Jonás Gutiérrez

Jonás Manuel Gutiérrez arrived in the world on July 5, 1983, in Buenos Aires. This Argentine midfielder built a career defined by resilience and flair, earning two distinct nicknames that reflected his playing style and personality. Fans knew him as Spider-Man because he celebrated goals by donning a superhero mask, while teammates called him El Galgo, or The Greyhound, for his speed on the pitch. His journey started at Vélez Sarsfield, where he helped secure the Clausura title before moving to Mallorca in 2005. Gutiérrez found his true home three years later when he joined Newcastle United. He became an essential figure for the club, helping them win the Championship title in 2010 and scoring the vital goal in 2015 that kept the team in the Premier League. His time in England faced a severe challenge when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer during his later years at the club. He fought through the illness and returned to full health, eventually tallying 12 goals across 205 matches before leaving the team in 2015. On the international stage, Gutiérrez represented Argentina between 2007 and 2011. He earned 22 caps and played a key role in the squad that competed in the 2010 World Cup. Diego Maradona, who managed the national team at the time, spoke highly of his contribution, famously stating that his lineup consisted of Mascherano, Messi, Jonás, and eight more players.[edit]