PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Exequiel Alejandro Palacios |
| Date of Birth | 05/10/1998 (Age: 27) |
| Place of Birth | Famaillá, Tucumán, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Height | 1.76 m / 5 ft 9 in |
| Weight | 69 kg |
| Position | Central Midfielder / Defensive Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #25 |
| Current Club | Bayer Leverkusen |
| Previous Clubs | River Plate |
| International Caps | 41+ |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2022 (Winner), 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2030 |
The Frozen Moment
The Doha night was electric. December 18, 2022. Argentina and France had just played out one of the most extraordinary World Cup finals in history—3-3 after extra time. The weight of a nation rested on the shoulders of eleven men as they prepared for the penalty shootout.
Exequiel Palacios had been an unused substitute for most of the tournament. His World Cup minutes in Qatar amounted to just 47 minutes across three substitute appearances—against Mexico, Australia, and Croatia. But in that moment, as his teammates prepared to take the most important penalties of their lives, Palacios was there, supporting, believing.
He had watched from the bench as Argentina’s World Cup dream hung in the balance. He had been part of the squad, part of the journey, but not yet part of the defining moment. When Gonzalo Montiel stepped up and scored the winning penalty, Palacios erupted with joy alongside his teammates.
The boy from Famaillá, who had overcome injuries and setbacks throughout his career, was now a world champion. The resilience that had defined his journey had finally been rewarded on the biggest stage of all.
Origins
Exequiel Alejandro Palacios was born on October 5, 1998, in Famaillá, a small city in the province of Tucumán, Argentina. From a young age, he displayed a natural talent for football, and his journey to the top began in the youth ranks of one of Argentina’s most storied clubs.
He joined the youth academy of River Plate, where he developed alongside some of the best young talents in the country. His rise through the ranks was steady, and he made his first-team debut for River Plate in 2015 at just 16 years old. Over the next few years, he gradually became a more prominent figure in the squad, making appearances in the Argentine Primera División.
At River Plate, he made 26 league appearances over several seasons, scoring 4 goals and providing 6 assists across 2017-2020. His performances in Argentina earned him a reputation as one of the country’s most promising midfielders.
The European Forge
River Plate (2015-2020):
Palacios progressed through the youth ranks at River Plate, making his first-team debut at 16. He made 26 league appearances, scoring 4 goals and registering 6 assists. His performances in the Argentine Primera División, including 16 appearances in the 2019-20 season where he scored 2 goals, caught the attention of European scouts.
Bayer Leverkusen (2020-Present):
In January 2020, Palacios made the move to Europe, joining Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga for approximately €17 million. The move to Germany was a significant step up, and Palacios quickly adapted to the demands of European football.
Over his time at Leverkusen, Palacios has become a key figure in the midfield. As of 2025, he had accumulated 162 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals and providing 16 assists. He was instrumental in Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning campaign and their DFB-Pokal victory.
His performances have earned him recognition as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Bundesliga. In the Kicker ranking for defensive midfielders, Palacios was rated as “International Class” (IK) in both Winter 2024/25 (Rank 3) and Summer 2024 (Rank 2).
In October 2025, Palacios signed a contract extension with Bayer Leverkusen until 2030. Simon Rolfes, the club’s sporting director, praised his development: “Since his arrival in 2020, he has become a pillar of the team. He has been one of the most outstanding players in recent years.”
However, his time in Germany has also been marked by injuries. He missed 58 games due to various physical issues, including a myotendinous injury to his right adductor in September 2025 that sidelined him for four months.
The Anatomy of His Game
Palacios is a central midfielder defined by tactical intelligence, passing range, and defensive work rate. He is a player who can control the tempo of a game and contribute at both ends of the pitch.
In Possession, Palacios is a composed and technically proficient passer. In the 2025-26 Bundesliga season, he recorded a pass completion rate of 90.7%. He is capable of dictating play from deep and progressing the ball through the lines. He contributed 1 assist in the Bundesliga and created a total of 27 goal-scoring opportunities across his career.
Out of Possession, Palacios is a tenacious defender. In the 2025-26 Bundesliga season, he won 133 tackles. His tactical awareness allows him to break up opposition attacks and provide cover for his defense.
Physical Attributes:
Standing at 1.76 meters and weighing 69 kg, Palacios is not the most physically imposing midfielder, but his intelligence and positioning allow him to be effective. He has a top speed of 31.61 km/h and covers significant ground in matches, covering 144 km across his appearances.
Psychological Edge:
Palacios’s resilience is his defining characteristic. He has overcome numerous injuries throughout his career, including a four-month layoff in 2025, and consistently returned to his best form. His maturity and experience make him a reliable presence in the Argentina squad.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (Club Career)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Bayer Leverkusen | Bundesliga | 18 | 0 | 1 |
| 2025/26 | Bayer Leverkusen | Champions League | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024/25 | Bayer Leverkusen | Bundesliga | 24 | 1 | 6 |
| 2024/25 | Bayer Leverkusen | Champions League | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | Bayer Leverkusen | Bundesliga | 24 | 4 | 5 |
| 2023/24 | Bayer Leverkusen | Europa League | 9 | 0 | 1 |
| 2022/23 | Bayer Leverkusen | Bundesliga | 25 | 4 | 2 |
| 2021/22 | Bayer Leverkusen | Bundesliga | 23 | 2 | 2 |
| 2020/21 | Bayer Leverkusen | Bundesliga | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019/20 | River Plate | Argentine Primera | 15 | 1 | 1 |
| 2018/19 | River Plate | Argentine Primera | 14 | 1 | 4 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 176+ | 13+ | 22+ |
TABLE B: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2022 | 3 (sub) | 0 | Winner |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1+ | 0 | In Progress |
| Copa América 2024 | 2 | 0 | Winner |
| Argentina Senior Career | 41+ | 0 | — |
TABLE C: The Impact Table (Major Honours)
| Competition | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup | 2022 |
| Copa América | 2024 |
| Bundesliga | 2023/24 |
| DFB-Pokal | 2023/24 |
| Copa Libertadores | 2018 |
| Total Major Trophies | 5 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | River Plate Debut | Made first-team debut at age 16 |
| 2018 | Copa Libertadores Winner | Won with River Plate |
| 2020 | Bayer Leverkusen Transfer | Moved to Europe for €17 million |
| 2021 | Argentina Debut | Earned first senior cap |
| 2022 | World Cup Winner | Part of Argentina’s winning squad |
| 2023/24 | Bundesliga Winner | Won Bundesliga with Leverkusen |
| 2024 | Copa América Winner | Second major international trophy |
| 2025 | Contract Extension | Signed until 2030 with Leverkusen |
| 2026 | World Cup Campaign | Key squad member in title defense |
TABLE E: 2025/26 Bundesliga Performance
| Metric | Total | Per 90 |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 18 | — |
| Minutes | 1,097 | — |
| Goals | 0 | — |
| Assists | 1 | — |
| Pass Completion | 90.7% | — |
| Tackles Won | 133 | — |
| Distance Covered | 144 km | — |
What these figures reveal is a player who has become a consistent performer at the highest level for both club and country. Palacios has won a World Cup, a Copa América, a Bundesliga title, and a DFB-Pokal. His resilience in overcoming injuries and returning to form is a testament to his character.
The Present Tense
Exequiel Palacios is 27 years old and in the prime of his career. He is a key player for Bayer Leverkusen and a trusted member of Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad.
The Leverkusen Story:
Palacios has been at Leverkusen since 2020 and has become a pillar of the team. Despite a challenging 2025-26 season, where he was sidelined for four months with a myotendinous injury to his right adductor, he returned to form and made 18 Bundesliga appearances. He signed a contract extension until 2030, demonstrating his commitment to the club.
The World Cup Campaign:
Palacios was named in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad. In the group stage match against Jordan, Scaloni deployed him in an unfamiliar position—right-back—to preserve first-choice full-backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel. Palacios played the full 90 minutes, his first World Cup start, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to the team.
Scaloni explained the decision: “Pala gave us a hand thinking about a potential problem we could have in that position. We don’t have many who can play there, and Pala did it well.” Palacios embraced the challenge: “It’s something new for me to play in that position. I had done it when I was very young in the youth teams, but in order to be there and help the team, my country, I’ll play in any position.”
International Record:
As of the 2026 World Cup, Palacios has 41 appearances for Argentina with 6 assists and no goals. He has been a regular presence in Scaloni’s squads throughout the cycle.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Palacios is known for his professionalism and resilience. He has overcome significant injury setbacks throughout his career, a trait that has earned him respect from teammates and coaches.
“Bayer Leverkusen has experienced extraordinary development since I arrived in Germany five years ago. It’s a fantastic feeling to have been an important part of this process,” Palacios said after signing his contract extension.
His commitment to the national team is unquestionable. Despite arriving at Argentina camps with injuries on multiple occasions, Scaloni has continued to trust him. Palacios reflected on his journey: “I feel more mature than four years ago. I also arrive at the World Cup in better physical shape, because in the previous one I went with some pains. Today I feel fit.”
The Verdict from the Camp
Lionel Scaloni, Argentina head coach:
“Everyone is there to give a hand to the team. We didn’t want to risk Nahuel, we wanted to take care of Gonzalo. Pala gave us a hand thinking about a potential problem we could have in that position.”
Simon Rolfes, Bayer Leverkusen sporting director:
“Since his arrival in 2020, he has become a pillar of the team. He has been one of the most outstanding players in recent years. Palacios’s value has increased season after season. His international experience and strategic qualities make him an essential piece for a team with title ambitions.”
Exequiel Palacios:
“I feel more mature than four years ago… It’s a joy and a pride that they continue to trust in one for the whole process. I know that on some occasions I arrived at the camp with difficult injuries and, beyond that, they continued to bet on me.”
Where Next?
Exequiel Palacios is 27 years old and at the peak of his powers. He is under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2030, and his future is firmly established in Germany. He has won a World Cup, a Copa América, a Bundesliga title, and a DFB-Pokal. For Argentina, he represents both the present and the future. At 27, he is one of the more experienced members of the squad and is expected to continue as a key figure in Scaloni’s plans beyond the 2026 World Cup.
His resilience in overcoming injuries and his versatility in playing multiple positions make him an invaluable asset. Whether in central midfield or deployed in an unfamiliar role, Palacios has proven that he will do whatever it takes to help his team succeed. From Famaillá to the World Cup, Exequiel Palacios’s journey is a testament to resilience, commitment, and the power of never giving up. The boy from Tucumán who overcame injury after injury is now a world champion, and his story continues to inspire.
