Mario Santana
A versatile Argentine winger whose career was a transatlantic journey, finding his greatest success and adoration in the passionate football culture of Italy.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Argentine footballer·Birthday: December 23·Millennials
Biography
Mario Santana's football story is one of adaptation and flair, a journey from the streets of Buenos Aires to becoming a cult hero in Italy. A classic right-footed winger blessed with pace and a dangerous cross, he began his career in Argentina before making the pivotal move to Europe in 2001. After early years in Greece, he found his true home in Serie A. His peak came with Fiorentina from 2005 to 2011, where his work rate, technical ability, and crucial goals made him a fan favorite at the Artemio Franchi. He was instrumental in the Viola's runs in the Champions League, embodying the team's spirited and attractive style under manager Cesare Prandelli. Santana's career later took him across several other Italian clubs, each move marked by his professional consistency. Now, he has returned to the grassroots, channeling his experience into coaching.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Mario was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Mario Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Mario's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made over 150 appearances for ACF Fiorentina, playing a key role in their qualification for the UEFA Champions League in the late 2000s.
- Won the Coppa Italia with Napoli in the 2011-12 season, adding a major trophy to his career.
- Earned 10 caps for the Argentina national team between 2004 and 2005.
- Played professionally in four different countries: Argentina, Greece, Italy, and Turkey.
Did You Know?
He scored his first goal for the Argentine national team against Uruguay in 2004.
He played for both major clubs in Buenos Aires—River Plate and Vélez Sarsfield—early in his career.
After retiring, he began his coaching career in Italy with an amateur club, Palermo Calcio Popolare.
“You have to adapt to the league, to the country, to the style of football.”
