Papu Gómez

Gómez began his career playing with the youth squad of Argentine side Arsenal de Sarandí, debuting for the team in 2003. Two years later, he was officially called up to the first team, but did not feature as a regular with the side until the 2006 Torneo Apertura, during which he scored 2 goals in 15 appearances, as Arsenal finished the season in 5th place.

On 30 November 2007, Gómez scored the 2 most important goals up to that point of his career in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana Finals, away against favourites Club América of Liga MX, giving Arsenal a valuable 3–2 lead going into the second leg.{{Cite web|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-30779420071201|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121185451/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-30779420071201|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 November 2016|title=Arsenal stun America in Sudamericana|last=Romero|first=Henry|date=6 December 2007|website=REUTERS|access-date=17 November 2016}} On 5 December, Arsenal lost the return leg 2–1, but won their first international title on the away goals rule.{{Cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/soccer-latam-sudamericana-idUKSP13602620071206|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121180933/http://uk.reuters.com/article/soccer-latam-sudamericana-idUKSP13602620071206|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 November 2016|title=Soccer-Argentina's Arsenal win Sudamericana to claim first title|last=Homewood|first=Brian|date=6 December 2007|publisher=REUTERS|access-date=17 November 2016}}

The 2008–09 season was his breakout season, as he scored 8 goals in 18 appearances and got into the top scoring charts with braces against Independiente and Velez Sarsfield.{{Cite web|date=19 October 2008|title=Arsenal de Sarandí 3-3 Vélez Sarsfield :: Apertura 2008/09|url=https://www.ceroacero.es/match.php?id=468171|access-date=8 February 2022|website=CeroaCero|language=es}}{{Cite web|date=14 December 2008|title=Independiente vs. Arsenal 1-2|url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2008/12/14/argentina/primera-division/ca-independiente/arsenal-de-sarandi/647115/|access-date=8 February 2022|website=Soccerway.com}}

San Lorenzo de Almagro signed Gómez for a 2 million dollar transfer fee, half of his estimated market value, in time for the 2009 Clausura tournament.{{Cite web|url=http://www.diario26.com/82975--papu-gomez-el-nuevo-refuerzo-de-san-lorenzo|title="Papu" Gómez, el nuevo refuerzo de San Lorenzo|date=3 February 2009|publisher=Diario26|access-date=17 November 2016}} His impressive play, including netting 8 times in 48 appearances for Los Santos, attracted the attention of several high-profile scouts. This led to his transfer to Italian Serie A Catania in July 2010, for €3 million.{{Cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Calciomercato/21-07-2010/inter-ranocchia-ora-ufficiale-71519845802.shtml|title=Inter-Ranocchia: ufficiale Zuculini è del Genoa|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=21 July 2010|access-date=17 November 2016}}

Catania officially welcomed their new 22-year-old signing on 21 July 2010, and he made his first appearance with the club 9 days later in a 1–0 friendly win against Greek side Iraklis. Gómez was immediately inserted into the starting XI and soon became integral to his club's record-breaking renaissance over the next 3 seasons.

El Papu contributed 4 goals and 5 assists in each of his first 2 seasons. His breakthrough campaign came during the 2012–13 season, when his playmaking and offensive prowess became the main catalyst of the team, propelling his side to club record highs for home and overall victories, and, for their 5th successive year, points.{{Cite web|url=http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/11/catania-club-focus-rossazzurri-not-missing-lodi-as-much-as-papu/|title=Catania Club Focus: Rossazzurri not missing Lodi as much as Papu|last=Galindo|first=Peter|date=28 November 2013|publisher=Forza Italian Football|access-date=17 November 2016}} The Rossazzurri clinched an eighth-place finish in Serie A, equaling their historic best placement in the league for the first time since the 1964–65 season, but 5 points shy of earning their inaugural appearance in the UEFA Europa League. The side that managed to achieve these record-breaking achievements was described as the best Catania side in the club's history.{{Cite web|url=http://www.calciocatania.it/page.php?page=storia&l=en|title=Calcio Catania: La Storia|publisher=Calcio Catania|access-date=17 November 2016}} Gómez finished the year with a career high 8 goals in 36 appearances, making him the second highest on the team behind Gonzalo Bergessio, as well as 7 assists, making him the club's joint highest assist provider, and the tenth best provider in Serie A.

Catania, for reasons that were never clarified, sold Gómez during the summer and replaced him with the injury-prone and inconsistent Sebastián Leto, whom they acquired on a free transfer from Panathinaikos.{{Cite web|url=http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2014/05/top-10-worst-players-in-serie-a-201314/|title=Top 10 Worst Players in Serie A 2013/14|last=Galindo|first=Peter|date=22 May 2014|publisher=Forza Italian Football|access-date=17 November 2016}} Despite having four of their top six offensive players return, and later five of their six when Francesco Lodi was reacquired on loan from Genoa in January, Catania's performances declined heavily, which saw them fall to 18th position in the league, and as a result, they were ultimately relegated.{{Cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/43342/lodi-back-catania|title=Lodi back at Catania|publisher=Football Italia|author=Football Italia staff|date=3 January 2014|access-date=17 November 2016}}

File:Alejandro Darío Gómez.jpg

Rebuffing offers from several big clubs, including Atletico Madrid, Fiorentina, and Inter Milan, Gómez himself requested a transfer to little-known Metalist Kharkiv of the Ukrainian Premier League, citing the club's commitment to growth and the opportunity to play in the upcoming UEFA Champions League as his reasons.{{Cite web|url=http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/metalist-kharkiv-signing-alejandro-gomez-i-turned-down-inter-milan-fiorentina-3972542|title=Alejandro Gomez: I turned down Inter Milan, Fiorentina|last=Tribal Football Staff|date=3 August 2013|publisher=Tribal Football|access-date=17 November 2016}} On 2 August 2013, he signed four-year contract with the club, which included a €12 million release clause, following a €7 million transfer fee.{{Cite web|url=http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/08/gomez-leaves-catania-for-metalist/|title=Gomez leaves Catania for Metalist|publisher=Forza Italian Football|last=Ross|first=Ryan|date=2 August 2013|access-date=17 November 2016}} However, things did not go well for him with the side from the beginning.

UEFA upheld Metalist's ban from the Champions League two weeks later because of the club's involvement in match fixing in 2008.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/23695964|title=Metalist Kharkiv remain banned from Champions League|publisher=BBC|access-date=17 November 2016|date=16 August 2013}} By the December winter break, failing to settle into his new surroundings due to a combination of the league's lack of visibility and quality, which he believed made playing in it a waste of time, as well as adverse environmental and linguistic issues in Ukraine itself, which he saw as insurmountable, Gómez wanted out of his contract. He therefore requested a transfer back to Serie A as soon as possible, preferably to Fiorentina, and by January 2014, offered to accept a salary reduction in order to have this accomplished.{{Cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11866/9082279/transfer-news-metalist-kharkiv-winger-alejandro-gomez-keen-to-join-fiorentina|title=Transfer News: Metalist Kharkiv winger Alejandro Gomez keen to join Fiorentina|publisher=Sky Sports|last=Bargellini|first=Simone|date=13 December 2013|access-date=17 November 2016}} This request went unfilled, however, and he ultimately played in 23 games, scoring 3 goals and setting up 4 others, helping the Hor'ky finish 3rd overall.

Gómez refused to return to Ukraine the following season because of the volatile and violent political climate that emerged during his time there. He stated "It's an anguished situation, very unstable, as we are all sad and living in a state of panic...I have no intention of coming back...I will stay in Buenos Aires...Until there can be guarantees of safety, I cannot expose my family to these dangers."{{Cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/52470/gomez-refuses-ukraine-return/|title=Gomez refuses Ukraine return|publisher=Football Italia|author=Football Italia staff|date=22 July 2014|access-date=17 November 2016}} Many players, especially foreign ones, also left the league for this same reason, including three of Gomez's teammates, and six from reigning league Champions Shakhtar Donetsk.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-soccer-baxter-20141012-story.html|title=Ongoing conflict in Ukraine wreaks havoc on country's Premier League|publisher=The L.A. Times|last=Baxter|first=Kevin|date=11 October 2014|access-date=17 November 2016}} As a result, the Ukrainian League saw its foreign player total reduced from 170 to 60 over the next two years.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/sport/champions-league/out-of-champions-league-dynamo-kiev-and-ukraine-football-must-now-face-harrowing-reality|title=Out of Champions League, Dynamo Kiev and Ukraine football must now face harrowing reality|publisher=The National|author=Agence France-Presse|date=16 March 2016|access-date=17 November 2016}}

File:Papu Gomez 01.JPG

Following Giacomo Bonaventura's departure to Milan on 1 September 2014, Atalanta acquired Gómez on the same day, signing him on a three-year deal in the last hours of the summer transfer window in Italy.{{Cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/55368/official-papu-gomez-atalanta/|title=Official: Papu Gomez to Atalanta|publisher=Football Italia|author=Football Italia staff|date=1 September 2014|access-date=17 November 2016}} Gómez had a decent first season, contributing 3 goals and 2 assists in 24 appearances to a poor, offensively-challenged Nerazzurri squad that struggled and narrowly avoided relegation, finishing fourth from the bottom, 3 points ahead of Serie B-bound Cagliari.

The following season, Gómez lead his club in both goals and assists, with 7 and 6 respectively, as he rekindled the form he had shown in his final season at Catania, and, despite the continued lack of attacking support, steered Atalanta to a respectable 13th-place finish in the league.{{Cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/season/2015-16/Review/Serie-A-Team-of-the-Season|title=Serie A Team of the Season 2015–16|publisher=Football Italia|last=Dalmonte|first=Edo|access-date=17 November 2016}} His performances spurred the interest of several big clubs, which pushed the Bergamese side to extend his contract until June 2020, on 4 February 2016.{{Cite web|url=http://www.transfermarketweb.com/?action=read&idsel=167325/|title=ITALY/ OFFICIAL, Papu Gomez renews for Atalanta|publisher=TRANSFERmarketWEB|last=Colla|first=Claudio|date=4 February 2016|access-date=17 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214031707/http://www.transfermarketweb.com/?action=read|archive-date=14 February 2017|url-status=dead}}

During the 2016–17 season, Gómez managed to score an unprecedented total of 16 goals as his team finished in the fourth place contrary to the lower pre-season expectations. In 2017, following the departure and retirement of Cristian Raimondi, he became the team's captain.

As captain, Gómez helped lead Atalanta to a historic third-place finish in the 2018–19 Serie A season, earning a spot in the 2019–20 UEFA Champions League, as well as reaching the 2019 Coppa Italia Final.{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/atalantas-ronaldo-papu-gomez-leads-out-europes-biggest/17vlr046wydh91gmabnhr3l1tj |title=Atalanta in Champions League: The fairytale story of Europe's biggest overachievers, led by Papu Gomez |publisher=www.goal.com |last1=Doyle |first1=Mark |date=16 February 2020 |access-date=3 May 2021 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2019/04/26/5cc221ffe5fdea15628b460f.html |title=Papu Gomez and Ilicic fire Atalanta past Fiorentina and into Coppa Italia final |publisher=MARCA |date=25 April 2019 |access-date=3 May 2021 }}

Gómez scored his first Champions League goal on 26 November 2019 with a brilliant piece of individual ability in a 2–0 home win against Dinamo Zagreb.{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/atalanta-vs-din-zagreb/420404|title=Champions League (Sky Sports)|website=SkySports|language=en|access-date=12 December 2019}} During the 2019–20 season, Gómez set the Serie A record for most assists in a single season with 16 assists.{{cite web|title=Alejandro "Papu" Gomez mazy assist for Atalanta, tops Serie A in assists|url=https://mundoalbiceleste.com/2020/07/11/alejandro-papu-gomez-mazy-assist-for-atalanta-tops-serie-a-in-assists/|date=11 July 2020|access-date=3 August 2020|website=Mundo Albiceleste}}

During half time of Atalanta's Champions League group stage match against FC Midtjylland on 1 December 2020, there was a heated exchange between Gómez and manager Gian Piero Gasperini over his positioning on the pitch. Gómez did not re-enter the pitch at the start of the second half. Gomez later claimed that Gasperini tried to "physically attack" him, adding that Gasperini never apologized to the player.{{Cite web |date=2021-08-18 |title=Gomez claims he left Atalanta after Gasperini tried to 'physically attack' him |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/gomez-claims-he-left-atalanta-after-gasperini-tried-to/xx6g7e26q3l61b4cft2z3v03y |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Goal.com |language=en}} After starting in Atalanta's final group stage match against Ajax, the relationship between Gómez and Gasperini completely broke down.{{Cite web|title=Gomez v Gasperini: What happened? {{!}} Football Italia|url=https://www.football-italia.net/163474/gomez-v-gasperini-what-happened|access-date=18 January 2021|website=www.football-italia.net|date=14 December 2020}} Despite amending his relationship with the president, Gómez stated that his relationship with Gasperini could not be fixed;{{Cite web|title=Report: Gomez clears the air with Percassi {{!}} Football Italia|url=https://www.football-italia.net/164337/report-gomez-clears-air-percassi|access-date=18 January 2021|website=www.football-italia.net}} he made his last appearance for the club in a Serie A match against Juventus on 16 December. Gómez requested a transfer in the January transfer window, to which Atalanta agreed, stating however that they would not sell him to a Serie A rival.{{Cite web|title=Atalanta in no rush to sell Papu Gomez {{!}} Football Italia|url=https://www.football-italia.net/164326/atalanta-no-rush-sell-papu-gomez|access-date=18 January 2021|website=www.football-italia.net}}

On 26 January 2021, La Liga club Sevilla announced the signing of Gómez on a deal running until June 2024.{{cite web|title=Agreement for the transfer of Papu Gómez to Sevilla FC|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/en/actual/news/agreement-transfer-papu-gomez-sevilla-fc|date=26 January 2021|access-date=26 January 2021|website=sevillafc.es|publisher=Sevilla FC}} He made his debut for the club on 2 February, playing 60 minutes of Sevilla's 1–0 victory against Almería in the Copa del Rey.{{cite web|title=Lopetegui praises Papu Gomez's Sevilla debut|url=https://www.football-italia.net/165840/lopetegui-praises-papu-gomez%E2%80%99s-sevilla-debut|date=2 February 2021|access-date=3 February 2021|website=Football Italia}} Four days later, he scored his first Sevilla goal in a 3–0 win over Getafe.{{cite web|title=Sevilla maintain Top Four push with Getafe win|url=https://www.football-espana.net/2021/02/06/sevilla-maintain-top-four-push-with-getafe-win|date=6 February 2021|accessdate=6 February 2021|website=Football Espana}} On 1 September 2023, Gómez and Sevilla reached an agreement to terminate his contract with one year left.{{cite web |url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/acuerdo-rescision-contrato-papu-gomez-sevilla-fc |title=Acuerdo para la rescisión del contrato de Papu Gómez |publisher=Sevilla FC |language=es |date=1 September 2023 }}

On 29 September 2023, Gomez joined Italian club Monza on a free transfer.{{cite web |url=https://www.acmonza.com/en/news/alejandro-gomez-new-signing-monza/ |title=Papu Gomez joins AC Monza |publisher=AC Monza |date=29 September 2023 }}

On 20 October 2023, Monza announced that Gómez had been found to have failed an anti-doping test, resulting in a two-year ban for the player. Gómez took the drug terbutaline in October 2022, during his time with Sevilla.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-20 |title=World Cup winner Gómez gets 2-year doping ban |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/38704371/world-cup-winner-papu-gomez-given-2-year-doping-ban |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Comunicato ufficiale AC Monza - Associazione Calcio Monza S.p.A. |url=https://www.acmonza.com/it/news/comunicato-ufficiale-ac-monza-20102023/ |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=www.acmonza.com |language=it}}

File:Argentina-Nigeria ((cropped).jpg

File:Papu Gómez 2022.jpg

In 2007, Gómez was picked to represent the Argentina Under-20 team at the 2007 South American Youth Championship in Paraguay. Later that year he was in the Argentina squad that won the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada.

Having only played internationally for Argentina at youth level, dual citizenship was widely believed to have qualified him for selection to the senior Italy national team, for whom he had expressed interest in playing. FIFA has since ruled him ineligible to switch his football nationality, however, because he did not have a dual passport when he first represented Argentina at that level, and does not have Italian lineage, which would have allowed him to override this requirement.{{Cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/93934/papu-gomez-cannot-play-italy|title=Papu Gomez cannot play for Italy|publisher=Football Italia|author=Football Italia staff|date=5 November 2016|access-date=17 November 2016}}

On 19 May 2017, Gómez received his first senior call-up by newly appointed coach Jorge Sampaoli for Argentina's friendlies against Brazil and Singapore in June.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/8/main/2017/05/19/35665212/icardis-argentina-exile-over-but-aguero-misses-out|title=Icardi's Argentina exile over, but Aguero misses out|publisher=Goal.com|author=Jamie Smith|date=19 May 2017|access-date=7 June 2017}} He made his senior international debut in the match against Singapore on 13 June, helping Argentina to a 6–0 away win, and also marked his debut by scoring his first international goal, while also setting up a goal for Federico Fazio during the same match.{{Cite news|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/sg/news/singapore-0-argentina-6-dream-debut-gomez-sampaolis-bold-experiment|title=Singapore 0 Argentina 6: Dream debut for Gomez in Sampaoli's bold experiment|work=FourFourTwo|language=en-SG|date=13 June 2017|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613155549/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/sg/news/singapore-0-argentina-6-dream-debut-gomez-sampaolis-bold-experiment|archive-date=13 June 2017|url-status=dead}} He went to make three more international appearances that year.

In June 2021, Gómez was included in Argentina's squad for the 2021 Copa América in Brazil.{{cite web |url=https://en.as.com/en/2021/06/14/football/1623671691_620875.html |title=Argentina national team squad Copa America 2021: selected players, absences... |publisher=AS.com |date=14 June 2021 |access-date=22 June 2021 }} On 21 June, he scored the only goal of the match in Argentina's third group match against Paraguay; the result allowed his side to progress to the quarter-finals.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/argentina-vs-paraguay-score-papu-gomez-winner-sends-argentina-into-copa-america-qiuarterfinals/live/ |title=Argentina vs. Paraguay score: Papu Gomez winner sends Argentina into Copa America quarterfinals |work=CBSSports.com |date=21 June 2021 |access-date=22 June 2021 }} A week later, he scored again in a 4–1 win against Bolivia in his team's final group stage match, also helping to win a penalty, which was converted by Lionel Messi.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/argentina-arg/story/4422176/messi-sets-argentina-appearances-mark-in-copa-america-match-vs-bolivia|title=Messi sets Argentina appearances mark in Copa America match vs. Bolivia|work=ESPN|first=Sam|last=Marsden|date=28 June 2021|accessdate=29 June 2021}}

Gómez was included in Argentina's final 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup,{{cite web | url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/argentina-world-cup-2022-squad-players-line-up-qatar | title=Argentina World Cup 2022 squad: Lionel Scaloni's full team | publisher=FourFourTwo.com | date=18 December 2022 }} starting his nations's opening game against Saudi Arabia and in the Round of 16 against Australia. Argentina went all the way to win a third world title after defeating France on penalties in the final.{{cite web |url=https://www.euronews.com/2022/12/18/argentina-beat-france-in-electrifying-world-cup-final |title=Argentina beat France on penalties in electrifying World Cup Final |publisher=Euronews |date=18 December 2022 }}

The national team's first two friendlies after the World Cup would take place in March 2023 in their native Argentina. Gómez would be the only member of the World Cup-winning squad who would not be present during those games, as Sevilla did not allow him to travel due to an injury he sustained.{{cite web|last=O’donnell |first=Martín |date=March 18, 2023 |url=https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/Argentine-World-Cup-winner-banned-by-his-club-to-attend-celebrations-in-Buenos-Aires-20230317-0006.html | title=Argentine World Cup winner banned by his club from attending celebrations in Buenos Aires |publisher=BolaVIP |accessdate=August 19, 2024}}

A talented, diminutive player, with quick feet, explosive acceleration, and a low centre of gravity, Gómez is a creative, technically gifted, and dynamic footballer, who is renowned for his pace, dribbling skills, and high work-rate.{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/newsliverpool/the-atalanta-side-looking-to-stop-everton-including-agueros-mate-a-champions-league-wonderkid-and-the-cardiff-reject/ar-AArRpUQ|title=The Atalanta side looking to stop Everton – including Aguero's mate, a Champions League wonderkid and the Cardiff 'reject'|publisher=www.MSN.com|author1=Kristian Walsh|date=12 September 2017|access-date=3 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104073400/https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/newsliverpool/the-atalanta-side-looking-to-stop-everton-including-agueros-mate-a-champions-league-wonderkid-and-the-cardiff-reject/ar-AArRpUQ|archive-date=4 January 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/little-aeroplanes-managerial-career-taking-catania-aim-europe|title=Little Aeroplane's managerial career taking off as Catania aim for Europe|publisher=www.fourfourtwo.com|date=2 April 2012|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/93551/papu-gomez-ready-italy|title=Papu Gomez: 'Ready for Italy'|publisher=Football Italia|date=27 October 2016|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.ultimouomo.com/papu-gomez-ruolo-atalanta-gaspehttps://www.ultimouomo.com/papu-gomez-ruolo-atalanta-gasperini/rini/ |title=Il nuovo ruolo in cui è fiorito il Papu Gomez |publisher=www.ultimouomo.com |language=Italian |last1=Atturo |first1=Emanuele |date=4 March 2019 |access-date=25 April 2021 }}{{Excessive citations inline|date=February 2022}}

Possessing good movement and a powerful and accurate long range shot with either foot, he is known for his eye for goal from midfield,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jan/09/serie-a-atalanta-papu-gomez-leads-by-example|title=Atalanta captain Papu Gómez leads by example as his club let young talent go|work=The Guardian|first=Nicky|last=Bandini|date=9 January 2017|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/gaming/unknown-argentinian-better-lionel-messi-fifa-17|title=The unknown Argentinian better than Lionel Messi on FIFA 17|publisher=www.sportskeeda.com|author1=Deevya Mulani|date=25 March 2017|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/atalanta-vs-everton-live-updates-what-time-start-which-channel-stream-where-watch-europa-league-a7947116.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/atalanta-vs-everton-live-updates-what-time-start-which-channel-stream-where-watch-europa-league-a7947116.html |archive-date=24 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Atalanta vs Everton: What time does it start, which TV channel is it on and where can I watch it?|work=The Independent|date=14 September 2017|access-date=3 January 2018}} although he is also capable of creating goalscoring opportunities for teammates.{{cite web|url=http://www.squawka.com/news/alejandro-gomez-will-only-leave-atalanta-for-champions-league-football-amid-milan-link/948253#BOPqOq3gG4K5Mtqz.97|title=Atalanta's 14-goal striker Alejandro Gomez says AC Milan want to sign him|publisher=www.squawka.com|author1=Mohamed Moallim|date=16 May 2017|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thescore.com/news/1307796|title=MVP for every Serie A club this season|publisher=The Score|author1=Anthony Lopopolo|date=27 May 2017|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Atalanta/13-02-2017/atalanta-papu-gomez-non-si-ferma-piu-lui-bomber-2017-dietro-higuain-180807662321.shtml|title=Atalanta, Papu Gomez non si ferma più: è lui il bomber 2017 dietro a Higuain|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Matteo Spini|date=13 February 2017|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/it-it/sport/serie-a/gomez-come-ronaldinho-%C3%A8-storica-doppia-doppia/ar-BBB5e6J?li=BBqfWMR|title=Gomez come Ronaldinho È storica doppia-doppia|publisher=www.msn.com|author1=Roberto Pinna|language=it|date=13 May 2017|access-date=3 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104074928/https://www.msn.com/it-it/sport/serie-a/gomez-come-ronaldinho-%C3%A8-storica-doppia-doppia/ar-BBB5e6J?li=BBqfWMR|archive-date=4 January 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.it/2018/01/03/papu-gomez-curiosita-profilo-dance-atalanta/|title=Sia lodato el Papu Gomez: tra sorrisi, balli e il sogno Atalanta|publisher=www.foxsports.it|language=it|author1=Edoardo Colombo|work=Fox Sports |date=3 January 2018|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttocalciocatania.com/2017/02/gomez-atalanta-lex-catania-contribuisce-ad-affossare-palermo-festeggia-un-cannolo/|title=GOMEZ (Atalanta): l'ex Catania contribuisce ad affossare il Palermo e festeggia con un cannolo|publisher=www.tuttocalciocatania.com|language=it|date=13 February 2017|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{Excessive citations inline|date=February 2022}} A versatile attacker,{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/blog/the-toe-poke/65/post/3278279/atalanta-forward-papu-gomez-amazing-dance-goes-viral|title=Atalanta forward Papu Gomez's amazing dance goes viral|publisher=ESPN FC|author1=Chris Wright|date=21 November 2017|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/news/alejandro-gomez-resta-a-catania-751011|title=Alejandro Gomez: 'Resta a Catania'|publisher=www.calciomercato.com|language=it|date=28 December 2011|access-date=3 January 2018}} he is capable of playing in several offensive positions,{{cite web|url=https://it.eurosport.com/calcio/serie-a/2015-2016/le-5-trattative-che-vi-siete-persi-oggi-12-07_sto5684906/story.shtml|title=Le 5 trattative che vi siete persi oggi (12/07)|publisher=Eurosport|language=it|date=12 July 2016|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/strong-and-weak-points-of-atalanta-ahead-of-everton-clash-30340|title=Strong and weak points of Atalanta as they prepare to face Everton|publisher=www.calciomercato.com|author1=Lorenzo Bettoni|date=14 September 2017|access-date=3 January 2018}} and has even been deployed as a main striker on occasion,{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/55350/papu-gomez-set-atalanta|title=Papu Gomez set for Atalanta|publisher=Football Italia|date=1 September 2014|access-date=3 January 2018}} or as a false 9,{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/116440/coppa-buffon-keeps-atalanta-quiet|title=Coppa: Buffon keeps Atalanta quiet|publisher=Football Italia|date=30 January 2018|access-date=31 January 2018}} although he usually plays as a second striker,{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/calciomercato/2017/06/22-26977305/lazio_il_ds_tare_tratta_con_l_agente_del_papu_gomez/|title=Lazio, il ds Tare tratta con l'agente del Papu Gomez|publisher=Tutto Sport|language=it|author1=Davide Russo de Cerame|date=22 June 2017|access-date=3 January 2018}} in a central playmaking role as an attacking midfielder,{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/104153/papu-gomez-open-lazio|title=Papu Gomez open to Lazio|publisher=Football Italia|date=14 June 2017|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/104572/lazio-meet-gomez-agent|title=Lazio meet Gomez agent|publisher=Football Italia|date=22 June 2017|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fcinter1908.it/ultimora/inter-gomez-verso-il-rinnovo-con-latalanta-dea-fiduciosa-le-ultime/|title=Inter, Gomez verso il rinnovo con l'Atalanta: Dea fiduciosa, le ultime|publisher=F.C. Inter 1908|language=it|author1=Marco Macca|date=11 July 2017|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/01/10/liverpool-add-atalantas-alejandro-gomez-their-list-philippe-coutinho-replacements|title=Liverpool Add Atalanta's Alejandro Gomez to Their List of Philippe Coutinho Replacements|publisher=Sports Illustrated|date=10 January 2018|access-date=30 January 2018}} or as a winger, usually on the left flank, a position which enables him to take on defenders in one on one situations, cut into the centre onto his stronger right foot, and attempt a curling shot at goal,{{cite web|url=http://espertodicalcio.blogspot.ca/2012/11/lerede-del-nino-maravilla-alejandro-el.html|title=L'erede del nino maravilla: Alejandro "El Papu" Gómez|publisher=espertodicalcio.blogspot.it|author1=Daniele Berrone|language=it|date=18 November 2012|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/98148/your-new-favourite-player|title=Your new favourite player|publisher=Football Italia|author1=Gaby McKay|date=10 February 2017|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Atalanta/01-10-2015/alejandro-gomez-io-papu-papa-maglia-10-gol-francesco-130344817628.shtml|title=Alejandro Gomez: "Io, il Papu e il Papa. Una maglia e 10 gol per Francesco"|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Guglielmo Longhi|date=2 October 2015|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{Excessive citations inline|date=February 2022}} although he was often used on the right wing earlier in his career. Due to his stamina and work-ethic, he has also been deployed in a box-to-box role on occasion.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Atalanta/15-12-2020/gomez-atalanta-retroscena-rottura-gasperini-3901690870126.shtml |title=Gomez e Atalanta: il retroscena della rottura con Gasperini |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it-IT |last1=Elefante |first1=Andrea |date=15 December 2020 |access-date=25 April 2021 }} In recent seasons, he has often operated in a free attacking role in the centre, behind another striker, which enables him to link-up with his teammates, roam the pitch at will, change positions with other forwards, lose his markers by dropping off onto the flanks, or find space in the box with his runs and finish off chances; Gómez has described this role as a "false second striker".{{cite web|url=http://www.fcinter1908.it/primo-piano/gomez-ero-dellinter-ecco-perche-salto-tutto-paletta-voleva-palacio-a-bergamo-e/|title=Gomez: "Ero dell'Inter, ecco perché saltò tutto. Paletta voleva Palacio a Bergamo e…"|publisher=FC Inter 1908|language=it|date=22 October 2016|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.asroma.com/it/notizie/2016/11/atalanta-roma-tre-avversari-da-tenere-d-occhio|title=Atalanta-Roma: tre avversari da tenere d'occhio|publisher=A.S. Roma|language=it|author1=WAYNE GIRARD|date=19 November 2016|access-date=3 January 2018}} He is also an accurate free kick taker,{{cite web|url=http://www.asroma.com/en/news/2015/11/roma-v-atalanta-3-opposition-players-to-watch|title=Roma v Atalanta: 3 opposition players to watch|publisher=A.S. Roma|author1=Wayne Girard|date=26 November 2015|access-date=3 January 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.asroma.com/en/news/2016/11/three-to-watch-atalanta-s-creators-buzzing-at-home|title=Three to Watch: Atalanta's creators buzzing at home|publisher=www.asroma.com|author1=Wayne Girard|date=19 November 2016|access-date=3 January 2018}} and often takes penalties for his team.{{cite news |url=https://www.bergamonews.it/2018/12/25/atalanta-e-la-sindrome-rigori-continuera-a-tirarli-ilicic/298880/ |title=Atalanta e la sindrome rigori: continuerà a tirarli Ilicic? |work=Bergamo News |language=it |last1=Porfidia |first1=Alberto |date=25 December 2018 |access-date=11 March 2020 }} In addition to his playing ability, Gómez is also known for his leadership qualities, having served as Atalanta's captain.{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/europa-league/2017/12/13-35520715/europa_league_atalanta_gomez_dortmund_palcoscenico_importante_/b|title=Europa League Atalanta, Gomez: "Dortmund, palcoscenico importante"|publisher=Tutto Sport|language=it|date=13 December 2017|access-date=3 January 2018}}

{{updated|match played 8 October 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/alejandro-dario-gomez/13818/|title=A. Gomez|website=Soccerway|access-date=10 May 2017}}

{{notelist}}

{{updated|match played 3 December 2022}}

:Scores and results list Argentina's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Gómez goal.

Gómez's uncle is former Club Atlético Independiente defender Hugo Villaverde, who is his mother's brother.{{cite news|url=https://www.ole.com.ar/copa-america/papu-gomez-historia-seleccion_0_KmPFUXgzO.html|work=Olé|title=Papu Gómez inédito: de Racing y el Rojo a un restó en Italia|last=Paulich|first=Diego|date=22 June 2021|access-date=1 January 2023|language=es}} Gómez is married to Linda Raff, with whom he has three children.{{cite news|url=https://www.infobae.com/deportes/2022/11/06/la-historia-de-amor-de-papu-gomez-y-linda-raff-aquella-tarde-en-la-costanera-que-marco-un-romance/|work=Infobae|title=La historia de amor de Papu Gómez y Linda Raff: aquella tarde en la costanera que marcó un romance|date=6 November 2022|access-date=1 January 2023|language=es}}

Gómez is a dual citizen of Argentina and Italy, having been granted an Italian passport during his time at Atalanta.

In October 2023, he was banned for two years after testing positive for a banned substance ahead of the 2022 World Cup.{{cite web | url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/2023/10/20/653292b546163fdfa18b45d4.html | title=Papu Gomez gets two-year ban after testing positive for a banned substance before World Cup | date=20 October 2023 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67176988|title=Argentina's Gomez given two-year doping ban|work=BBC Sport |date=20 October 2023 }}

Arsenal de Sarandí

• Copa Sudamericana: 2007
• Suruga Bank Championship: 2008

Sevilla

• UEFA Europa League: 2022–23{{Cite news |last=Lowe |first=Sid |date=31 May 2023 |title=Montiel edges Sevilla to seventh Europa League triumph with win over Roma |language= |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/may/31/sevilla-roma-europa-league-final-match-report |access-date=31 May 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}

Argentina U20

• FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2007

Argentina

• FIFA World Cup: 2022{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Scott |date=18 December 2022 |title=Argentina beat France on penalties after thrilling World Cup final – live reaction |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2022/dec/18/argentina-france-world-cup-2022-final-live |access-date=18 December 2022 |website=the Guardian |language=}}
• Copa América: 2021{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2021/jul/10/argentina-v-brazil-copa-america-final-live |title=Argentina 1–0 Brazil: Copa América final – live! |work=The Guardian |last1=Graham |first1=Bryan Armen |date=11 July 2021 |access-date=11 July 2021 }}
• CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions: 2022{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61653337|title=Italy 0–3 Argentina: Messi and Di Maria shine in impressive Finalissima win|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 June 2022|access-date=2 June 2022}}

Individual

• Serie A top assist provider: 2018–19,{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/stats/_/league/ita.1|title=Italian Serie A Scoring Stats – 2018–19|website=ESPN.com|access-date=27 May 2019}} 2019–20
• Serie A Player of the Month: June 2020,{{cite news |url=http://www.legaseriea.it/en/press/news/info/alejandro-gomez-mvp-for-june |publisher=Serie A |access-date=13 July 2020 |date=13 July 2020 |title=Alejandro Gomez MVP For June}} September 2020{{cite news |url=http://www.legaseriea.it/en/press/news/info/alejandro-gomez-mvp-of-september |publisher=Serie A |access-date=23 October 2020 |date=23 October 2020 |title=Alejandro Gomez MVP of September}}
• Serie A Best Midfielder: 2019–20{{cite news |url=http://www.legaseriea.it/en/press/news/info/the-mvps-of-the-2019-2020-season |publisher=Serie A |access-date=4 August 2020 |date=4 August 2020 |title=The MVPs of the 2019/2020 Serie A Season}}
• UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2019–20{{cite news |title=UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0260-103d6b6179e6-7a1932c7a58c-1000--uefa-champions-league-squad-of-the-season |work=UEFA |date=28 August 2020 |access-date=28 August 2020}}
• Serie A Team of the Year: 2019–20{{cite web |url=https://football-italia.net/gran-gala-del-calcio-the-winners/|title=Gran Galà del Calcio: The winners|date=19 March 2021|publisher=Football Italia|access-date=19 March 2021}}

{{notelist-lg}}

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• [https://www.sevillafc.es/en/teams/first-team/papu-gomez Profile] at the Sevilla FC website
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRUbMQQBgFk Video: Alejandro Papu Gomez's goals in Arsenal Futbol Club Of Sarandi (Argentina)]
• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20090215005008/http://www.futbolxxi.com/Futbolista.aspx?ID=13253&SEOFutbolista=Gomez+Alejandro+Dario Alejandro Darío Gómez – Argentine Primera statistics]}} at Fútbol XXI {{in lang|es}}
• [http://www.football-lineups.com/players/player.php?route=4730 Alejandro Gómez at Football Lineups]

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