Wilfredo Daniel “Willy” Caballero Lazcano (born 28 September 1981) is an Argentine professional football coach and former goalkeeper. He is best known for his lengthy playing career in Spain and England, as well as his involvement with the Argentina national team.
Early life and youth career
Caballero was born in Santa Elena, Entre Ríos, Argentina. He began his football development in the youth system of Boca Juniors, one of Argentina’s most prominent clubs.
Club career
Boca Juniors (2001–2004) – Caballero made his senior debut with Boca Juniors, appearing in 15 league matches. While at the club he was part of the squad that won three major titles in 2003, including the Intercontinental Cup.
Elche CF (2004–2011) – In 2004 Caballero transferred to Spanish side Elche, then competing in the Segunda División. Over seven seasons he amassed 186 league appearances, establishing himself as the club’s first‑choice goalkeeper. A brief loan to Arsenal Sarandí in 2006 allowed him to return to Argentina for personal reasons.
Málaga CF (2011–2014) – Caballero joined La Liga club Málaga in February 2011 for a reported €900 000 fee. He became the regular starter, playing 117 league matches and helping the team retain top‑flight status.
Manchester City (2014–2017) – Caballero signed for Premier League side Manchester City in the summer of 2014. Primarily serving as a backup, he featured in 23 league games and contributed to the club’s 2016 Football League Cup triumph.
Chelsea FC (2017–2021) – In 2017 Caballero moved to Chelsea, where he acted as a reserve goalkeeper, making 11 league appearances across four seasons.
Southampton FC (2021–2023) – Caballero concluded his playing career with Southampton, appearing twice in the Premier League before retiring in 2023.
Across his senior club career Caballero recorded a total of 367 league appearances, all without scoring, as is typical for a goalkeeper.
International career
Youth level – Caballero represented Argentina at the under‑20 level in 2001, earning two caps and being part of the squad that won the 2001 FIFA U‑20 World Cup.
Senior level – He made his full international debut for Argentina in 2018, earning five caps. Caballero was a squad member at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and was a non‑playing member of the Argentine team that won the gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
Coaching career
Following retirement, Caballero transitioned into coaching. He served as an assistant coach at Leicester City (2023–2024) before moving to Chelsea, where he holds an assistant‑coach position from 2024 onward.
Playing style and legacy
Caballero was noted for his reliability, shot‑stopping ability, and professionalism. Though often deployed as a backup in the latter stages of his career, his experience contributed to the depth and stability of the squads he joined, particularly in high‑profile English clubs.
Honours
Club
- Manchester City: Football League Cup (2016)
International
- Olympic Gold Medal: 2004 (Argentina)
- FIFA U‑20 World Cup: 2001 (Argentina)
Caballero remains a respected figure in Argentine football, both for his contributions on the field and his emerging coaching career.