Lucas Ariel Ocampos: The Journey of an Argentine Star at Monterrey
Lucas Ariel Ocampos is a professional Argentine footballer who plays as a winger or forward for the Mexican club Monterrey in Liga MX. With a career marked by talent, versatility, and memorable moments, Ocampos has won fans worldwide, from the pitches of Argentina to European stadiums and now in the vibrant Mexican football scene. This article explores Ocampos’ journey, from his early days in football to his arrival at Monterrey, highlighting his skills, achievements, and impact on the sport.
Early Life and First Steps in Football
Origins in Quilmes
Born on July 11, 1994, in Quilmes, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, Lucas Ariel Ocampos grew up in a city with a strong footballing tradition. From a young age, football was part of his life. At six, he began playing in the youth ranks of Quilmes Atlético Club, where he initially featured as a center-forward. His speed, technique, and goal-scoring instinct quickly caught the attention of scouts.
Discovery by River Plate
Ocampos’ talent didn’t go unnoticed for long. During a youth match against River Plate, he scored two goals, impressing the club’s officials. After the 2009 South American U-15 Championship, where he scored twice for Argentina, River Plate acquired 50% of his transfer rights. At the club, Ocampos was molded into a winger, leveraging his speed and dribbling skills to excel on the flanks.
Professional Debut and Rise at River Plate
First Matches
In 2011, River Plate faced a challenging moment, having been relegated to the Primera B Nacional, Argentina’s second division, for the first time in its history. Under coach Matías Almeyda, Ocampos earned his first opportunity in the senior team. On August 16, 2011, at just 17 years old, he debuted against Chacarita Juniors in a 1-0 victory. His maturity on the pitch, despite his young age, surprised everyone.
In the following round, Ocampos scored his first professional goal against Independiente Rivadavia, opening the scoring in a 3-1 win. He continued to shine, scoring in consecutive matches, including a 7-1 thrashing of Atlanta. Throughout the 2011-12 season, Ocampos played 38 matches and scored seven goals, playing a pivotal role in River Plate’s campaign to return to the Primera División.
International Recognition
Ocampos’ performances at River Plate drew attention from European clubs. In 2012, FIFA included him in its “Players to Watch” list, highlighting his potential. His dribbling ability, speed, and knack for deciding games earned him comparisons to a young Cristiano Ronaldo, marking him as a rising star in Argentine football.
European Adventure: From Monaco to Sevilla
Transfer to Monaco
In August 2012, AS Monaco, then in France’s Ligue 2, signed Ocampos for a record €11 million, making him the most expensive signing in the history of the French second division. Under coach Claudio Ranieri, he debuted against Le Havre and scored his first goal in a Coupe de la Ligue match against Valenciennes with a spectacular bicycle kick, voted “Goal of the Season” by Monaco fans.
In the 2012-13 season, Ocampos played 29 matches and scored four goals, helping Monaco win the Ligue 2 title and secure promotion to Ligue 1. The following season, in France’s top flight, he faced competition from stars like James Rodríguez and Radamel Falcao but still managed five goals in 34 matches. Despite finishing as Ligue 1 runners-up, his playing time decreased, prompting him to seek new challenges.
Spells at Marseille, Milan, and Genoa
In 2015, Ocampos joined Olympique de Marseille, initially on loan with an option to buy. Under Marcelo Bielsa’s guidance, he became a regular starter, particularly in the Europa League. His stint at Marseille was marked by consistent performances, with seven goals in 43 matches during the 2015-16 season.
Between 2016 and 2017, Ocampos had brief loan spells in Italy with Genoa and Milan. At Genoa, he scored three goals in 17 matches but was hampered by a knee injury. At Milan, he had fewer opportunities, appearing in 12 matches without scoring. Despite the ups and downs, these experiences made him a more mature and adaptable player.
Peak at Sevilla
In July 2019, Ocampos signed with Sevilla, where he reached the pinnacle of his career. His versatility, intensity, and technical quality made him a key player under coach Julen Lopetegui. In the 2019-20 season, he was a protagonist in Sevilla’s Europa League triumph, scoring decisive goals and leading the team on the pitch. A standout moment came against Eibar, when he replaced injured goalkeeper Tomáš Vaclík in the final minutes and made a crucial save to secure a 1-0 victory.
From 2019 to 2023, Ocampos played 142 matches for Sevilla, scoring 34 goals and winning two Europa League titles (2019-20 and 2022-23). His time at the club included a brief loan to Ajax in 2022, but he returned to Sevilla after playing just 114 minutes in the Netherlands. His dedication and charisma made him a fan favorite among Sevilla supporters.
Argentine National Team
Call-Ups and Goals
Ocampos represented Argentina at the youth level, competing in the 2009 South American U-15 Championship and the 2011 South American U-17 Championship. His senior team debut came on October 9, 2019, in a friendly against Germany. Coming off the bench, he scored the equalizer in a 2-2 draw at the 85th minute. Days later, he scored again in a 6-1 rout of Ecuador. As of 2025, Ocampos has 12 caps and two goals for the Albiceleste.
Arrival at Monterrey: A New Chapter
Surprise Transfer
On September 3, 2024, Monterrey announced the signing of Ocampos for €7.25 million in a permanent transfer from Sevilla. The contract, valid until June 2027, marked the arrival of a player with extensive European experience to Liga MX. The news was met with excitement from Rayados fans, who saw the signing as a major coup for the club.
Impact in Liga MX
Since his arrival, Ocampos has quickly adapted to the style of play in Liga MX. His physicality, one-on-one skills, and game vision have made him a vital part of Monterrey’s attack. In June 2025, during the Club World Cup, he stood out in a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.
Playing Style
Ocampos is known for his versatility, capable of playing as a left winger, right winger, or even a central forward. His speed and tricky dribbling allow him to beat defenders with ease, while his tenacity and work rate make him a complete player. At Monterrey, he has excelled in creating chances and finishing with precision, contributing both goals and assists.
Personal Life
Family and Marriage
Off the pitch, Ocampos is a family man. On December 4, 2017, he married María José Barbeito, known as Majooh Barbeito. The couple has two daughters: Luisana Zoé, born in 2015, and Logan, born in 2017. Ocampos often shares moments with his family on social media, showing his human and relatable side to fans.
Adidas Ambassador
Since 2012, Ocampos has been an Adidas ambassador, wearing boots like the Adizero F50. His association with the brand reflects his status as one of his generation’s most promising players. In 2012, he was also voted the “Best Prospect in Argentine Football,” recognizing his potential.
Legacy and Future
Achievements and Impact
At 30 years old, Lucas Ocampos has already built an impressive résumé, with titles including Ligue 2 (2013), Primera B Nacional (2012), and two Europa League crowns (2020, 2023). His journey, marked by overcoming challenges and adapting to new environments, is a testament to his resilience and talent. At Monterrey, he aims to leave his mark in Liga MX and help the club win domestic and international titles.
Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
With a contract until 2027, Ocampos has time to establish himself as a leader at Monterrey. His European experience and technical quality could be decisive in competitions like the 2025 Clausura and the Leagues Cup. Additionally, he still dreams of representing Argentina at a World Cup, a goal that keeps his ambition alive.
Conclusion
Lucas Ariel Ocampos is more than a footballer; he is a symbol of dedication and passion for the sport. From the fields of Quilmes to the stadiums of Monterrey, his career is a story of talent, hard work, and triumphs. In Mexico, he has found a new home, where he continues to captivate fans with his skill and charisma. The future promises even more exciting chapters in the journey of this Argentine star.
