Top 10 South Americans in Premier League history

#6 Pablo Zabaleta

Pablo Zabaleta became a cult hero at Manchester City

Still playing in the Premier League for West Ham, Argentine right-back Pablo Zabaleta is, of course, best known for his time at Manchester City. Signed in 2008/09, Zabaleta was the final player to join the club prior to the takeover by Sheikh Mansour and the Abu Dhabi United Group.

It’s a testament to his ability and commitment to the cause that despite being signed prior to City becoming one of the richest clubs in the world, he was never replaced by an expensive upgrade until this summer, at the age of 32 following nine seasons at Eastlands.

During his time at City, Zabaleta became hugely popular with the fans for his consistency and commitment, emerging as a cult hero who was even given his own banner in the stands – a picture of him with a bandage around his head, alongside the words ‘Heart and Soul’.

He won the club’s Player of the Year award in 2012/13, and when he finally left at the end of 2016/17, he was given a lifetime season ticket at the club as well as a personalised shirt reading ‘Zabaleta 333’, marking the number of appearances he made there.

Zabaleta’s trophy haul included two Premier Leagues, one FA Cup and two League Cups – and he was also pictured partying with former Oasis star Noel Gallagher after City’s 2014 League Cup triumph. It doesn’t get much more Manchester, really.