The Argentina U17 national team, coached by Diego Placente, claimed the title at the 2025 COTIF L’Alcúdia tournament after a convincing 2-0 win against Valencia’s U20 side in the final. Despite facing older opposition, the young Albiceleste displayed maturity, discipline, and flair to lift the trophy for the fourth time in the nation’s history.
The goals came early in the match, with Misael Zalazar (Talleres) and Thomas De Martis (Lanús) finding the back of the net within the first 15 minutes. De Martis finished the tournament as Argentina’s top scorer, netting three goals and taking his tally to 11 goals in 13 matches with the youth national team.
Argentina was the most dominant team of the competition, winning every match, scoring 12 goals, and conceding just once. What makes this victory even more impressive is that the team featured U17 players, competing in a tournament designed for U20 sides. The goal was to give international experience to the core group expected to represent Argentina at the U17 World Cup in Qatar this November.
Coach Diego Placente, a key figure in Argentina’s youth system and a close collaborator of senior national team coach Lionel Scaloni, has overseen a well-structured project aimed at developing future stars. The plan appears to be working, with standout performances across the squad — including Tomás Parmo, Simón Escobar (the youngest player on the team), and German-Argentine Can Armando Guner of Borussia Mönchengladbach, who scored in the semifinal.
The final was played just 25 kilometers from Valencia, with strong support from Argentine fans and the families of the players in attendance.
This marks Argentina’s fourth L’Alcúdia title, following previous wins in 2012, 2016, and 2022, equaling the all-time record held by the former Soviet Union.
