Leonardo Julián Balerdi Rosa (born 26 January 1999) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Serie A club Roma, on loan from Ligue 1 club Marseille, and the Argentina national team.
Balerdi made his debut for Boca Juniors in the Argentine Primera División starting against Huracán on 27 August 2018. Although only appearing five times for Boca Juniors (a total of 450 minutes on the pitch), Balerdi's performances took Argentinian football by storm and he has rapidly been hailed as Argentina's best upcoming defender.
In January 2019, Balerdi agreed to a four-and-a-half-year contract with Borussia Dortmund. According to several Argentine reports, Dortmund has agreed to pay €15 million for the central defender. An additional €2 million might need to be paid due to agreed add-ons.
Balerdi made his Dortmund and Bundesliga debut on 7 December 2019 against Fortuna Düsseldorf coming onto the pitch as a substitute in the 78th minute. After a few substitute appearances, Balerdi made his first start against 1899 Hoffenheim in the last Bundesliga fixture of the 2019–20 season. He was substituted in the 65th minute as Dortmund trailed 4–0.
In July 2020, Balerdi signed with Marseille on a year-long loan, with an option to buy for €15 million. On 3 July 2021, he joined Marseille permanently, signing a five-year contract with the club.
At the start of the 2024–25 season, Balerdi extended his contract by two more years until 2028, while also being promoted two captain of the team.
On 30 August 2026, Balerdi joined Serie A club Roma on a one-year loan with an option for purchase.
Balerdi debuted for the Argentina senior squad on 10 September 2019 in a friendly match against Mexico, replacing Lucas Martínez Quarta in the 83rd minute.
On 28 May 2026, he was named in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, he sustained a calf injury on 6 June, which forced him to withdraw from the competition.
As of match played 14 September 2026
As of match played 14 October 2025
Copa Libertadores runner-up: 2018
Trophée des Champions runner-up: 2020
South American U-20 Championship runner-up: 2019
Profile at the Olympique de Marseille website
Leonardo Balerdi at Soccerbase
Leonardo Balerdi – French league stats at Ligue 1 – also available in French (archived)
Leonardo Balerdi – UEFA competition record (archive)