Mateo Sanabria is one of those names rapidly gaining traction in the football world. At just 21 years old, the young Argentine forward has already played for prominent clubs in Argentina, tackled the challenges of the Middle East, and is now aiming to cement his career in Brazil, donning the jersey of Esporte Clube Bahia. Born in Lomas de Zamora, in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area, Sanabria represents a new generation of South American players who blend refined technique with relentless grit. His journey is marked by bold decisions, quick adaptations, and moments of brilliance that promise a bright future.
This article dives into the life and career of Mateo Sanabria, from his first kicks to his latest challenges in the Brasileirão. With a playing style reminiscent of Argentina’s great dribblers, he is a fast, skillful left-winger, adept at one-on-one duels and always ready to decide matches. Let’s explore his journey step by step.
Childhood and Early Football Steps
Mateo Naím Sanabria Doracio was born on March 31, 2004, in Lomas de Zamora, a working-class city south of Buenos Aires known for its football passion. Raised in a humble family, Sanabria grew up in a neighborhood where the sport was more than leisure—it was a way to dream big. From a young age, he showed natural talent with the ball. At seven, he trained at local football schools, chasing a worn-out ball on dusty pitches.
His parents, dedicated workers, always encouraged him to pursue his dream. “Football was what made me happy,” Sanabria recalled in a recent interview, reminiscing about endless afternoons playing with friends. Right-footed but versatile, he soon shifted to the left wing, where he could cut inside and finish with precision. At 10, a scout from Club Atlético Lanús spotted him at a youth tournament. It was the start of everything.
threads.com 🚨🚨🚨🚨 Bahia have officially announced the signing of former Al-Ain striker Mateo Sanabria. Contract until 2030
The image above captures his arrival at Bahia, surrounded by teammates, symbolizing the start of a new chapter.
Youth Development at Lanús
Lanús, a club renowned for producing stars like Lautaro Martínez and Paolo Guerrero, became Sanabria’s home. At 12, he joined their youth ranks, training under experienced coaches who taught him the importance of team play while preserving his individual flair. In the under-15 and under-17 teams, he stood out for his speed and ability to unsettle defenses. In 2019, at the Under-17 World Cup, Sanabria shared the locker room with talents like Equi Fernández and Valentín Barco, learning lessons in early maturity. “Lanús taught me to be professional,” he said. Intense training, travel, and the pressure of representing a big club shaped his character. By 17, he was captain of the youth team, scoring decisive goals in regional tournaments.
His dedication caught attention. In January 2022, a COVID-19 outbreak in Lanús’ senior squad opened unexpected doors. Sanabria was called to train with the first team, seizing the opportunity with both hands—a springboard to the professional world.
Debut and Rise at Lanús
Sanabria’s first-team debut for Lanús came in 2022, in a Copa de la Liga Argentina match. At just 18, he came off the bench in the second half, impressing with his boldness: sharp dribbles, accurate crosses, and a near-goal finish. Over the season, he played 25 matches and scored twice—modest numbers that hinted at his potential.
In the Argentine Primera División, Sanabria became a regular substitute, making key contributions. His first professional goal came against Unión, a curled shot from outside the box that ignited the Estadio Presidente Perón crowd. Critics praised his game vision and quick decision-making. “He has the DNA of Argentine football: dribbling and heart,” a local journalist noted.
In 2023, with stiff competition in Lanús’ attack, the club opted for a loan to give him experience. By then, Sanabria was already seen as a gem, with his contract extended to 2025.
Loan to Central Córdoba: Lessons in Adversity
In 2023, Sanabria was loaned to Central Córdoba in Santiago del Estero, a mid-table Primera División club. The move to Argentina’s interior was a cultural shift: far from Buenos Aires’ hustle, he adapted to a simpler routine and a passionate but demanding fanbase.
At the Ferroviário, Sanabria exploded. In 28 matches, he scored four goals and provided key assists, helping the team avoid relegation. His standout moment was a 2-1 win over River Plate, where he dribbled past two defenders and assisted the winning goal. “Central made me a man,” Sanabria reflected. He dealt with minor injuries and the pressure of being Lanús’ “golden boy,” learning to manage expectations.
The loan ended in June 2024, and Sanabria returned to Lanús as a starter. But bigger plans awaited: offers from abroad started pouring in.
Adventure in the UAE: Al Ain and the International Leap
In August 2024, Sanabria made a bold move, transferring to Al Ain FC in the United Arab Emirates for about $4.5 million (70% of Lanús’ rights). Signing until 2028, he wore the number 19 jersey alongside stars like Neymar in friendlies.
Adapting to Asian football was tough. The scorching heat, physical style, and language barrier tested his resilience. In the UAE Pro League, he played 21 matches and scored three goals, including one in a win over Hatta in the President’s Cup. In the AFC Champions League, he contributed a goal in five matches, helping Al Ain advance. Highlights included a goal against Al Hilal, featuring Neymar, in a thrilling 5-4 loss, and solid performances in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Sanabria praised the club’s professionalism: “Everything there is top-notch. I learned discipline.” Despite a quiet Club World Cup, his speed and dribbling made him a regular starter.
In 2025, with Al Ain prioritizing sales post-World Cup, Sanabria requested a move to Brazil, drawn by South American football’s passion.
gettyimages.co.nz Mateo Sanabria of Bahia celebrates with teammates after scoring… News Photo – Getty Images
Here, Sanabria celebrates his goal against Vasco, an iconic moment in his Bahia stint.
Arrival at Bahia: A New Home in Salvador
In August 2025, Bahia signed Sanabria for €5 million, with a contract until December 2030. The deal with Al Ain was swift, and the Argentine landed in Salvador wearing the number 23. “Bahia is a giant club with an incredible fanbase. I want to win titles here,” he declared at his unveiling.
The move to Brazil was no coincidence. Sanabria saw the Brasileirão as the perfect stage for his attacking football, inspired by idols like Ángel Di María. Under coach Rogério Ceni (or his successor, pending updates), he quickly integrated into Bahia’s multicultural squad alongside compatriots like Santiago Ramos Mingo.
The passionate Bahia fans embraced him immediately. In his debut against Flamengo, Sanabria came off the bench and nearly scored, showing grit in a narrow loss.
Performance in the 2025 Brasileirão: Goals and Controversies
In the 2025 Brasileirão, Sanabria has played six Série A matches, scoring one goal and no assists as of October. His first start came against Vasco da Gama on September 25, where he scored in the 31st minute, securing a key victory. The goal—a curled shot after a sharp dribble—was celebrated with teammates and went viral online.
In the Copa do Brasil, he played one match without scoring but showed versatility on the right wing. His style—fast, with strong ball control and precise finishing—suits Brazilian football, though he’s still finding his rhythm after the UAE stint.
Not everything has been smooth. On October 2, 2025, against Botafogo, Sanabria received a yellow card late in the first half for a harsh foul. In the second half, at the 14th minute, he was shown a straight red for diving to win a penalty, a controversial call by referee Felipe Fernandes de Lima. Suspended for the Flamengo derby, the incident sparked debate about his impulsiveness. Despite this, coaches praise his work ethic in training.
Playing Style and Captivating Skills
What makes Sanabria special? His one-on-one ability is legendary. At 1.78m, he uses his low center of gravity for explosive direction changes, leaving defenders behind. Technically gifted, he favors his right foot for mid-range shots and crosses. His peripheral vision makes him lethal in counterattacks, and he’s relentless in pressing.
Compared to youngsters like Alejandro Garnacho, Sanabria is more polished in passing but needs to improve consistency in big games. At Al Ain, he adapted to varied tactical systems, enhancing his versatility. “He has competitive bite,” a former coach said.
Future and Prospects: From Bahia to the World?
At 21, Sanabria is at a developmental peak. With Bahia, he aims for the 2026 Libertadores and a call-up to Argentina’s under-23 team. Rumors of European interest—like from Independiente, who tried in January 2025 but were blocked by Al Ain—persist, but he’s focused on the present.
His Italian-Argentine dual citizenship opens doors to the Azzurri, but his heart is with Argentina’s sky-blue and white. “I want to play a World Cup for Argentina,” he dreams. With Bahia pushing for a top-six finish in the Brasileirão, Sanabria could be the difference in an electrifying final stretch.
Conclusion: A Rising Star
Mateo Sanabria is more than a promise—he’s a proven talent ready for bigger challenges. From Lomas de Zamora to the Fonte Nova pitches, his journey inspires young players to dream big. With recent goals and lessons from controversies, he proves football is about perseverance. In Brazil, where the game is art, Sanabria has found the perfect stage. Here’s to more dribbles, goals, and, perhaps, titles. The football world is watching.