Career
Nicknamed "El Cabezón" ("The Big-Headed One"), Ruggeri is one of the most successful defenders ever to come out of Argentina. He also played for Vélez Sársfield, Ancona in Italy, América in Mexico, San Lorenzo and Lanús, where he ended his career. During his career he represented his country in three World Cups, captaining Argentina in the final two games of the 1994 competition, after Diego Maradona was expelled from the tournament.
After losing to Romania in the 1994 tournament, Ruggeri retired from international football having played 97 international games, an Argentine record until it was surpassed by Diego Simeone.
Ruggeri played in 21 Copa América games, a national record he shares with José Salomón.