Known for his rough style of play when marking opposing players and aerial ability, Ruggeri is considered one of the all-time best defenders to come out of Argentina.

Ruggeri started his career at Boca Juniors, playing with Diego Maradona, with whom he won a league title in 1981.

In 1988, he left for Europe where he played for Spanish clubs Logroñes and Real Madrid, where he won yet another league championship.

He also played for Vélez Sarsfield, 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.