Claudio Paul Spinelli It is not a new name in Argentine football, but its life story puts it in a different place. Arising from Tigre and with name tribute to Claudio Caniggia, he lived moments that few players can count. In March 2022, while playing at the FK Oreksandriya in Ukraine, it was his turn to escape from horror: war with Russia found him in the midst of the conflict and his only goal became survive.
The striker, today with 28 years, was stranded when the war broke out and had to walk more than 40 kilometers to cross the border to Poland. With the help of diplomatic efforts of the Argentine government, he managed to return to Buenos Aires. “I couldn’t believe it,” he said at the time when he arrived in the country, excited. “Many people could not do it and you will not be able to do it,” he lamented.
But life continued. Spinelli He played again and toured different destinations: Italy, Uruguay, Israel, a fleeting pass through Lanús and now Ecuador, where Independiente del Valle He gave him a new chance. He arrived earlier this year and, with just a goal in 11 games, he seemed not to take off. Until his dream night came.
Ante Riverby the group stage of the Copa Libertadoresthe striker dispatched with a key double for the 2-0 in Quito that left the Ecuadorian team as leader of Group B. They were his first goals in the continental contest and shouted them with everything. Because beyond football, Spinelli He knows what it is to fight her seriously.
The story of Claudio Spinelli Not only does it impact its past, but also by the present that began writing in the Copa Libertadores. Your performance before River It was not only a sample of opportunism, but also of character and resilience, two qualities that he forged in living flesh after his experience in Ukraine.
Spinelli’s goals against River
Video: ESPN
Video: ESPN
