Indestructible: ex-Bayern star Roque Santa Cruz finds new club at 44 | OneFootball

Ex-Bayern striker Roque Santa Cruz continues his career and signs for Club Nacional in Paraguay at the age of 44.

Roque Santa Cruz is one of those footballers whose career defies all classic logic. While many of his former companions have long since retired, the former FC Bayern striker is starting all over again at the age of 44. The former Munich cult professional has now signed a one-year contract with Club Nacional in Paraguay – and thus impressively proves that his passion for soccer is far from extinguished.

When Santa Cruz returned to his home country in 2016, the path seemed clear. After a long and successful career in Europe, which took him to Munich, Blackburn, Manchester City and Málaga, among others, the Paraguayan wanted to bring his career to a gentle end. However, a planned farewell in instalments turned into a remarkable long-term project. Almost ten years later, Santa Cruz is still on the pitch – and is still not thinking about retiring.

A new start with experience and leadership

photo: IMAGO

His new club Club Nacional presented the transfer on New Year’s Day with great appreciation. On social media, the club spoke of a player who not only brings sporting quality, but above all experience, personality and leadership. Santa Cruz should help to achieve sporting goals and give the team stability – a role that fits perfectly with his CV.

The personnel constellation is also interesting: coach Felipe Giménez was also born in 1981. Both know each other from their time together in the youth ranks of Olimpia Asunción and from Paraguayan youth national teams. The reunion gives the transfer an additional emotional component and shows that Santa Cruz was not signed as a nostalgia project, but as a consciously chosen leader.

From Bayern jewel to permanent professional

For many fans in Germany, Santa Cruz remains inextricably linked with FC Bayern. At the end of the 1990s, he was regarded as one of the greatest forward talents in Europe. In Munich, he won the German championship several times, celebrated international success and developed into a crowd favourite – also because he repeatedly scored important goals despite competition from world stars.

His later career took him all over Europe before he put down roots again in Paraguay. After spells at Olimpia Asunción and most recently Club Libertad, Nacional is now his third club since his return. The fact that he is still in demand at the age of 44 speaks volumes for his professionalism, his fitness and his unwavering ambition.