- published: 09 Dec 2011
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Hernán Jorge Crespo (Spanish pronunciation: [erˈnaŋ ˈxorxe ˈkɾespo]; born 5 July 1975) is a retired Argentine footballer and current coach, who scored over 300 goals in a career spanning 19 years. At international level, Crespo scored 35 goals and is Argentina's third highest goalscorer behind only Gabriel Batistuta and Lionel Messi. He played in three FIFA World Cups: 1998, 2002, 2006. He is currently in charge as head coach of Serie B club Modena.
At club level, Crespo was the world's most expensive player when he was bought by Lazio from Parma in 2000 for €56 million (£35.5m). He was top scorer in the 2000–01 Serie A with 26 goals, playing for Lazio.
His awards include three Serie A scudetti, a Copa Libertadores, a Premier League title and an Olympic Games silver medal. In 2004 he was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players. Crespo never received a red card during his career.
Crespo made his debut with River Plate during the 1993–94 season, scoring 13 goals in 25 league appearances as River Plate won the Apertura league title. In 1996, Crespo helped River win the Copa Libertadores, scoring twice in the home leg of the final in Buenos Aires.