Exequiel Palacios plays a key role in Bayer Leverkusen’s midfield and Argentina’s national team setup. He’s known for his defensive work, passing accuracy, and consistency in big games.
Exequiel Palacios’ Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Exequiel Alejandro Palacios |
| Nickname | El Temple |
| Date of Birth | October 5, 1998 |
| Age | 27 years old |
| Birthplace | Famaillá, Tucumán, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentina |
| Religion | Christianity (devoto de la Virgen de Sumampa) |
| Height | 1.78 m (177-178 cm) |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Position | Central Midfield |
| Youth Clubs | River Plate |
| Senior Clubs | River Plate (2015-2019), Bayer Leverkusen (2020-present) |
| Jersey Number | 25 |
| International Debut | September 8, 2018 vs Guatemala |
| Turned Professional | 2015 (senior debut November 8, 2015 for River Plate) |
| Net Worth (estimated 2026) | £27 million |
| Annual Salary (reported) | £6.45 million (€9.44M or similar) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Wife | Yesica Frias |
| Children | None |
| Instagram Profile | @exepalaciosok |
Exequiel Palacios, at 27, stands 1.78m tall with a solid 70kg build, perfect for his central midfield role. He’s Argentine-born in Famaillá but rose through River Plate’s youth system, debuting professionally at 17. A Christian devoted to the Virgin of Sumampa, he keeps personal life private—no marriage or kids, post-breakup with Yesica Frias, and shares glimpses on Instagram @exepalaciosok.
Early Career
Exequiel Palacios started in River Plate’s youth ranks after moving to Buenos Aires as a baby from Famaillá. He shone in Argentina’s U17 team, grabbing silver at the 2014 South American Championship and reaching the 2015 U17 World Cup final.
At 17, he debuted for River’s seniors in November 2015 against Newell’s Old Boys, subbing in during a loss. By 2016-17, he earned more minutes despite U20 World Cup duties, building stamina and vision early on.
Professional Career
Palacios broke out at River Plate in 2018-19, starting every knockout game as they won the Copa Libertadores against Boca Juniors—his 10 goals and 11 assists in 77 games sealed his rep. In January 2020, he joined Bayer Leverkusen for €20 million, adapting to the Bundesliga with 110+ appearances by 2026.
Key in their 2023/24 unbeaten double (Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal), he notched 11 goals career-wide. For Argentina, since his 2018 debut, he’s played 38+ caps, part of the 2021 Copa América and 2022 World Cup wins, logging minutes in 2025/26 qualifiers too. In 2025/26, he’s featured in 15 games across competitions, focusing on tackles and passes.
Wife
Exequiel Palacios was in a long-term relationship with Yesica Frias, whom he met on Instagram in 2019. They married secretly around the 2021 Copa América after trying in Germany. The couple moved to Germany together, but by 2024, they divorced amid reports of Yesica selling his World Cup gear for money. No kids from the marriage, and no current partner publicly known in 2026. Past scandals included dating multiple women like Sol Pérez in 2018.
Exequiel Palacios’ Net Worth Details
as of 2026, Exequiel Palacios’ estimated net worth sits around £27 million. This comes from club salaries, bonuses, and growing endorsements, boosted by Leverkusen’s titles and Argentina’s successes like the 2022 World Cup. Market value hovers at €30-36 million.
Contract
Palacios signed with Bayer Leverkusen in January 2020 from River Plate. His deal was extended to June 30, 2028, then further to June 30, 2030 in late 2023 or early 2024. Base pay ramps up yearly, with performance incentives tied to appearances and trophies.
Salary
Exequiel pulls in about £124,000 weekly or £6.45 million yearly in 2026 at Leverkusen, up from £84,000 weekly in prior years. This €9.44 million annual figure ranks him high in the Bundesliga squad, reflecting his role in their unbeaten run and international pull. Earlier at River, it was modest £3-4k weekly.
Career Earnings
| Year | Weekly Wage | Yearly Salary | Club | Position |
| 2026 | £124,000 | £6,448,000 | Bayer 04 Leverkusen | DM |
| 2025 | £84,000 | £4,368,000 | Bayer 04 Leverkusen | DM |
| 2024 | £84,000 | £4,368,000 | Bayer Leverkusen | DM |
| 2019 | £4,300 | £223,600 | River Plate | M |
| 2018 | £3,300 | £171,600 | River Plate | M |
Endorsements
Palacios endorses Adidas as an athlete, visible on his Instagram with gear posts. His World Cup and Copa América wins spiked brand interest, adding to income beyond salary. No other major deals publicly detailed, but his profile suggests growing sponsorships from his 1.6M followers and Leverkusen success.
Career Records
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Notes |
| Bundesliga (to 2025/26) | 72+ | 11 | – | Key in 2023/24 title |
| All Clubs | 200+ | 18 | 18+ | River: 77 apps, 10G 11A |
| Argentina National Team | 38+ | 0 | – | 2021 Copa, 2022 WC winner |
| 2025/26 Season | 15 | 0 | 2 | 386′ Bundesliga |
| Copa Libertadores 2018 | 11 | – | – | Winner vs Boca |
FAQs
1. Who is Exequiel Palacios?
Exequiel Palacios is an Argentine professional football midfielder who plays for Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen and the Argentina national team.
2. How old is Exequiel Palacios and when was he born?
Exequiel Palacios was born on October 5, 1998, which makes him 27 years old as of 2026.
3. Where is Exequiel Palacios from?
He was born in Famaillá, Tucumán Province, Argentina, and grew up in the local football system before joining River Plate’s youth setup.
4. What position does Exequiel Palacios play?
Palacios is a central or defensive midfielder, usually deployed as a box‑to‑box or holding midfielder who links defense and attack.
5. Which club does Exequiel Palacios currently play for?
As of 2026, he plays for Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga, where he has been a key mid‑field figure since joining in 2020.
6. Which clubs has Exequiel Palacios played for?
He began his senior career at River Plate in Argentina, winning the Copa Libertadores in 2018, then moved permanently to Bayer Leverkusen in 2020.
7. Has Exequiel Palacios won any major club trophies?
Yes, he has won the Bundesliga title, the DFB‑Pokal, and the German Super Cup with Bayer Leverkusen, in addition to earlier domestic and continental honors with River Plate.
8. Has Exequiel Palacios played for Argentina’s national team?
Yes, he has represented Argentina at senior level, earning multiple caps and being part of the squads that won the FIFA World Cup and Copa América.
9. What is Exequiel Palacios’s playing style like?
Palacios is known for his work rate, intelligent positioning, tackling, and passing accuracy, combining defensive solidity with the ability to carry the ball and support attacks.
10. How tall is Exequiel Palacios and what is his preferred foot?
He is approximately 177 cm tall and is predominantly right‑footed, which he uses for both passing and shooting from midfield.