Nicolás Capaldo: Who is Hamburg's tough new midfielder from Argentina?
Bustling midfield operator Nicolás Capaldo has every chance of becoming a firm fan favourite in Hamburg. Find out more on the Bundesliga's newest South American below...
Stats correct as of 12 July 2025
Nicolás Capaldo
Age: 26 (born 14 September 1998)
Club: Hamburg
Position: Central midfield
Country: Argentina (eight U23 caps, two goals)
Capaldo signed for Hamburg shortly after their return to the Bundesliga for the 2025/26 season, following four-and-a-half years at Red Bull Salzburg. The 5'10" midfielder tallied 15 goals and 10 assists in 126 competitive appearances, winning two Austrian Bundesliga titles and the Austrian Cup. He also turned out 22 times in the UEFA Champions League, featuring in the 2021/22 last-16 defeat to Bayern Munich.
Capaldo had already got his hands on silverware in his native Argentina before moving to Europe for the first time. Having switched to Boca Juniors from Deportivo Mac Allister at the age of 17, he went on to lift the 2020 Primera División title, Copa Argentina and Copa de la Liga. Sixty-five appearances for the South American giants translated into eight Argentina U23 caps, punctuated by goals against Brazil and Chile.
Plays a bit like: Leon Goretzka
Capaldo's all-round ability and tireless attitude make him a man for almost any job. He's played in a variety of midfield roles, as well as at right-back and in a more advanced position on both flanks, but is at his best in the middle of the park. Honed in the pressing philosophy of Red Bull Salzburg, the Argentinian relishes getting into opponents' faces - a tenacious streak he marries with the box-to-box instinct and physicality of Bayern counterpart Leon Goretzka.
Did you know?
Capaldo earned the nickname 'Capaldios' during his time at Boca. It's a clever wordplay combining his surname with 'Dios' ('God' in Spanish), reflecting the respect fans had for his drive, consistency and impact on the pitch.
What they're saying
"He brings a lot of energy, mentality, and passion, which will benefit our team in the Bundesliga both on and off the pitch." - Hamburg board member for sport Stefan Kuntz
"Nico was a reliable and important part of our team for many years, so he is due a big thank you." - Red Bull Salzburg managing director for sport Rouven Schröder
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