Paulo Dybala hits 350 games – and Serie A's Jewel still dazzles
Back in 2012, a fresh-faced Argentinian ‘Jewel’ stepped onto Italian soil, destined to leave an indelible mark on Serie A history. Thirteen years later, that prodigious talent, none other than Paulo Dybala, has etched his name into the annals of the game, celebrating his staggering 350th Serie A appearance in a Giallorossi shirt against Pisa.
His Italian odyssey began at Palermo FC in April 2012, where, over three captivating seasons, Dybala dazzled fans with 93 appearances, 21 goals, and 12 assists. This blistering start propelled him to Juventus in 2015, the stage where he truly blossomed into a global superstar. Donning the iconic number 10 shirt, he commanded the 'Bianconeri' midfield, netting 115 goals and crafting 47 assists in 293 unforgettable matches, before an injury-plagued final year led to his poignant departure in 2022.
Even as injuries began to test his resolve in recent years, Dybala's brilliance has never dimmed. At Roma, he has continued to defy physical setbacks, consistently proving himself the difference-maker. The 'Joya' – 'The Jewel' – instantly captivated the Giallorossi faithful, and the feeling was mutual; so profound was his connection to the Eternal City that he famously spurned a staggering 'pharaonic' offer from an Arab club, choosing to remain in Italy. For the 'Lupa', Dybala has graced the pitch 115 times, delivering 42 goals and 21 assists, culminating in that impressive 350th Serie A appearance.
This incredible longevity places him as the third-highest Argentinian appearance-maker in the Italian top flight. While Javier Zanetti’s monumental record of 454 games still beckons from the horizon, the legendary Rodrigo Palacio's second spot is tantalisingly within reach, with Dybala trailing by a mere seven matches.
Top 5 Argentinians with the most appearances in Serie A (XXI century)
Javier Zanetti: 454 appearances
Rodrigo Palacio: 357 appearances
Paulo Dybala: 350 appearances
Nicolas Burdisso: 326 appearances
Matias Silvestre: 318 appearances
Yet, Dybala’s story isn’t just about turning up; it’s about turning heads. His true brilliance is reflected in the numbers that truly matter: goals. With a stunning 129 goals etched to his name, he has eclipsed Gonzalo Higuaín’s formidable record (125 goals) to become the most prolific Argentinian scorer in Serie A history. Currently, the only player even threatening his reign is Lautaro Martínez, sitting 14 goals behind with 115.
Top 5 Argentinians with the most goals in Serie A (XXI century)
Paulo Dybala: 129 goals
Gonzalo Higuaín: 125 goals
Mauro Icardi: 121 goals
Lautaro Martínez: 115 goals
Rodrigo Palacio: 93 goals
Perhaps even more telling is his knack for decisive moments: Dybala has broken the deadlock on an astonishing 51 occasions, a feat unmatched by any other Argentinian in Serie A history. Trailing in his wake are Mauro Icardi (38), Gonzalo Higuaín (36), and Hernán Crespo and Rodrigo Palacio (both 34).
Beyond personal accolades, Dybala’s impact translates directly into team success. He boasts an impressive 201 victories in Serie A, securing his place as the second most successful Argentinian in the league’s history. Only the legendary Javier Zanetti, with 259 triumphs, stands ahead of him.
The Argentinians with the most victories in Serie A (XXI century)
Javier Zanetti (Inter): 259 victories
Paulo Dybala (Palermo FC, Juventus, Roma): 201 victories
Esteban Cambiasso (Inter): 184 victories
Walter Samuel (Roma): 177 victories
Nicolas Burdisso (Roma, Torino, Genoa): 158 victories
350 appearances for Dybala, 129 times the iconic 'Dybala Mask' has emerged – each a moment etched into the fabric of Italian football. This enduring 'Jewel' has illuminated Serie A, elevating its prestige and captivating the hearts of countless fans. As his story continues, supporters eagerly anticipate many more moments of "Joya" – 'Joy' – from this undisputed maestro.
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