Javier Mascherano is a retired Argentine professional footballer, born on June 8, 1984, in San Lorenzo, Argentina. He primarily played as a defensive midfielder and center-back, known for his strong tackling and leadership on the field. Mascherano began his career at River Plate before moving to Europe, where he played for clubs like West Ham United, Liverpool, and FC Barcelona. During his time at Barcelona, Mascherano won numerous titles, including multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League trophies. He was also a key player for the Argentina national team, representing his country in several international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and Copa América.