ArgentineFootballerManagerOlympic Medalist

Christian Bassedas

Christian Bassedas is an Argentine former midfielder who had a successful playing career, notably with Vélez Sársfield and Argentina, and is now a football manager.

1. Playing Career

Christian Bassedas's playing career spanned over a decade, marked by significant achievements at both club and international levels, particularly as a key midfielder for Vélez Sársfield during their golden era.

1.1. Youth and Early Career

Bassedas began his football journey in the youth divisions of Vélez Sársfield. He made his professional debut for the club on 3 March 1991, establishing himself as a defensive midfielder and contributing to Vélez's rise in the 1990s.

1.2. Club Career

Bassedas spent the majority of his club career at Vélez Sársfield from 1990 to 2000. During this period, he made 267 appearances, placing him among the top players in the club's history by number of games played. He was a crucial component of Vélez's most successful years in the 1990s, winning four national championships and five international titles. Notable among these international successes was the 1994 Intercontinental Cup, where he started in the 2-0 victory over A.C. Milan, securing a prestigious title for the club. He scored 21 goals during his tenure at Vélez.

In 2000, Bassedas moved to England, joining FA Premier League club Newcastle United for 3.50 M GBP. He played for Newcastle United from 2000 to 2003, making 24 appearances and scoring one goal. His sole league goal for Newcastle came in a 3-1 defeat against Chelsea in January 2001. During his time with Newcastle, he also had a brief loan spell at Tenerife in the 2001-02 season, where he made 14 appearances.

In 2003, Bassedas returned to Argentina, joining Newell's Old Boys. However, after only two months of pre-season training, he decided to retire from professional football at the age of 30. He cited a "loss of love for football" as the reason for his early retirement.

1.3. International Career

Christian Bassedas was a member of the Argentina national team from 1994 to 1999, earning 22 caps. He made his debut for the national team on 16 November 1994 against Chile under coach Daniel Passarella.

He participated in the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification matches, but was not ultimately included in the squad for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Bassedas also represented Argentina in various other international tournaments. He won a silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in the team competition. Prior to that, he secured a gold medal at the 1995 Pan American Games in Mar del Plata, where he notably captained the team. He also appeared in the 1997 Copa América.

2. Post-Playing Career

After retiring as a player, Christian Bassedas remained actively involved in football, transitioning into roles as a sports consultant, commentator, and later, a manager.

2.1. Sports Consultant and Other Roles

At the end of 2008, Bassedas was appointed as a sports consultant for Vélez Sársfield in the Argentine Primera División. In this role, he played a crucial part in the club's operations. One of his first and most significant actions was recommending Ricardo Gareca to fill the coaching vacancy. Bassedas was also instrumental in negotiating the transfers of key players, including Maximiliano Moralez, Sebastián Domínguez, and Joaquín Larrivey, to the club. In his first season as a sports consultant, Vélez Sársfield won the Clausura 2009 title.

Beyond his consultancy work, Bassedas also worked as a football commentator for Fox Sports en Latinoamérica, where he covered FA Premier League matches.

2.2. Management Career

Christian Bassedas embarked on his management career in 2015. In November of that year, he was appointed as the manager of his former club, Vélez Sársfield. However, his tenure was relatively brief, as he resigned in September 2016. His resignation came after a 0-3 loss against Racing Club, and he publicly stated that the violent reactions from Vélez supporters were his reason for leaving the position.

Following his departure from Vélez Sársfield, Bassedas continued his coaching career with other clubs. In 2017, he managed Boca Unidos. Later that year, on 20 December 2017, he was appointed as the head coach of Olimpo. On 6 October 2018, Bassedas took on the role of head coach for UAI Urquiza, where he continues to manage.

3. Honours

Christian Bassedas achieved significant success both as a player and in his post-playing career as a general manager.

3.1. As a Player

3.1.1. Club Honours

Vélez Sársfield

  • Primera División Argentina (4): Clausura 1993, Apertura 1995, Clausura 1996, Clausura 1998
  • Copa Libertadores (1): 1994
  • Intercontinental Cup (1): 1994
  • Copa Interamericana (1): 1994
  • Supercopa Sudamericana (1): 1996
  • Recopa Sudamericana (1): 1997

3.1.2. International Honours

Argentina

  • Pan American Games Gold Medal (1): Mar del Plata 1995
  • Olympic Silver Medal (1): Atlanta 1996

3.2. As a General Manager

Vélez Sársfield

  • Primera División Argentina (1): Clausura 2009

4. Assessment and Legacy

Christian Bassedas's career demonstrates a deep and lasting impact on Argentine football, particularly through his association with Vélez Sársfield. As a player, he was central to the club's most celebrated period in the 1990s, where his consistent midfield performances contributed to numerous domestic and international titles. His ability to win major competitions like the Copa Libertadores and the Intercontinental Cup solidified his legacy as a prominent figure of that golden generation. His decision to retire at 30, citing a "loss of love for football," offers insight into the personal demands and emotional toll of a professional athlete's career.

In his post-playing career, Bassedas continued to influence Vélez Sársfield, notably as a sports consultant, where his strategic recommendations and negotiation skills directly led to another league championship. This role highlighted his strong understanding of club dynamics beyond the field. His subsequent management career, though featuring a challenging tenure at Vélez Sársfield that ended due to fan violence, underscores his commitment to the sport. This incident reflects the intense pressures and expectations associated with managing high-profile clubs in Argentine football. Despite these challenges, Bassedas's continued presence in coaching roles with various teams, including his current position at UAI Urquiza, showcases his enduring dedication and adaptability within the sport. His overall career trajectory, from a decorated player to a successful administrator and manager, marks him as a versatile and influential figure in Argentine football.