Leandro Romagnoli

Leandro Atilio Romagnoli (born 17 March 1981) is an Argentine former professional footballer who played mainly as an attacking midfielder, currently manager of Argentine Primera División club San Martín de San Juan.

His thin build, short stature and playing style were reminiscent of compatriot Osvaldo Ardiles. What the player – nicknamed Pipi – lacked in physical strength, he made up for with dribbling ability.

Romagnoli started and finished his career with San Lorenzo, but also spent four seasons in Portugal with Sporting CP.

Club career

Born in Buenos Aires, Romagnoli made his professional debut on 13 December 1998 at the age of only 17, appearing for San Lorenzo de Almagro against Racing Club de Avellaneda. He went on to become an essential attacking player for the side, appearing in roughly 200 official games and winning three major titles; amid the club's financial troubles, he was linked with a move to SV Werder Bremen of the German Bundesliga in summer 2002.

Romagnoli signed with Mexico's C.D. Veracruz in January 2005 but, in the same month the following year, he was on the move again, now to Sporting CP, first on loan. He initially found it difficult to adjust to his new side, but eventually came into his own in the 2006–07 campaign in a superb end-of-season run for both team and player, winning the Taça de Portugal; the move was subsequently made permanent.

After having appeared in only 16 matches in 2008–09, being out of favour with manager Paulo Bento, Romagnoli left the Estádio José Alvalade in early August 2009 to rejoin San Lorenzo. He contributed ten appearances as they won their first Copa Libertadores in 2014.

On 24 June 2017, the 36-year-old Romagnoli renewed his contract at the Estadio Pedro Bidegain for one more season. He announced his retirement one year later, remaining tied to the club as director of football.

International career

Romagnoli was part of the Argentina under-20 team that won the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship. He made his debut with the full side against the United States on 8 February 2003, playing 12 minutes in a 1–0 friendly win.

Coaching career

Romagnoli later worked as manager of San Lorenzo's reserves. On two occasions, he was in charge of the first team on an interim basis.

On 12 April 2024, Romagnoli was again named caretaker manager, replacing Rubén Darío Insúa. Six days later, he was confirmed as head coach for the year, but resigned in October.

On 18 March 2025, Romagnoli took over at San Martín de San Juan also in the Argentine Primera División.