Dani Osvaldo, the long-haired, tattooed, smoking, womanising forward, arrived at Southampton in 2013 from Roma for £12.8million with a remarkable reputation on and off the pitch. However, after just 13 games and three goals, the man compared to Johnny Depp had jumped ship and was back in Italy.
Much like Depp and his Pirates of the Caribbean character, Jack Sparrow, Osvaldo can boast a catalogue of famous former flames, performs in a musical group, and has no qualms about sparking up a smoke. Similar to the swashbuckling pirate, he's well-acquainted with scandal, securing him the nickname "El Loco," translating to 'The Crazy One.'
Early Career and Rising Tensions
Born in Argentina, Osvaldo launched his professional football career at Huracan before departing for Italy following merely one campaign. Between 2006 and 2010, he represented Atalanta, Lecce, Fiorentina, and Bologna, subsequently relocating to Spain to link up with Mauricio Pochettino's Espanyol, where he left a considerable mark on the pitch.
His most infamous episode unfolded in 2008 while representing Fiorentina against Juventus; following his goal, he marked the moment by removing his jersey and mimicking firing at his own fans with a pretend machine gun, resulting in a second booking and dismissal.
Roma Turmoil and Infamous Incidents
It was following his £13m transfer to Roma that matters truly began to spiral. In November 2011, after a 2-0 defeat to Udinese, Osvaldo received a fine and ban for "punching Lamela in the face" in the changing room. He brushed off the on-field altercation, remarking: "The thing with Lamela was just the passion of the moment. I can be really annoying when it comes to this, as I always want the ball and admit I am as egotistical as most strikers."
In 2012, his behaviour spiralled—receiving five red cards in a single year while representing both club and country, even enduring boos from his own fans. He clashed with Roma legend Francesco Totti over a "stolen" penalty, withdrew from a pre-season tour in the US claiming sickness, only to be photographed in London on a romantic getaway with his new partner while banned for the Lazio derby.
During those turbulent times, he'd split from Elena Braccini, the mother of two of his children, and started dating Jimena Baron, an Argentinian actress and singer. Braccini told Sport Mediaset: "When I met Dani he was pure. Then the success got him dirty. The fame, the money, the wrong people who even sucked his blood."
Southampton Stint and Downfall
Osvaldo required a new beginning, which materialised at Southampton. The Saints splashed out £12.8m on the forward, reuniting him with Pochettino. During his stint at St Mary's, Osvaldo produced moments of magic, including a sublime chip against Manchester City. Yet his reputation is tarnished more by instances of madness. He barely escaped a sending-off on his debut, and months afterwards, he copped a three-match suspension and a £40,000 penalty for responding violently to a challenge during a clash against Newcastle.
Just three weeks later, Osvaldo planted a headbutt on team skipper Jose Fonte during a training session, leaving the Portuguese centre-back sporting a black eye. He was subsequently banned for a fortnight for violating conduct regulations and had two weeks' salary deducted.
Retirement and Life After Football
Following a chaotic loan period with Juventus and later Inter Milan, where he fell out with manager Roberto Mancini and team-mate Mauro Icardi, Osvaldo's career began to unravel. His later transfers saw him reunite with boyhood club Boca Juniors and enjoy a fleeting spell at Porto, but matters deteriorated when his deal was terminated after merely three matches back at Boca; boss Guillermo Barros Schelotto discovered him puffing away in the dressing room.
In August 2016, at only 30 years of age, Osvaldo called time on his playing days, swapping football for music by establishing a Barcelona-based group called Barrio Viejo alongside mates from his Espanyol period. Discussing his retirement with Gazzetta dello Sport, Osvaldo expressed a fondness for relaxation over riches: "I decided to quit at Boca, there was too much gossip. I couldn't go out, I was afraid of people. I couldn't do it any more. I had offers from China and clubs in the Champions League, but I was detached."
Since hanging up his boots, Osvaldo has succeeded in remaining in the spotlight, chiefly thanks to his romantic adventures. In 2019, he took part in the Italian edition of Strictly Come Dancing, Ballando con le Stelle, securing a creditable third place. Twelve months later, he emerged from retirement—though only temporarily—to turn out for Argentine side Banfield, entering as a substitute against River Plate and nearly netting a spectacular 30-yard screamer.
In 2023, he courageously revealed his struggle with depression in what he described as a "cry for help." In an Instagram video, he shared: "It's hard for me to make this video because I've never done anything like this before. But I think the time has come because I'm quite desperate and I'm not doing well." He received messages of support from former Roma teammate Daniele De Rossi, who promised he'll "forever be here" for him, and Argentina international Leandro Paredes, who wrote: "Come on Dani dear!!!! Strength everything is going to be fine."
