Manuel Ugarte is a Uruguayan professional footballer who currently plays as a defensive midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain and the Uruguay national team. Born on April 11, 2001, in Montevideo, Uruguay, Ugarte started his football career at Fénix’s youth academy and was promoted to the first team in 2016. He caught the attention of several European clubs after his impressive performances in the Primeira Liga with Famalicão, leading to his signing with Paris Saint-Germain in July 2023.
Ugarte’s playing style is characterized by his ability to control the midfield with his excellent passing, vision, and tackling skills. He is also known for his versatility, being able to play in different positions, including as a central midfielder or a defensive midfielder. His physical attributes, such as his strength, stamina, and agility, make him a valuable asset to any team.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Manuel Ugarte’s player profile, including his early life and career, club career, international career, playing style and abilities, and off-field activities. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about the talented Uruguayan footballer.
Key Takeaways
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- Manuel Ugarte is a talented Uruguayan professional footballer who currently plays as a defensive midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain and the Uruguay national team.
- Ugarte’s playing style is characterized by his excellent passing, vision, and tackling skills, as well as his versatility and physical attributes.
- This article provides an in-depth look at Ugarte’s player profile, including his early life and career, club career, international career, playing style and abilities, and off-field activities.
Early Life and Career
Youth Career
Manuel Ugarte Ribeiro was born on April 11, 2001, in Montevideo, Uruguay. He began his football career at a young age, joining the youth academy of Fénix, a professional football club based in Montevideo. Ugarte quickly showed promise and was promoted to the first team in 2016.
Professional Debut
Ugarte made his professional debut for Fénix in 2018, at the age of 17. He played in the Primera División, the top tier of Uruguayan football, and quickly established himself as a talented defensive midfielder. Ugarte’s performances caught the eye of several European clubs, and in December 2021, he joined Portuguese Primeira Liga side Famalicão.
Ugarte’s time at Famalicão was short-lived, as he was signed by French Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain in August 2023. Ugarte made his debut for PSG in September 2023, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2-0 victory over RC Lens. Since then, he has become a regular starter for the club, impressing fans and critics alike with his skill, work rate, and versatility.
Overall, Ugarte’s early life and career have been marked by hard work, dedication, and a passion for football. He has shown remarkable talent and potential, and many believe that he has a bright future ahead of him in the world of professional football.
Club Career
Statistics by Season
Manuel Ugarte started his club career in 2016 with Fénix’s youth academy in Uruguay. He was promoted to the first team in the same year. In the 2020-2021 season, he made 31 appearances and scored 3 goals for Fénix in the Uruguayan Primera División. In the following season, he joined Famalicão in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. He made 25 appearances and scored 2 goals for the club.
In July 2023, Ugarte signed with Paris Saint-Germain for a reported fee of €45 million. In his debut season with PSG, he made 35 appearances and scored 4 goals in all competitions.
Notable Performances
Ugarte’s standout performance for Fénix came in a match against Nacional in the 2020-2021 season. He scored a goal and provided an assist in a 2-1 victory for his team. His performance earned him the man of the match award.
In his first season with PSG, Ugarte’s notable performance came in a match against Olympique Lyonnais in the Ligue 1. He scored a goal and provided an assist in a 3-1 victory for his team.
Transfers and Contracts
In December 2021, Ugarte signed with Famalicão in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. He signed a contract until 2026. In July 2023, he signed with Paris Saint-Germain for a reported fee of €45 million. He signed a five-year contract with the French club.
International Career
National Team Debut
Manuel Ugarte made his debut for the Uruguay national team on June 12, 2024, in a friendly match against Mexico. He came on as a substitute in the second half and played a crucial role in Uruguay’s 2-1 victory.
International Caps and Goals
As of June 25, 2024, Ugarte has only made one appearance for the Uruguay national team. However, given his impressive performances at club level, it is likely that he will be a regular feature in the national team in the coming years.
| National Team | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Uruguay | 1 | 0 |
Ugarte’s versatility and technical ability make him an asset to the national team. He is capable of playing in a variety of midfield positions, including defensive midfield and central midfield. His ability to read the game and make interceptions make him an effective defensive midfielder, while his passing range and creativity make him a threat going forward.
Overall, Ugarte’s international career is still in its early stages, but he has already shown that he has the potential to become a key player for Uruguay. With his talent and work ethic, it is likely that he will continue to grow and develop as a player, both at club level and on the international stage.
Playing Style and Abilities
Position and Role
Manuel Ugarte is a versatile midfielder who can play both as a defensive midfielder and a central midfielder. He is known for his ability to read the game well and make interceptions, as well as his impressive passing range. Ugarte is also comfortable in possession and can dribble past opponents to create space for himself and his teammates.
At Paris Saint-Germain, Ugarte is expected to play a key role in the midfield, providing cover for the defense and helping to initiate attacks from deep. His ability to play in multiple positions makes him a valuable asset to the team, as he can adapt to different tactical systems and formations.
Skills and Techniques
Ugarte possesses a range of skills and techniques that make him a standout player. His passing accuracy is impressive, with a success rate of over 85% in the 2023/24 season. He is also a good tackler, with an average of 2.5 tackles per game. Ugarte’s ability to intercept passes and break up opposition attacks is another key feature of his game.
In possession, Ugarte is comfortable on the ball and has good ball control. He can dribble past opponents and create space for himself and his teammates. Ugarte is also a good long-range shooter, with an accurate shot that can trouble opposition goalkeepers.
Overall, Ugarte’s playing style and abilities make him a valuable addition to any team. His versatility, passing accuracy, and defensive skills make him a complete midfielder who can contribute to both attack and defense.
Off-Field Activities
Charity Work
Manuel Ugarte is known for his charitable efforts off the field. He has been involved in several initiatives aimed at helping the less privileged in society. In 2022, Ugarte participated in a charity event organized by Sporting CP to raise funds for children with disabilities. The event was a success, and the funds raised were donated to a local children’s hospital.
Endorsements
As one of the most promising young footballers in the world, Manuel Ugarte has already attracted the attention of several big brands. In 2023, he signed a lucrative endorsement deal with Nike. The deal is said to be worth several million dollars and includes appearances in Nike’s advertising campaigns, as well as the use of Nike products during matches.
Ugarte’s endorsement deal with Nike is just the beginning, as he is expected to attract more sponsors in the future. His popularity is growing rapidly, and he is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable faces in world football.
Frequently Asked Questions
What position does Manuel Ugarte primarily play on the field?
Manuel Ugarte primarily plays as a defensive midfielder. He is known for his ability to break up opposition attacks, intercept passes, and distribute the ball effectively. His defensive skills are complemented by his work rate and ability to cover a lot of ground on the field.
How do Manuel Ugarte’s statistics reflect his performance?
Manuel Ugarte’s statistics reflect his impressive performances on the field. He has a high pass completion rate, averaging around 90%, which highlights his ability to distribute the ball effectively. He also averages around three tackles and two interceptions per game, which shows his defensive capabilities. Additionally, he has scored a few goals and provided assists, which shows his attacking contribution to the team.
What is the height and physical attributes of Manuel Ugarte?
Manuel Ugarte is 1.78 meters (5 ft 10 in) tall and weighs around 70 kg (154 lbs). He is known for his athleticism and physicality on the field, which allows him to compete for the ball effectively. His stamina and work rate are also highly regarded, as he is able to cover a lot of ground on the field.
Which clubs has Manuel Ugarte played for during his career?
Manuel Ugarte started his career at Fénix’s youth academy before being promoted to the first team in 2016. In December 2021, he joined Portuguese Primeira Liga side Famalicão. He then signed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.
Has Manuel Ugarte been involved in any major transfer deals?
Manuel Ugarte was involved in a major transfer deal when he signed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2023. The transfer fee was reported to be around €45 million, which made him one of the most expensive Uruguayan players of all time.
How does Manuel Ugarte’s style of play contribute to his current team?
Manuel Ugarte’s style of play contributes greatly to his current team. His defensive abilities and work rate allow him to protect the backline and break up opposition attacks effectively. His passing range and distribution skills also help to create chances for his teammates. Additionally, his ability to cover a lot of ground on the field allows him to support both the defense and the attack, making him a valuable asset to the team.
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