Esteban Matías Cambiasso Deleau (Spanish pronunciation: [esˈteβaŋ kamˈbjaso];[a] born 18 August 1980), nicknamed "Cuchu",[b] is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

"[14] On 28 August 2014, Cambiasso signed a one-year deal with newly promoted Premier League club Leicester City, joining on a free transfer, having been released by Inter at the end of their 2013–14 season.

[18] Cambiasso made his debut for Leicester on 13 September against Stoke City, coming on as a half-time substitute and impressing in the club's 1–0 win, their first of the league season.

[20] Cambiasso scored his second goal of the season, an opener in the fourth minute following an assist from Leonardo Ulloa, in a 3–2 loss against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.

[22][23] On 4 April 2015, Cambiasso gave Leicester a 12th-minute lead against West Ham United in a game that the Foxes would go on to win 2–1, their first league victory in eight matches, stretching back to 10 January 2015.

He scored twice in 14 Superleague Greece games as the Piraeus-based side retained their title, including the equaliser in a 3–1 home win over Panathinaikos in the Derby of the eternal enemies on 13 March 2016.

[31] On 9 March 2017, he returned to the starting lineup as a result of the dismissal of Olympiacos manager Paulo Bento against Beşiktaş for the first leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16 stage, and headed the opening goal of a 1–1 draw, subsequently being named man of the match.

[33][34] Cambiasso first represented Argentina in the youth squads, along with national teammates Juan Román Riquelme, Pablo Aimar, Walter Samuel and others.

Since Diego Maradona took over as Argentina coach, Cambiasso was only called-up once to the national team for a friendly game on 14 November 2009 against Spain,[38] despite continuing to play a vital role for Inter in their treble-winning season, and re-affirming his status as one of Europe's best central midfielders.

[39] On 20 August 2010, new Argentina coach Sergio Batista recalled Cambiasso to the national team for the friendly against newly crowned world champions Spain.

Argentina handed Spain their first defeat since becoming world champions the month prior, earning a resounding 4–1 win in a friendly at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

[41] A strong, left footed player, he was gifted with stamina, good technique, passing range and vision, attributes which allowed him to distribute the ball and create chances for teammates.

[42][43] In his prime, he was also a quick and hard-working player who was effective defensively, thanks to his strong tackling ability and reading of the game; after winning back possession, he was also capable of then initiating attacking plays or scoring goals himself, courtesy of his creative and offensive attributes.

[42][43][44][45] His role has also been likened to that of a metodista ("centre-half," in Italian football jargon), due to his ability to dictate play in midfield as well as assist his team defensively.