Anniversary: Enzo Pérez, the two-time champion who danced with the goals

February 22nd, 1986. In Mendoza, in Argentina, Enzo Nicolás Pérez was born. After becoming a footballer, the professional, who on this day commemorates his 32nd birthday, began answering on the pitch by a shorter version.

After representing Estudiantes and Godoy Cruz, Enzo Pérez (or simply Enzo) arrived in Europe through Benfica and among other trophies, he celebrated the winning of the first two championships of the four league titles in a row.

In July 2011, coming from Estudiantes, the midfielder was officially announced as a Reds' new signing. At the time, Enzo still played on the right wing.

The Argentine played 117 times (80W, 23D, 14L) with the eagles' emblem, he scored ten goals and, in terms of successes, we celebrated two Portuguese League Title, two League Cups, a Portuguese Cup and a Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup, having also played to Europa League finals.

He made his Benfica debut on July 27th, 2011, at Estádio da Luz, in a match of the third qualifying round of the Champions League, against Trabzonspor, in which Benfica had the upper hand (2-0), with goals scored by Nolito, at 71’, and Nico Gaitán, at 88’.

Five matches later, against V. Setúbal, in Gameweek 2 of the Championship, Enzo Pérez scored his first goal playing for Benfica (August 26th, 2012). At 45’+1’, Salvio entered the area with the ball controlled, he shot for the save from Caleb, but the ball went towards Enzo Pérez, who scored his first goal in the League. Benfica won by 5-0 (the remaining goals were scored by Rodrigo, 14’, 80’, Salvio, 30’, Enzo Pérez, 43’ and Nolito, 67’).

On December 6th, 2014, the Argentine international score his tenth and last goal for the Club of Luz, in a match against Belenenses. At 79’, 46 611 spectators witnessed, at Estádio da Luz, Enzo Pérez score the last goal of the match, through a penalty kick, sealing Benfica's 3-0 win, in Gameweek 12 of the Championship. There were also the last tango steps that the number 35 jersey dedicated to the crowd in the celebrations.

About to transfer to Valência, Enzo Pérez made his performance on the pitch of Estádio da Luz on December 18th, 2014, in the eighth-finals of the Portuguese Cup, against Braga. The solitary goal of Benfica was score by Jonas, at 33’.

Currently, Enzo Pérez plays at River Plate, in Argentina.

Text: Márcia Dores

Pics: Archive / SL Benfica