Former Argentina international goalkeeper Willy Caballero celebrates his 45th birthday today, September 28, 2026, marking another milestone in a football career that has taken him from South America to some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Born on September 28, 1981, Caballero has built a reputation not only as an experienced goalkeeper but also as a respected figure within the coaching environment. His career has included important spells with Manchester City and Chelsea, two Premier League clubs where he played a significant part in trophy-winning squads.

Caballero began his senior career with Boca Juniors before moving to Spain, where he established himself with Elche and later Málaga. His performances at Málaga attracted the attention of Manchester City, and the Premier League club signed him in 2014.

Manchester City memories

Caballero spent three seasons at Manchester City between 2014 and 2017. Although he was not always the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, he became an important figure in several competitions.

One of the defining moments of his Manchester City career came in the 2016 League Cup final against Liverpool. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. Caballero produced a remarkable performance, saving three Liverpool penalties as City won the trophy.

That performance became one of the most memorable penalty-shootout displays in Manchester City history and helped establish Caballero as a popular figure among supporters.

Manchester City later acknowledged his contribution when he left the club in 2017. The club’s annual report described Caballero and several departing players as highly regarded representatives who had made important contributions to City’s story.

His connection with Manchester City has continued beyond his playing career. In 2026, City announced that Caballero would return to the club as part of Enzo Maresca’s coaching staff. He was appointed as a first-team coach, giving him another opportunity to work at the Etihad Stadium.

Chelsea chapter

After leaving Manchester City, Caballero joined Chelsea in 2017.

At Stamford Bridge, he spent four seasons competing for the goalkeeping position and providing experience behind the club’s established first-choice options. He also became a dependable presence in domestic and European competitions.

Chelsea’s official records note that Caballero won three major trophies during his time at the club: the FA Cup, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League. Those successes added to the EFL Cup he had previously won with Manchester City.

His Chelsea career also included several notable individual performances. In February 2020, for example, he was selected to start against Leicester City in the Premier League. Chelsea subsequently highlighted his professionalism and experience in an interview following the match.

From goalkeeper to coach

Caballero’s transition from playing to coaching has added another chapter to his football story.

After ending his playing career, he moved into coaching and worked with Leicester City before returning to Chelsea’s coaching structure. His experience working alongside managers and players at Premier League level eventually led to his return to Manchester City.

City’s 2026 announcement confirmed that Caballero would work as a first-team coach under Maresca. The club also pointed to his previous relationship with Maresca, who worked with Caballero at Málaga during their playing careers.

That development means Caballero’s connection with both Chelsea and Manchester City remains relevant even after his retirement as a player.

A career defined by experience

Caballero’s playing career was unusual in that he often operated away from the spotlight despite being part of highly successful teams. His value frequently came through experience, reliability and his ability to perform when called upon.

He represented Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, earning five senior international caps. Before that, he had also been part of Argentina’s squad that won Olympic gold at the 2004 Athens Games.

His club career also included spells at Boca Juniors, Elche, Málaga, Manchester City, Chelsea and Southampton. According to player records, he made more than 360 senior club appearances during his career.

Chelsea and City connection continues

Caballero’s 45th birthday provides an opportunity to look back at a career that connects two of English football’s prominent clubs.

For Manchester City supporters, his legacy is strongly associated with the dramatic 2016 League Cup final and his penalty-saving heroics. For Chelsea supporters, his contribution is linked to a period in which the club won the FA Cup, Europa League and Champions League.

While birthday messages from clubs can vary across their official social-media channels, Caballero’s long-standing relationship with both clubs is firmly established. His return to Manchester City as a coach in 2026 has made the connection even more significant.

At 45, Caballero is therefore entering a new stage of his football career. The gloves may have been hung up, but his work within the technical area continues.

From Boca Juniors to Spain, from Manchester City to Chelsea, and now back into Premier League coaching, Willy Caballero’s journey remains closely connected with some of the most important moments in modern English football.

As he celebrates his 45th birthday, his career provides a reminder that a goalkeeper’s influence can extend well beyond the saves made during his playing days.