Javier Mascherano

Javier Alejandro Mascherano (Spanish pronunciation: [mastʃeˈɾano], locally: [mahtʃeˈɾano]; born 8 June 1984) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays for Spanish club FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team, as a defensive midfielder or central defender. He is currently sentenced to one year in prison for evasion of tax payments. Infield, is known for his excellent leadership skills.

Mascherano began his career at River Plate. He earned his first senior honours in 2003–04, winning the Primera División Argentina. He moved to Brazilian side Corinthians in 2005, winning the Brazilian Série A in his first season. Mascherano moved to Europe, signing for Premier League side West Ham United. However, unusual contract terms with Global Soccer Agencies blighted his brief time at the club and at the beginning of 2007 he joined Liverpool on loan.

He was runner up in the UEFA Champions League during his loan spell in Merseyside, and officially signed for Liverpool in February 2008 for £18.7 million, parting ways with Global Soccer Agencies. After three years playing for Liverpool, Mascherano joined FC Barcelona in 2010, changing his position of defensive midfielder to central defender. With Barcelona he has won La Liga and the UEFA Champions League twice each and FIFA Club World Cup once, among other honours.