Juan Pablo Sorín (born May 5, 1976) is a former Argentine footballer. He was born in Buenos Aires. He is a much-travelled player, having spent time in Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Italy, France and Germany. He was captain of the Argentine team in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

He is a versatile left wing-back who can play anywhere on the left wing. He has an eccentric style of play and, despite being played in defensive roles, is often found up front attacking, using his technical and heading skill to great effect.

Sorin's extremely long-hair made him stand out on the pitch, as well as his aggressive heading ability.

Career

Juampi, as he is known in Argentina, began his career playing in the lower-reaches of the Argentine league for Argentinos Juniors, a Buenos Aires football club. He broke into the first team in 1994 and in 1995–96 after he captained the Argentina Under-20 Side who won the 1995 FIFA World Youth Championship played in Qatar he was bought by Juventus of Italy but he did not fit in an already established first team so soon returned to Argentina.

Sorín played for River Plate in the second half of 1996, and revived his career, winning three Apertura championships (1996, 1997 and 1999), one Clausura championship (1997), one Copa Libertadores de América in 1996 and a Supercopa Sudamericana in 1997.

Cruzeiro & Europe Loans

He was transferred to Cruzeiro of Brazil in 2000. He played for two and a half seasons, winning the 2000 Copa do Brasil and becoming one of the most cherished players by the fans up to this day.

After the 2002 Copa do Brasil, in July 2002 he signed for S.S. Lazio.

After an injury filled a half season at Lazio in Italy, Sorin was acquired by FC Barcelona, occupied the non-EU quota along with Juan Román Riquelme and Roberto Bonano. He made his Spanish League debut on February 9, 2003. The match was between Barcelona and Athletic de Bilbao and ended 2-2.

After a successful half a season he left the Nou Camp in the summer of 2003 and moved to France to play for Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Coupe de France.

Sorín returned to Cruzeiro in 2004, played at 2004 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.

Villarreal

In November 2004 Sorin transferred to Villarreal of Spain on free transfer.[1] Sorín enjoyed a good deal of success with Villarreal, helping them reach the semi-finals of the Champions League where they were beaten by Arsenal of England.

Hamburg

Sorín was reportedly the subject of interest from English Premiership sides Portsmouth, Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United during the summer of 2006, but ended up signing for Hamburger SV.[2] After two years with the German club and only 24 appearances because of injury, Sorín left when his contract expired on July 15, 2008.[3]

Return to Cruzeiro

Sorín returned again to Cruzeiro on August 29, 2008. He signed a contract until the end of season, with the option to renew for two more years..[4]

After another injury-riddled year with Cruzeiro, he announced his retirement on July 28, 2009.[5]

He played his only match at national league since his return on 14 June 2009.

International career

Sorín was part of the Argentine squad in the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan.[6] The team played three matches against Nigeria, England and Sweden. However the team failed badly, failing to reach the second round of the tournament.

The Argentine squad was then rebuilt by José Pekerman and Sorín was made captain of his country for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Sorín played an important role in the World Cup for Argentina as an effective attacking full back. Argentina qualified for the second round after taking care of Côte d'Ivoire (2-1) and crushing Serbia & Montenegro 6-0. After defeating Mexico in extra time, Argentina went on to the quarter-finals where they lost to hosts Germany on a penalty-shoot out.

Personal life

Sorín has written a book called Grandes Chicos ("Big Kids" or "Big Little People") to raise funds for the building of a school and a children's hospital in Argentina.[7] He is of Jewish ethnicity.[8] He currently lives in Brazil.