Who Is Emiliano Sala? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Emiliano Sala was born on October 31, 1990, in Cululu, Argentina. His journey in professional football began in 2008 when he joined the youth team of San Martín de Progreso. Sala made headlines as a talented striker, eventually making his way to Europe where he played for several clubs, including FC Nantes and Cardiff City. Tragically, his life was cut short in January 2019, when he lost his life in a plane crash while traveling to join Cardiff City in the Premier League.
| Occupation | Football Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 31, 1990 |
| Age | 28 Years |
| Birth Place | Cululú, Argentina |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Argentina |
| Date of death | 21 January, 2019 |
| Died Place | English Channel, off Alderney, Channel Islands |
Popularity
Emiliano Sala's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
- Weight: 81 kg (179 lbs)
- Body Stats: Known for his athletic frame, Sala had a strong build that contributed to his performance on the field as a forward. His physical attributes made him a formidable player known for aerial duels and striking ability.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Emiliano Sala often kept his personal life out of the public eye. However, it was known that he had a close relationship with his family, particularly his mother, who was very supportive of his football career. As for his dating life, Sala had been linked with relationships, but no confirmed girlfriend, boyfriend, or other significant partners were publicly acknowledged. His focus remained primarily on his career.
His father worked as a truck driver, and the family later moved to Progreso, where Sala was raised. He was a fan of Independiente, and, growing up, studied footage of his favourite footballer, Argentine international Gabriel Batistuta.
Sala's parents were separated at the time of his death, and his father died of a heart attack on 26 April 2019, three months later. Sala is survived by his mother and two younger siblings, sister Romina and brother Dario.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in early 2019, Sala's estimated net worth was around $5 million. His salary from Cardiff City was reported to be approximately £15,000 per week. As we reflect in 2025, Sala's financial legacy continues to be a topic of conversation among fans and analysts, particularly considering the tributes and causes established in his honor.
On 19 January 2019, Sala joined Premier League side Cardiff City on a three-and-a-half-year deal for a club record transfer fee, reported to be £15 million. The transfer beat the previous club record of £11 million paid for Gary Medel in 2013. As part of a sell-on clause, 50% of the transfer fee was due to his first professional club Bordeaux.
Sala rejected a late bid from a club in the Chinese Super League to join Cardiff, despite being offered a higher salary, due to his desire to play in the Premier League. Following Sala's death, Nantes demanded the transfer fee from Cardiff.
In September 2019, FIFA ruled in Nantes' favour and ordered Cardiff to pay a first instalment of €6 million (£5.3 million), and the remainder the following January. In August 2022 the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that the first instalment has to be paid.
On 30 June 2023, Cardiff City was ordered by FIFA to pay Nantes the transfer balance for Sala. The sum was reportedly more than €11 million (£9.45 million), and was required to fulfil the €17 million agreed between the two clubs.
Career, Business, and Investments
Emiliano Sala's professional football career spanned over a decade, where he showcased his skills in various leagues. Sala had a successful stint in France with FC Nantes, where he became the top scorer in the Ligue 1. His move to Cardiff City was considered a major milestone, hoping to compete in the Premier League. Aside from football, Sala had shown interest in philanthropic efforts, especially after his passing, with various charitable organizations emerging to commemorate his legacy.
After playing youth football in Argentina and following a short spell in Portugal's regional leagues, Sala began his professional career in France with Bordeaux, making his professional debut in February 2012.
After struggling to break into the first team, he was loaned out to Championnat National side Orléans and Ligue 2 side Niort in consecutive seasons. He enjoyed prolific spells with both clubs, scoring 39 goals between them, before returning to Bordeaux.
After initially being promised an increased role after his successful loans, Sala fell out of favour again, and instead, joined fellow Ligue 1 side Caen on loan.
Social Network
Emiliano Sala had a significant following on social media platforms where fans celebrated his legacy and contribution to football. His presence on platforms like Instagram and Twitter allowed him to connect with supporters and share insights into his football journey. Posthumously, tributes and memorial pages continue to keep his spirit alive in the digital realm.
"Hello, my brothers, how are you? Boy, I’m tired. I was here in Nantes taking care of things, things, things, things, things, things, and it never stops, it never stops, it never stops. Anyway, guys, I’m up in this plane that feels like it's falling to pieces, and I’m going to Cardiff. [It's] crazy, we start tomorrow.
Training in the afternoon, guys, in my new team... Let's see what happens. So, how's it going with you guys? All good? If in an hour and a half you have no news from me, I don't know if they are going to send someone to look for me because they cannot find me, but you will know... Man, I'm scared!"
Education
Emiliano Sala’s educational background revolved significantly around football training and development. His early education took place in his hometown before progressing to professional training with various clubs. While there is limited information on formal education, it is clear that his dedication and passion for football shaped his life’s trajectory, leading him to become a celebrated athlete.
Sala began playing football for San Martín de Progreso, where he remained until he was 15 years old. He then moved to San Francisco, Córdoba to play at football school Proyecto Crecer after being spotted by a scout.
The club was directly affiliated with Spanish club RCD Mallorca and French side FC Girondins de Bordeaux, scouting local players in the area. After joining the club, he moved into a boarding house with other players from the club's youth system. He played six Preferente matches for Spanish club CD Soledad B between October 2007 and February 2008.
