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Article Summary
José Manuel López, commonly known as Flaco López, is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a striker for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Palmeiras and the Argentina national team. Born in San Lorenzo, Corrientes, on 6 December 2000, López came through the youth ranks at Independiente and Lanús, making his professional debut in January 2021. In 2022, he was transferred to Palmeiras for approximately $10 million, where he has become a key player, winning consecutive Brazilian league titles in 2022 and 2023. Nicknamed “Flaco” (The Skinny One), López made his Argentina debut in October 2025 and was selected for the 2026 World Cup squad. His market value is estimated at €25 million, with Palmeiras reportedly valuing him at €35-45 million amid interest from Premier League clubs. He signed a contract extension with Palmeiras until December 2029. His net worth is not publicly confirmed.
Table of Contents
- Early Life and Background
- Club Career
- International Career
- Major Achievements
- Personal Life
- Latest News
- Upcoming Events
- Recent Awards
- Career Timeline
- Career Statistics
- FAQs
- Key Takeaways
- Conclusion
Quick Facts Table
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | José Manuel Alberto López |
| Born | 6 December 2000 |
| Birthplace | San Lorenzo, Corrientes, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Age | 25 (as of 2026) |
| Height | 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) |
| Position | Striker |
| Current Club | Palmeiras |
| Jersey Number | 42 |
| Nickname | Flaco López (The Skinny One) |
| Market Value | Estimated €25 million |
| Net Worth | Not publicly confirmed |
Full Biography
Early Life and Background
José Manuel Alberto López was born on 6 December 2000 in San Lorenzo, a town in the Saladas Department of Corrientes Province, Argentina. He grew up in Argentina’s northeastern region, known for its rich footballing culture.
López began his football journey at age seven with Club El Progreso in Saladas. Six months later, he was signed by Boca Juniors after a trial in front of their scouts. At age nine, López joined Independiente, where he remained until 2016 and notably trained with Ariel Holan’s first-team squad. In 2017, he moved to Lanús‘ youth system.
Club Career
Early Career and Loan Spell (2017-2021)
López initially struggled to break through at Lanús and was loaned to Colegiales de Tres Arroyos to play in the Liga Regional, a lower-tier league. The loan was reportedly arranged as a political favor, with Lanús not foreseeing the explosion of talent that would follow. However, López excelled in that environment and returned to Lanús ready to make his mark.
López made his professional debut for Lanús in January 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. He quickly established himself as a prolific goalscorer.
Lanús (2021-2022)
During his time at Lanús, López made 37 league appearances and scored 18 goals. Between 2021 and 2022, he scored 22 goals for the club. His performances attracted interest from clubs across South America.
Palmeiras (2022-Present)
In 2022, López was transferred to Brazilian giants Palmeiras for approximately $10 million. He has since made 163 league appearances and scored 56 goals for the club.
López helped Palmeiras win the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, he became the club’s top scorer with 22 goals.
In September 2025, López signed a contract extension with Palmeiras until December 2029. He has become a key figure in Abel Ferreira’s attack. He was the club’s top scorer in 2024 and has continued to find the net regularly in 2025 and 2026.
International Career
Youth Level and Senior Debut
López represented Argentina at the U20 level, making one appearance. He was called up to the senior Argentina national team for the first time in August 2025 for World Cup qualifiers.
He made his senior debut for Argentina on 14 October 2025 in a friendly against Puerto Rico, providing an assist. He has since earned 7 caps and played 81 minutes across three friendly matches.
2026 World Cup Selection
López was selected for Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad as the third-choice center forward behind Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.
Major Achievements
López’s major honors include:
Palmeiras
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2022, 2023
- Campeonato Paulista: 2023, 2024
Individual
- Palmeiras Top Scorer: 2024 (22 goals)
Personal Life
López keeps his personal life relatively private. He is known by the nickname “Flaco” (The Skinny One), a common Argentine nickname for tall, slender players.
Latest News
As of July 2026, José Manuel López is with the Argentina squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has been selected as the third-choice striker behind Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.
In the transfer market, López has attracted interest from Premier League clubs including Everton and Brentford. Palmeiras has reportedly set a minimum asking price of €35 million, with the total package expected to reach €40-45 million. He signed a contract extension with Palmeiras until December 2029 in September 2025.
Upcoming Events
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026 FIFA World Cup | Argentina’s campaign continues |
Recent Awards
| Year | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Palmeiras Top Scorer | Won (22 goals) |
| 2023 | Campeonato Brasileiro Série A | Won (with Palmeiras) |
| 2022 | Campeonato Brasileiro Série A | Won (with Palmeiras) |
Career Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2000 | Born in San Lorenzo, Corrientes, Argentina |
| 2007 | Started playing for Club El Progreso at age seven |
| 2010 | Signed by Boca Juniors |
| 2010-2017 | Youth career at Independiente (2010-2016) and Lanús (2017) |
| 2021 | Made professional debut for Lanús in January |
| 2022 | Transferred to Palmeiras for approximately $10 million |
| 2022 | Won Campeonato Brasileiro Série A with Palmeiras |
| 2023 | Won Campeonato Brasileiro Série A with Palmeiras |
| 2024 | Became Palmeiras’ top scorer with 22 goals |
| 2025 | Made Argentina debut on 14 October |
| 2025 | Signed contract extension with Palmeiras until December 2029 |
| 2026 | Selected for Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad |
Career Statistics
| Club | Seasons | League Apps | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lanús | 2021-2022 | 37 | 18 | Professional debut |
| Palmeiras | 2022-Present | 163 | 56 | As of 28 May 2026 |
International Caps: 7 (as of 12 July 2026) | International Goals: 0
FAQs
How old is José Manuel López?
José Manuel López was born on 6 December 2000 in San Lorenzo, Corrientes, Argentina, which makes him 25 years old as of 2026.
What is José Manuel López’s net worth?
José Manuel López’s exact net worth is not publicly confirmed. His market value is estimated at €25 million per Transfermarkt, with Palmeiras reportedly valuing him at €35-45 million.
Which club does José Manuel López play for?
José Manuel López plays as a striker for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Palmeiras, where he has been since 2022.
Has José Manuel López played for Argentina?
Yes. López made his Argentina debut on 14 October 2025 in a friendly against Puerto Rico and was selected for the 2026 World Cup squad.
Is José Manuel López going to the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. López was selected for Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad as the third-choice striker behind Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.
What is José Manuel López’s height?
José Manuel López stands at 1.90 meters (6 feet 3 inches).
What trophies has José Manuel López won?
López has won the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A twice (2022, 2023) and the Campeonato Paulista twice (2023, 2024) with Palmeiras.
What is José Manuel López’s nickname?
López is known as “Flaco” (The Skinny One), a common Argentine nickname for tall, slender players.
What is José Manuel López’s position?
José Manuel López plays as a striker. He is known for his aerial ability, clinical finishing, and contribution to build-up play.
What is José Manuel López’s market value?
As of May 2026, López’s market value is estimated at €25 million by Transfermarkt, though Palmeiras reportedly values him at €35-45 million.
Key Takeaways
- José Manuel López is an Argentine striker born on 6 December 2000 in San Lorenzo, Corrientes.
- He began his career at Club El Progreso before joining Boca Juniors, Independiente, and Lanús.
- He made his professional debut for Lanús in January 2021 and scored 18 goals in 37 league appearances.
- In 2022, he transferred to Palmeiras for approximately $10 million, winning two Brazilian league titles.
- He made his Argentina debut in October 2025 and was selected for the 2026 World Cup squad.
- His market value is estimated at €25 million, with Palmeiras reportedly seeking €35-45 million.
- He signed a contract extension with Palmeiras until December 2029.
Conclusion
José Manuel López’s journey from the small town of San Lorenzo in Corrientes to the biggest stage in world football is a story of perseverance and determination. He was not considered one of the most promising talents in Lanús’ youth system and was even loaned out to a regional league as a political favour. However, he seized his opportunity, scored goals at every level, and earned a move to Brazilian giants Palmeiras. In Brazil, he has become a key figure, winning league titles and establishing himself as one of South America’s most dangerous strikers. His call-up to the Argentina national team and selection for the 2026 World Cup is a testament to his hard work and resilience. As he continues to develop, José Manuel “Flaco” López is a name that Argentine football fans will remember for years to come.
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