Claudio Echeverri: Biography, Salary, Net Worth, Career, And Transfer History

Every once in a while, football gives us a story that feels like it was written for the big screen — a young kid kicking a ball around in his hometown, spotted for his talent, rising through the ranks, and then stepping onto the world stage. That’s exactly the kind of journey Claudio Echeverri is living right now.

If you’ve heard the nickname “El Diablito” (The Little Devil) buzzing around lately, yep — that’s him. And no, it’s not because he’s mischievous off the pitch, but because when he’s on it, defenders feel like they’re up against something supernatural.

Let’s dive into his story — from his early days in Resistencia to his record-breaking transfer to Manchester City — and also peek into his earnings, net worth, and what’s next for him.

From Resistencia to River Plate – The Early Chapters

Claudio Jeremías Echeverri was born on January 2, 2006 in Resistencia, Chaco, Argentina. If you’re not familiar with the place, it’s a city in Argentina’s northeast — not exactly known as a hotbed of global football talent. But football runs deep in Argentina, and Claudio caught the bug early.

He started playing for a local side called Deportivo Luján. Picture dusty pitches, small goals, and a kid with a low centre of gravity, weaving through players twice his size. Even back then, he had that special something — the ability to make the ball seem glued to his foot.

By 2016, River Plate scouts had spotted him. The trial went well (and “well” might be underselling it — he impressed them so much they barely let him leave without signing), and in 2017, he officially joined River’s youth system.

It didn’t take long before people started comparing him to another Argentine number 10 (you know who I’m talking about). His nickname “El Diablito” came from his devilish dribbling and sharp, unpredictable play — the sort of moves that make defenders wonder if they’re in a nightmare.

The Venice Explosion

One turning point in Echeverri’s early career came when he played in a youth tournament in Venice. He didn’t just participate — he dominated. Scoring nine goals in six games, including four against Juventus, he basically told the world: “Hi, remember my name.”

That performance put him firmly on the map, both in Argentina and abroad.

From Youth Star to First-Team Debut

Fast forward to October 2022. Still just 16, Claudio stepped up to River Plate’s reserve team and made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut against Patronato.

Then came the big leap: June 22, 2023, Primera División match against Instituto. Echeverri came on as a substitute and — because why not make a grand entrance — grabbed an assist within minutes.

A year later, in March 2024, he scored his first senior goal for River against Gimnasia in the Copa de la Liga Profesional. It was the kind of moment young players dream about, and for Claudio, it was just the start.

Collecting Silverware Early

Even before leaving River Plate, Echeverri had already tasted victory, helping the club win:

• Argentine Primera División (2023)

• Trofeo de Campeones (2023)

• Supercopa Argentina (2023)

That’s three major trophies before even turning 19. Not bad at all.

International Stardom – Captain and Goal Machine

Echeverri’s rise wasn’t confined to club football. In 2023, he captained Argentina at the Under-17 South American Championship and lit up the tournament. One of his biggest highlights? Scoring a hat-trick against Brazil. And in Argentina, that’s the stuff of legend.

Later that year, he starred at the U-17 World Cup, where he won the Bronze Boot for his goal-scoring feats. It was the perfect way to show he could shine not just in Argentina, but on the world stage.

By 2025, he had already played for Argentina’s U-20 and U-23 teams. At this rate, a senior call-up feels inevitable.

The Big Move – Manchester City Comes Calling

January 25, 2024, was a huge day in Echeverri’s life. That’s when Manchester City announced they had signed him on a four-and-a-half-year contract until June 2028.

The transfer fee? Around €18.5 million (about £12.5 million), plus performance bonuses that could push the total much higher. For River Plate, it was a record-breaking sale for someone so young.

But City weren’t in a rush to bring him over. They loaned him back to River for the rest of 2024, allowing him to keep playing regularly before stepping into Pep Guardiola’s footballing laboratory.

First Steps in Manchester

In 2025, Echeverri officially joined City and got his first taste of English football. His debut came in the FA Cup Final (talk about pressure), where City unfortunately lost to Crystal Palace.

A few days later, he made his Premier League debut against Fulham, replacing Erling Haaland late in the game. And then came the real “I’ve arrived” moment — the FIFA Club World Cup.

Starting against Al Ain, Echeverri scored a beautiful free-kick in a 6–0 win. It wasn’t just a goal — it was a statement.

Style of Play – Why He’s So Exciting to Watch

Claudio Echeverri isn’t the tallest (about 1.71 m / 5 ft 7 in), but that’s never stopped a certain other Argentine genius. He’s quick, agile, and reads the game beautifully.

Here’s what makes him stand out:

• Dribbling: He slaloms through defenders like they’re cones.

• Vision: He can spot a run or an opening before most players even realise it’s there.

• Composure: Whether in the box or in midfield, he stays calm under pressure.

• Set Pieces: That free-kick against Al Ain was no fluke.

He’s right-footed, but his close control makes him dangerous from anywhere on the pitch — as a winger, attacking midfielder, or even deeper in playmaking roles.

Career Timeline – Quick Recap

Salary and Net Worth – How Much Is El Diablito Earning?

Exact figures aren’t public, but here’s what we know:

• Transfer fee: €18.5M + potential bonuses

• Estimated salary at City: Likely in the low millions per year, a big jump from what he earned at River Plate (which was estimated around €100k annually).

• Net worth: With signing bonuses, endorsements, and his City contract, Echeverri’s net worth could already be between €1.5M and €3M, and it’s only going up.

Given his age, we’re looking at the early stages of what could become a very lucrative career — especially if his performances match the hype.

Possible Next Steps – Loans, Bigger Roles, and National Team Glory

While he’s now part of Manchester City’s squad, Echeverri might not get huge minutes immediately. There’s even talk of a potential loan to Roma to get consistent playing time.

Whether he stays or goes on loan, the next couple of seasons will be crucial for his development. And given Argentina’s rich history of playmakers, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he got his senior national team debut before the next Copa América or World Cup.

Why Fans Should Be Excited

The comparisons to Messi might be a bit premature (let’s be honest, that’s a lot for anyone to live up to), but there’s no denying Echeverri’s talent.

What makes him so appealing is his fearlessness. He’s not overawed by big occasions. He’s creative without being reckless. And he plays with that unmistakable South American flair — the kind that makes you lean forward in your seat whenever he’s on the ball.

Final Thoughts – The Next Chapter of the Story

Claudio Echeverri’s journey feels like it’s only just getting started. From the dusty pitches of Resistencia to River Plate’s stadium, from youth tournaments in Europe to scoring for Manchester City in a global competition — he’s checked off milestones most players would be happy with in an entire career.

And here’s the best part: he’s still a teenager.

If things go right — and if he keeps that work ethic and fearless style — the next few years could see him become not just a City star, but one of the brightest names in world football.

One thing’s for sure: “El Diablito” is a name we’ll be hearing for a long, long time.