Introduction
Santiago Leonel Sosa is one of the brightest stars in Argentine football in recent years. Born on May 3, 1999, in La Plata, the 26-year-old stands out as a defensive midfielder with remarkable grit and game vision, making him indispensable for his teams. Starting in River Plate’s youth academy and venturing into Major League Soccer in the United States, Sosa found his peak in 2025 after permanently transferring to Racing Club. His career is marked by significant titles, such as the 2018 Copa Libertadores and the 2024 Copa Sudamericana, and a dedication that inspires fans. This article explores Sosa’s life and career, focusing on his recent electrifying performance in the Libertadores semifinal against Flamengo in October 2025. With over 100 professional matches and a tenacious style that positions him as a midfield reference, Sosa exemplifies how Argentine talent can shine across the continent.
His story is not just about goals and assists but about overcoming challenges. From a boy in La Plata to a pillar at Racing, Sosa embodies the essence of South American football: passion, resilience, and constant evolution. Let’s dive into the details of his journey, from his first steps to the spotlight at the Maracanã.
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Early Life and Development
Origins in La Plata
Santiago Sosa was born into a humble family in La Plata, Buenos Aires province, where football is more than a sport—it’s a family tradition. From age five, he kicked a ball in the streets, inspired by idols like Javier Mascherano and Fernando Gago, midfielders he admired for their tactical intelligence. His parents, dedicated workers, recognized his talent early and enrolled him in Club Mercedes, a local team that launched his career. There, Sosa learned the fundamentals: tough tackling, precise passing, and the importance of never giving up on a play.
La Plata, known as the “City of Diagonals,” is a cradle of Argentine talent. Sosa grew up supporting Estudiantes, but his life changed at nine, in 2008, when he was invited to trial for River Plate, one of Argentina’s football giants. Moving to Buenos Aires was challenging; away from family, he quickly adapted to the demands of the youth academy. “Football took me off the streets and gave me purpose,” Sosa said in a recent September 2025 interview with Olé, reflecting on those days.
Youth Career at River Plate
At River Plate, Sosa joined the club’s legendary academy, which also produced players like Enzo Fernández and Exequiel Palacios. From ages 9 to 19, he climbed the ranks from U-10 to U-20, always as a captain due to his natural leadership. Coaches praised his tireless work ethic—he was the first to arrive and last to leave training. By 2017, at 18, Sosa was training with the first team under Marcelo Gallardo, the coach who shaped him into a modern midfielder: strong in ball recovery yet capable of starting attacking plays.
During these years, Sosa faced minor injuries, like an ankle sprain in 2016, but used downtime to study European match footage. His dual Argentine-Croatian citizenship, inherited from his maternal grandparents, opened possibilities for Croatia’s national team, but he always prioritized Argentina’s Albiceleste. In La Plata, childhood friends still call him “Santi, the pitbull” for his relentless ball-winning in midfield. This formative period from 2008 to 2018 was crucial: Sosa played over 150 youth matches, building the confidence for his professional leap.
Family and Personal Influences
Sosa’s family is his foundation. His father, a former amateur player, drove him to training, while his mother encouraged his studies alongside football. He has two younger siblings who now attend his Racing matches. Off the pitch, Sosa is reserved: he enjoys barbecues with friends, Argentine rock music, and short trips to Buenos Aires’ coast. In 2025, he revealed on an Instagram Live that he adopted a Labrador named “Libertadores” in honor of his 2018 title. His calm demeanor contrasts with his intensity on the field, making him a relatable idol for young fans.
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Professional Career
Debut and Rise at River Plate (2018-2021)
Sosa’s professional debut came on August 29, 2018, in the Copa Libertadores against Racing Club—ironically, his current team. Entering in the 74th minute of a 3-0 victory, he showed immediate composure, winning two balls and distributing accurate passes. Under Gallardo, Sosa became a key midfielder: in 2018-19, he played 5 matches; in 2019-20, 2 in the league; and in 2020-21, he shone with 8 in the Copa de la Liga and 6 in the Libertadores.
In total, Sosa made 21 appearances for River, without scoring but with decisive contributions. He helped win the 2018 Libertadores (as a substitute), the 2019 Copa Argentina, and the 2019 Recopa Sudamericana. His relentless tackling was vital against rivals like Boca Juniors. “Sosa is the future of the Argentine midfielder,” Gallardo praised in 2020. At 21, in February 2021, a major turning point came: a transfer to Atlanta United in the MLS for around $6 million, as part of the club’s U-22 initiative.
Adventure in the United States: Atlanta United (2021-2024)
In the U.S., Sosa arrived as a prospect. His debut was on April 6, 2021, in the CONCACAF Champions League, a 1-0 win over Alajuelense. He scored his first professional goal on May 4 against Philadelphia Union, tying the game 1-1. In the MLS, he played 47 matches and scored once by 2023, logging 1,409 minutes in 2022, showing consistency. A three-match suspension in 2022 for an inappropriate word on the field was a setback, but he bounced back with strong performances.
In 2023, injuries limited him to one MLS game, but he excelled in the Champions Cup. Overall, he made 70 appearances for Atlanta, with one goal and one assist. “The MLS taught me to be a professional in a more physical game,” Sosa said in a December 2024 interview with MLSsoccer.com. His 2024 loan to Racing changed everything: 48 matches, 2 goals, and the Copa Sudamericana title, starting in every phase, including the final against Cruzeiro.
Triumphant Return to Racing Club (2025)
In January 2025, Racing exercised a $4 million purchase option, and Sosa signed until 2027, wearing the No. 13 jersey. In the Torneo Clausura, he’s played 20 matches, scoring once with a high tackle average (3.5 per game). His partnership with Juan Nardoni has strengthened Racing’s midfield. In September 2025, against Unión de Santa Fe, he scored a header in the 78th minute, securing a 3-2 away win—rated 7.1 by Sofascore.
In the South American context, Sosa adapted to the intense pace. His market value rose to €5 million on Transfermarkt. Against San Lorenzo on September 12, he led with 85% pass accuracy. Sosa is Racing’s engine: he recovers balls, starts counterattacks, and never backs down.
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International Career and Playing Style
Argentina National Team and Croatian Potential
For Argentina’s U-20 team, Sosa played 12 matches until 2019, without scoring, but was pivotal in the South American U-20 Championship and the U-20 World Cup in Poland, with 4 appearances. He trained with the senior team in 2019 under Lionel Scaloni, who praised his “pitbull grit.” His Croatian citizenship qualifies him for their national team, but Sosa dreams of Argentina’s senior squad: “I want to be at the 2026 World Cup,” he said in October 2025.
Playing Style: The Complete Midfielder
Sosa is the prototype of a modern midfielder: 1.75m, 78kg, right-footed, strong in one-on-one duels (wins 65%). His game-reading is exceptional, averaging 2 interceptions per match. He’s not a prolific scorer (only 4 career goals), but his long-pass accuracy (85%) and leadership stand out. Compared to Guido Rodríguez, he blends defense with quick transitions. In Racing, his FC 25 rating of 76 reflects his versatility.
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Recent Updates in 2025
Libertadores Highlight: Semifinal Against Flamengo
October 2025 was unforgettable for Sosa. In the Copa Libertadores semifinal first leg at the Maracanã against Flamengo on October 22, he was Racing’s best player. Playing the full 90 minutes, he recorded 4 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 92% pass accuracy. Despite Racing’s 1-0 loss (own goal by Marcos Rojo), Sosa kept the team in contention, thwarting Flamengo’s counterattacks. “Sosa is the team’s heart,” tweeted journalist Rodolfo Cingolani.
A violent clash with teammate Rojo left Sosa with a swollen, bleeding eye, requiring stitches. Videos went viral on X, with fans calling him a “warrior.” Posts from @DSportsAR (“What a hit!”) and @OC_Libertadores (“This is how Sosa looked!”) amassed millions of views. Despite the injury, he left the pitch to applause. The return leg in Avellaneda is set for November—Sosa vows to be ready.
Torneo Clausura and Copa Sudamericana Season
In the 2025 Clausura, Sosa has 15 matches, 1 goal, and leads in recoveries (52). In March, against Independiente, he provided a decisive assist. In the Copa Sudamericana, he defended the title with solid performances in the round of 16. Transfermarkt reports interest from European clubs like Valencia, but Sosa focuses on Racing: “I want the Libertadores here.” On October 6, against Independiente, he scored a header, validated by VAR.
Injuries? Just a minor strain in February, recovered in 10 days. Off the field, he visited La Plata in July, opening a football school for underprivileged kids. In livestreams, he shares admiration for Scaloni and Messi.
Future Prospects
With a contract until 2027, Sosa aims for the Libertadores final. Rumors of a return to the MLS or a move to Europe persist, but he prioritizes titles. “2025 is my year of consolidation,” he told TyC Sports. His grit at the Maracanã inspires: Racing remains alive in the tie, and Sosa, more than ever, is a symbol of resilience.
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Conclusion
Santiago Sosa transcends the pitch: he’s the son of La Plata who conquered River, shone in the MLS, and now leads Racing toward continental glory. From his 2018 debut to his heroic 2025 injury, his journey is one of perseverance. At 26, his future is bright—perhaps a World Cup call-up awaits? Argentine and Brazilian fans applaud him: Sosa doesn’t just play football; he lives it. Here’s to more chapters in this story of passion and triumph.
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