Leonardo Ponzio

Leonardo Daniel «Leo» Ponzio, born in Las Rosas, Santa Fe, Argentina on January 29, 1982, is a former professional football player and manager who primarily played as a defensive midfielder, and currently manages River Plate.

He started his professional career at Newell's Old Boys in 2000 before moving to Spanish side Real Zaragoza in 2003, where he won the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de España, later returning to achieve promotion and become the foreign player with the most official appearances in the club's history.

Across two spells with River Plate between 2007 and 2021, he achieved legendary status by winning 17 official titles—including two Copa Libertadores and multiple national championships—becoming the most decorated player in the institution's history.

He represented the Argentina national team between 2003 and 2007, as well as in 2013, and was part of the squad that won the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship.

Following his retirement from professional football in September 2022 after a brief return to play for his childhood club Williams Kemmis, he worked within River Plate's technical secretariat.

On August 27, 2026, following the departure of Eduardo Coudet, Ponzio was appointed as the head coach of River Plate's first team, stepping directly into the managerial role.