Every time Argentina faces England in a World Cup, the memories of that magical night in France '98 come rushing back. The team that eliminated the English on penalties in Saint-Étienne remains alive in the fans' memory. But what happened to those players who made history 28 years ago?
Many maintained a strong connection to football, but through very different paths. Diego Simeone became the great emblem: since 2011, he has been coaching Atlético de Madrid and is the most successful coach in the history of the club.
Marcelo Gallardo also built a successful career as a coach, just like Matías Almeyda, who is currently in charge of AEK Athens in Greece. Hernán Crespo, José Chamot, and Roberto Sensini followed the same path into coaching.
Those who coach and those who make decisions
Nelson Vivas, after working for a long time with Simeone, remains connected to the benches. Roberto Ayala is part of Lionel Scaloni's coaching staff, while Carlos Roa works as a goalkeeper coach at AEK alongside Almeyda.
Others opted for management. Javier Zanetti is the vice president of Inter Milan and participates in FIFA committees. Juan Sebastián Verón leads the Estudiantes de La Plata project as president. Marcelo Delgado is part of Boca Juniors' Football Council, and Pablo Cavallero has developed as a sporting director.
In the youth training area, Ariel Ortega collaborates in the youth divisions of River Plate. Pablo Paz, based in Spain, is dedicated to grassroots football and closely follows the career of his son Nico Paz.
Voices on television and other paths
Leonardo Astrada stands out as a commentator on ESPN, and Germán Burgos alternates his coaching role with appearances on sports programs. Television has become a new field for them.
Not everyone stayed within the world of football. Gabriel Batistuta fully immersed himself in agricultural business in Santa Fe, with significant livestock and agricultural activity. Mauricio Pineda lives in Corrientes dedicated to rural life, far removed from the pitches.
Claudio López divides his time between investments, commerce, and his passion for motorsport, where he competes as an amateur rally driver. Abel Balbo combines agricultural and gastronomic ventures between Argentina and Italy, and occasionally coaches teams.
Meanwhile, Sergio Berti maintains the lowest profile of all: away from the media and football, he engages in private activities without public exposure.
More than two decades later, the paths of these '98 heroes have diversified. Some continue to write pages in football as coaches or managers, while others have found challenges in agriculture, business, or a more reserved life. But all hold a special place in the hearts of Argentines for that unforgettable victory against England that still moves us.
