Juan Ignacio Dinenno de Cara: The Journey of an Argentine Striker
Juan Ignacio Dinenno de Cara is a name that resonates on football fields across Latin America. Born in Rosario, Argentina, on August 28, 1994, this 30-year-old center-forward has built a career marked by decisive goals, challenging injuries, and unwavering determination. Currently, he plays for Cruzeiro Esporte Clube in Brazil’s Série A, on loan to São Paulo FC until the end of 2025. This is the story of a player who, with talent and grit, has left his mark on clubs in Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil.
Early Career: Roots in Rosario
First Steps at Club Provincial and Rosario Central
Juan Dinenno was born in Rosario, a city renowned for producing football legends like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona. His passion for the game began early, and he took his first steps at Club Provincial, a small local club. His talent soon stood out, leading him to join the youth academy of Rosario Central, one of Argentina’s most traditional clubs.
At Rosario Central, Dinenno honed his skills as a center-forward, excelling with his physical strength, positioning, and goal-scoring instinct. However, at the end of his time in the youth setup, the club released him with his rights, allowing him to pursue new opportunities.
Debut at Racing Club
In 2013, Dinenno transferred to Racing Club, one of Argentina’s football giants. He made his first-division debut on October 13, 2013, against Estudiantes, on Quilmes’ field, under coach Nacho González.
In just his third match for Racing, Dinenno scored his first top-flight goal against Quilmes in a 1-1 draw, marking a milestone in his career and showcasing his potential as a goalscorer. Despite a promising start, competition within Racing’s squad limited his opportunities, and in July 2014, he was loaned to Temperley.
Loan to Temperley: An Unforgettable Goal
At Temperley, Dinenno continued to display his talent. He scored his first goal for the club against Sarmiento de Junín, but his most memorable moment came in a derby against Banfield. In the final minute, Dinenno scored a decisive free-kick goal, securing a 1-0 victory. That precise, long-range strike remains etched in the memory of Temperley fans.
Adventure in Ecuador: Deportivo Cuenca and Barcelona
Spell at Deportivo Cuenca
After his time at Temperley, Dinenno sought new challenges outside Argentina. He moved to Deportivo Cuenca in Ecuador, where he continued to refine his playing style. Standing at 1.86m and weighing 83kg, his imposing presence made him an ideal focal point in attack.
Loan to Barcelona SC
In 2018, Dinenno was loaned to Barcelona Sporting Club, also in Ecuador, while still tied to Racing. During his stint, he scored 21 goals in the season, including two in the Copa Sudamericana—one a volley and another after dribbling past opponents from midfield. These performances highlighted his ability to decide key matches and solidified his reputation as a versatile striker.
Breakthrough in Colombia: Deportivo Cali
Explosive Debut
In the first half of 2019, Dinenno was loaned to Deportivo Cali in Colombia, still under Racing’s ownership. His debut was nothing short of spectacular: he scored twice against Atlético Bucaramanga, securing a 2-0 victory. One goal was a “meia chalaca” (bicycle kick), and the other came from a penalty, showcasing his versatility.
Dinenno quickly became a key player for Deportivo Cali, scoring in five consecutive matches, including:
- A goal in a 1-1 draw against Atlético Huila (February 2).
- A goal in a 2-1 win over Deportes Tolima (February 14).
- A goal in another 2-1 victory against Unión Magdalena (February 19).
- A brace in a 3-0 thrashing of Patriotas Boyacá (March 7).
- A goal in a 2-0 win over Cúcuta Deportivo (March 31).
Top Scorer in the Colombian League
In the Colombian Championship, Dinenno continued to shine. He scored his first goal in a 4-0 rout of Jaguares de Córdoba on July 20. On August 3, he netted in a 2-0 win against La Equidad. Another highlight was a brace in a 3-1 victory over Patriotas Boyacá on September 28. His consistency made him one of the tournament’s leading scorers.
Success in Mexico: Pumas UNAM
Arrival at Pumas
On January 21, 2020, Dinenno joined Club Universidad Nacional, known as Pumas UNAM, in Mexico’s Liga MX. He made a strong debut, scoring against Santos Laguna in the Copa México round of 16. In his first year, he scored 16 goals, becoming the team’s top scorer and helping Pumas finish as runners-up in the second tournament of the year.
Concachampions and Goal-Scoring Prowess
In 2022, Dinenno excelled in the Concachampions, scoring 9 goals in the knockout stages, including a brace in the first leg of the final against Seattle Sounders, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Despite finishing as runners-up, his performance established him as one of the competition’s top strikers. In total, Dinenno played 147 matches for Pumas, scoring 60 goals and providing 11 assists, earning a place among the club’s top 10 all-time scorers.
New Chapter in Brazil: Cruzeiro and São Paulo
Arrival at Cruzeiro
On January 8, 2024, Cruzeiro announced Dinenno’s signing, with a contract valid until the end of 2026. The club paid around $1 million for the striker, with the deal structured in installments.
Dinenno made an immediate impact, scoring in his debut against Villa Nova in the Campeonato Mineiro on January 24. Another standout moment came in the derby against Atlético-MG on March 30, when he scored Cruzeiro’s second goal in the 49th minute of stoppage time, securing a 2-2 draw in the Campeonato Mineiro final.
Injuries and Resilience
Dinenno’s time at Cruzeiro was marred by physical setbacks. On April 11, during a Copa Sudamericana match against Alianza, he suffered a nasal fracture and edema, sidelining him for eight matches. As he neared a return, a pubic injury kept him out for an additional 12 games. He returned on July 24, scoring in a 2-0 win over Juventude in the Brazilian Championship.
On August 19, Dinenno scored twice in a 2-2 draw against Vitória, helping Cruzeiro avoid defeat. However, on August 28, a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee ruled him out for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Loan to São Paulo
On June 9, 2025, Dinenno was loaned to São Paulo FC until the end of the year, while still under contract with Cruzeiro. This move represents a fresh opportunity for the Argentine to showcase his talent at one of Brazil’s biggest clubs.
Playing Style and Characteristics
Profile as a Center-Forward
At 1.86m tall and 83kg, Dinenno is a classic center-forward. He blends physical strength with technical ability, excelling both inside the box and in set-piece situations. His precision from the penalty spot is notable, with an 80% conversion rate (20 goals from 25 attempts).
Dinenno is also known for scoring decisive goals, such as his free-kick against Banfield and his brace in the Concachampions final. His vision and movement make him a complete player, capable of creating chances for himself and his teammates.
Impressive Numbers
Throughout his career, Dinenno has played 355 matches, scored 133 goals, and provided 11 assists, with his Pumas stint being a highlight. In 2024, he logged 1,335 minutes for Cruzeiro, with 659 at home and 676 away. While he has yet to score in the 2025 Série A, his track record suggests he has much more to offer.
Challenges and Legacy
Overcoming Injuries
Injuries have been a significant hurdle in Dinenno’s career, particularly in 2024. The nasal fracture, pubic injury, and ACL tear sidelined him for extended periods. Yet, his resilience in returning and scoring in crucial moments reflects his winning mentality.
A Potential Icon
Despite the challenges, Dinenno has won the hearts of fans at every club he’s played for. At Pumas, he became the 10th-highest scorer in club history. At Cruzeiro, his debut and derby goals endeared him to supporters. Now at São Paulo, he has the chance to leave his mark in a new chapter.
Conclusion
Juan Ignacio Dinenno de Cara is more than a talented striker; he is a symbol of perseverance and passion for football. From Rosario to Brazil, via Ecuador, Colombia, and Mexico, he has built a career full of memorable moments. Despite injuries, his goal-scoring instinct and determination continue to inspire. At São Paulo, Dinenno has the opportunity to write a new chapter in his story, and fans eagerly await more goals and achievements.
