The name of Paraguayan football player Arsenio Erico has been in the eye of the storm. due to a recent study published by the Centre of Investigation for the History of Football (Centro de Investigación de la Historia del Fútbol, or CIFH). The result of this study is dethroning the Asunción born Erico (1915-1977) as record goal scorer in the Argentine top football league, and putting Argentine Angel Labruna up there.
The CIHF reviewed Arsenio Erico’s 293 goals and determined that Ángel Labruna surpassed him with 295 goals, taking away the Paraguaya’s title as top scorer. Who is this former Club Nacional player, and why does he live in the mind of Paraguayan football supporters as the GOAT: the Greatest Of All Time?
Rising from a humble neighbourhood
From Italian descent, Arsenio Erico Pastor Martínez was born on 30 March, 1915 in Barrio Obrero (Labour’s Neighborhood) in Asunción. The barrio in Paraguay’s capital is a place distinguished by its passion for football, hosting three of the most traditional and popular clubs in Paraguay: Nacional, Cerro Porteño, and Sol de América.
Erico attended the school General Diaz, Natalicio de María Talavera and the Colegio Nacional de la Capital (National High School). From a really young age, he displayed talent scoring tons of goals. In 1927, Arsenio was part of a team named “Los Azules” (the Blues) which went unbeatable for five straight years, and back then already a football “crack” (top player).
Whilst playing with Los Azules, he also was part of the junior team of Nacional, marking his debut with 15 years old, which in those times was unusual.
All the way to Argentina
Paraguay’s Chaco War with Bolivia was about to start, and it was common for young male Paraguayans to list in the army. Arsenio was no exception. Luckily for him, the authorities decided to make a team called “Selección Cruz Roja” (Red Cross National Team) in order to gain funds.
This team played in Uruguay and Argentina, and Arsenio caught the attention of Independiente’s board of directors, a club from the city of Avellaneda in Argentina.
With Los Diablos Rojos (the Red Devils) Arsenio played 394 matches, scoring 293 goals. Admired not only by Independiente supporters but by any fan of football in general, he stands as one of the best – for many the best – Paraguayan footballers of all times. He won many tournaments with Independiente, making him an absolute legend, writing his name in the history books of the club.
Loyal to Paraguay, and Di Stéfano’s idol
Before the 1938 World Cup, Arsenio was offered an extravagant sum to become naturalised Argentine so he could play for the national team, but he refused. He was praised for his loyalty to his country.
After a long knee injury, he retired with the club Huracán in 1947. Later he played some friendlies back at Nacional in Paraguay as an act of gratitude towards the club that first believed in him.
Alfredo Di Stéfano, one of the best Argentinian striker of all times and a Real Madrid legend, expressed his admiration towards him in an interview: “My childhood idol was Arsenio Erico. He was a goal artist, an acrobat, a dancer in the goal box.”
Dethroning Arsenio Erico
The recent study by the (CIHF) addressed a decades-long debate over the Argentine Primera División’s all-time top scorer, determining that Ángel Labruna of River Plate surpassed Erico of Independiente with 295 league goals to Erico’s 293.
The CIHF’s review of archival sources, including newspapers and match reports, addressed possible errors in goal attributions, added two previously uncounted goals by Labruna from a 1949 playoff, and settled six disputed goals (favouring Labruna on four) through internal debate and voting.
This finding, led by CIHF president Carlos Yametti, cements Labruna’s legacy over Erico, whose remarkable efficiency (293 goals in 334 games) still earns admiration, sparking pride among River fans, and bittersweet reactions in Paraguay.
“Figures who continue to be idolised”
Beyond the change in numbers, the CIHF clarified that the review does not seek to diminish the importance of both players. “One more goal, one less goal, will not dampen the fans’ feelings toward figures who continue to be idolised,” the organisation’s official statement read.
Erico played 334 matches, while Labruna needed 515 to reach his record. This difference keeps the debate alive among fans about who was truly the most effective striker of the professional era.
Arsenio’s legacy lives on
Despite losing his top spot in Argentina, Arsenio’s legacy has inspired countless generations of Paraguayans. Not only football fans, but anyone who admires a compatriot’s triumph. A feat no record could ever surpass.
