Spurs Argentine Connection

A Trailblazer in Foreign Talent: Max Seeburg in 1908

Tottenham made history on 26th September 1908, fielding Max Seeburg, the first foreign-born player to play in the English Football League. 

Seeburg, a German, featured in a Second Division match against Hull City before moving to Leyton Orient the following month. 

This pioneering step sparked Spurs’ tradition of international talent and it wasn’t long before Argentina entered the scene.

Early Connections: Spurs’ Historic Tour of Argentina in 1909

After securing promotion from the Second Division, Tottenham embarked on a groundbreaking tour of Argentina and Uruguay in 1909 - a monumental journey by boat back then. 

In 1909, a journey by ship from England to Argentina would typically take around two to three weeks, depending on the vessel and weather conditions.

Ship Type and Travel Duration

Tottenham’s squad would have probably travelled on an ocean liner, a common choice for long-distance passenger travel at the time. 

Companies like the British Royal Mail Line operated steamships that offered passenger services to South America, specifically Argentina and Uruguay, where Spurs toured. 

The journey would generally take about 17–21 days to reach Buenos Aires.

This picture is merely to give you an idea of the type of vessel that may have been used to travel to South America back in 1909.

Likely Route and Refuelling Stops

The route would likely have followed a path similar to this:

1. Departure from Southampton or Liverpool, England – Many British vessels departed from these ports, as they were major centres for international travel.
2. Stopover in Madeira, Portugal – The first common refuelling stop was Madeira, about 4–5 days into the journey.
3. Cape Verde Islands – Another potential stop for coal and supplies, a popular refuelling point for British vessels travelling south.
4. Recife, Brazil – As they approached South America, a stop in Recife (or possibly Salvador) would be common for supplies and coal, particularly if the ship was steam-powered. This was typically about 10–12 days into the journey.
5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – A longer stopover in Rio would allow further resupply and possibly crew rest before heading toward the Río de la Plata.
6. Final Destination: Buenos Aires, Argentina – After leaving Rio, the vessel would head south along the coast, arriving in Buenos Aires within a few days.

This 1952 air map will give you an idea of the journey. Montevideo is the famous Uruguayan port of Bismark fame.

Refuelling Process and Considerations

During this era, ocean liners used coal-fired steam engines, which required regular refuelling. Stops along the route would be essential to restock coal, water, and provisions, as well as to address any maintenance needs. 

Crew would often perform refuelling at designated coaling stations, a physically demanding process that could take hours or even days, depending on the amount of coal needed and port facilities.

The Travel Experience

While it was a significant commitment for players in 1909, this would have been an incredible journey, especially given the era’s limited international travel. 

The Spurs players would have had cabins for sleeping, communal dining areas and spaces for exercise, though conditions would have been very basic by today’s standards.

This journey not only underscores the commitment to international growth Spurs displayed but also our pioneering spirit in venturing so far to connect with fans abroad.

In just 19 days, Spurs played seven matches, winning five, drawing one and losing one, leaving a lasting impression on South American football fans.

• Spurs drew 2-2 with Everton
• Spurs beat the Uruguay League 8-0
• Spurs beat Argentinos 1-0
• Spurs beat Liga Argentina 4-1
• Spurs lost to Everton 4-0
• Spurs beat Rosario 9-0
• Spurs beat Alumini 5-0

Argentine Magic in North London: Ardiles and Villa in 1978

The Argentina connection took an iconic turn in 1978. 

Fresh off winning the World Cup, Argentinians Osvaldo Ardiles and Ricardo Villa wanted to play in England, a move nobody could have predicted. 

When Sheffield United couldn’t afford them, Tottenham manager Keith Burkinshaw (Hall of Fame member) seized the opportunity.

He interrupted a board meeting to get permission to fly to Argentina to sign the pair. 

Negotiations took 20 minutes.

Spurs signed both players for £750,000, shocking the football world. It was described as “the most sensational deal in British football history,” and the impact was instant.

Front page headlines recorded the incredible event, a groundbreaking event. It led the 6 o'clock news bulletin.

The 'confetti' World Cup Final was on the 25th June 1978 and the papers told the world of their signing on July 11th. 

The World Cup was fresh in everyone's mind and as an 18 year old Spurs fan, I can tell you, if you related this to today's market, for shock value it was like we had just signed Lionel Messi. 

This sort of thing just didn't happen in football.

Talk about trailblazers, talk about innovators, it's in our history, it's in our DNA.

Villa marked his debut with a goal and went on to score the unforgettable “Goal of the Century” in the 1981 FA Cup Final replay, cementing his legacy. 

Ardiles, despite doubts about his size, became an integral part of Spurs, pairing up with Glenn Hoddle to create magic on the pitch. 

Ardiles reflected; 

“The idea was to play a few seasons and then return, but we never imagined the impact we would have. It’s said that our success paved the way for more foreign players to come to England, and there is some truth in that.”

It was a pleasure to stand in the terraces and watch the talented team we had back then.

Diego Maradona at White Hart Lane

In May 1986, Ardiles’ testimonial brought global attention when Diego Maradona wore Tottenham’s iconic No.10 shirt, lent by Glenn Hoddle, for a match against Inter Milan. 

This night, for many, remains one of the most memorable in Tottenham’s history, with Maradona, the world's greatest player, dazzling fans.

Ossie Ardiles: A Lifetime Legacy

The Falklands War in 1982 raised its ugly head and created tension, leading Spurs to loan Ardiles to PSG temporarily. 

He returned, managing Spurs as caretaker manager briefly in 1987 and again in 1993. 

Ardiles brought German striker Jurgen Klinsmann to the club but we had off-field problems at the time and we parted company in 1994

Though his managerial stint was challenging, his influence endured, with both he and Villa honoured in the Tottenham Hotspur Hall of Fame. 

Ardiles remains an ambassador for the club.

Mauricio Taricco: A New Generation

In 1998, Spurs’ Argentine ties continued with Under-21 international Mauricio Taricco, a tough-tackling left-back known for his fierce commitment.

Signed from Ipswich Town, he was prone to the odd error, but you couldn't fault his determination. 

Taricco became a fan favourite before leaving in 2004, ensuring the connection between Tottenham and Argentina remained strong.

Erik Lamela: Flashes of Brilliance and Unforgettable Goals

In February 2013 the Tottenham Hotspur Argentina Supporters Club was born and in the same year, Erik Lamela joined Spurs.

A very frustrating start thanks to injury and homesickness, he eventually overcame these problems to wow fans with moments of sheer brilliance, notably his “Rabona” goals. 

His spectacular effort in the North London Derby against Arsenal won the Match of the Day Goal of the Season and the prestigious 2021 FIFA Puskás Award. 

Though he left in 2021, Lamela’s highlights continue to inspire new Argentine arrivals.

Giovanni Lo Celso: A Chapter of Promise and Challenges

Giovanni Lo Celso arrived at Tottenham in August 2019 with high expectations as a creative midfielder from Real Betis. 

While he displayed flashes of his skill, injuries and inconsistent form limited his impact and he struggled to secure a regular place in the starting XI. 

Lo Celso’s technical abilities and vision occasionally shone through, but his lack of consistency saw him loaned back to La Liga in 2022.

Despite efforts to reignite his Tottenham career, Lo Celso’s journey with Spurs concluded in the summer of 2024 when he was sold back to Betis. 

His tenure may not have reached the heights anticipated, but he contributed to the club’s Argentine legacy.

Cristian Romero: Leading the Current Argentine Chapter

The Argentine legacy at Tottenham now centres around Cristian Romero, the tenacious centre-back signed from Atalanta in 2021. 

Romero’s aggressive style and fearless defending have made him a fan favourite, embodying the resilience and passion Spurs fans have come to associate with Argentine players. 

Romero was made a vice-captain with the arrival of Australian manager Ange Postecoglou and continues to carry forward the proud Argentine connection as a defensive rock for the team.

Alejo Véliz is a promising young forward currently gaining experience on loan at RCD Espanyol in LaLiga.

The Tottenham-Argentina relationship has evolved from Ardiles’ groundbreaking move to Romero’s rock-solid defending, with each chapter adding to our rich history. 

Who will be next?

As Tottenham continues to push for silverware, the Argentine influence serves as a reminder of the passion and resilience both Spurs and Argentina bring to the game.

I look forward to our next flair and tenacity Argentinian import.

For further insights:

Tottenham Hotspur History

Patagonia Spurs

National Football Museum