability and leadership in the most critical moments. His cool-headed penalty conversions in the quarter-final against the Netherlands and the final against France were essential to the team's success.
Tactical flexibility allowed him to contribute both as a starter and as a substitute in 2022. He adapted to Scaloni's mid-match changes with ease, helping to shut down opposition attacks and maintain control of the midfield. This experience in the highest-pressure matches in world football will be invaluable as Argentina looks to defend their title in 2026.
Honours and Trophies
The trophies won by Paredes span several of Europe's top leagues and the international stage. His success at PSG, Zenit, and Boca Juniors highlights his ability to adapt to different football cultures and remain a winner at every level. The triple crown of Copa América, Finalissima, and World Cup represents the absolute peak of his career achievements.
Leadership and tactical intelligence have been key to this success. He is not just a participant in winning teams; he is often the player who provides the balance and control necessary for those teams to function. His collection of major honours is a testament to his status as one of the most successful Argentine midfielders of his generation.
Transfer News and Market Value
Settled club life at Boca Juniors means that transfer rumors surrounding Paredes have largely quieted. His commitment to the club until 2028 shows that he is focused on his role in Argentina and his preparation for the 2026 World Cup. However, his market value remains a point of interest, currently estimated at €8.5M as he enters the final stages of his prime.
European interest could still materialize if he maintains his high level of performance, but Paredes has been clear about his desire to lead Boca back to continental glory. The stability of his current situation is a major benefit for the national team, ensuring he remains in peak condition without the distractions of mid-season transfer sagas.
Leandro Paredes Salary and Net Worth
Weekly wages for Leandro Paredes at Boca Juniors are approximately €65,000, making him the highest-paid player in the Argentine league. This financial standing reflects his world-class pedigree and the significant investment Boca made to bring him back from European football. His total annual compensation sits at roughly €3.4 million before endorsements and bonuses.
Estimated net worth for the midfielder is placed at approximately $47 million heading into the 2026 preparation window. This figure accounts for his high-earning spells at PSG, Roma, and Juventus, as well as his current contract and commercial partnerships. His financial profile is a direct reflection of a decade spent at the top of world football.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Weekly salary | €65,000 |
| Annual compensation | €3.4 million |
| Estimated net worth | $47 million |
| Contract end | December 2028 |
Leandro Paredes 2026 Style, Strengths, and Tournament Outlook
The 2026 outlook for Paredes is centered on his role as the experienced anchor of Argentina's midfield. His tactical intelligence and passing precision will be essential in North America, especially in matches where Argentina needs to control the tempo and break down defensive blocks. His ability to shield the back four remains elite, providing the platform for the team's attackers to shine.
Strongest traits for the veteran include his vision, ball recovery skills, and mental toughness in high-pressure moments. He will likely share the defensive midfield workload with younger talents, but his leadership in the dressing room and on the pitch will be irreplaceable. Realistically, he remains a first-choice option for Scaloni in the team's most important matches.
