ML Sports Agency
Buenos Aires Brokers
Argentina €20mm+
Key Facts
Also known as: ML Sports, ML Sports (AR)
Founded: Not publicly disclosed
Headquarters: Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Players: 5+ – Total market value: €20mm+
FIFA/FA registration: Spain – RFEF intermediary No. 585 (listed)
Languages: Spanish (public-facing)
Regions covered: South America (Argentina/Colombia), Europe (England/Germany)
Email: diegomerino@mlsports.com.ar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlsports_ok/?hl=cs
About
ML Sports Agency is a Buenos Aires-based football representation firm linked to cross-border deals for South American players, including moves into Europe’s top leagues.
Their publicly listed roster is small, centered on a top European-based prospect plus experienced professionals across Argentina and Colombia.
The agency is also associated with senior agent Marcelo Lombilla and director/agent Diego Merino in public directories and media mentions.
Key People
Diego Merino – Partner and Co-Founder / Football Agent
Publicly listed as the contact and partner for ML Sports; licensed FIFA agent.
Contact: diegomerino@mlsports.com.ar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maravillamerino_/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diego-merino-52050aa0/Marcelo Lombilla – Partner and Co-Founder / Senior Agent
Longtime Argentine intermediary referenced in media coverage as an agent for top-level players in earlier eras and, more recently, in Argentine club-related reporting.
Licensed agents:
Spain (RFEF) – Intermediary No. 585 (listed)
Client Roster
Top players and talents (current):
Aarón Anselmino (Chelsea) – 29.04.2005
Elias Baez (San Lorenzo) – 18.10.2004
Julian Aude (Los Angeles Galaxy) – 24.03.2003
Nicolás Benegas (Deportivo Riestra) – 01.03.1996
William Tesillo (Atlético Nacional) – 02.02.1990
Giovanni Ferraina (Boca Juniors) – 02.01.2004
Emmanuel Olivera (Independiente Santa Fe) – 02.04.1990
Santiago Úbeda (Club Almagro) – 06.04.1996
Notable former clients:
Fabricio Coloccini (former)
Coaches/Staff represented (if any):
Fernando Gago (Manager) – 10.04.1986
Notable Deals
2023 – Julian Aude: Lanus to Los Angeles Galaxy, fee €4.65m
2024 – Aarón Anselmino: Boca Juniors to Chelsea – permanent transfer – €16.5m – contract to 30.06.2031
2025 – Aarón Anselmino: Chelsea to Borussia Dortmund – loan and then recalled back to Chelsea in Jan 26
2026 – Nicolás Benegas: Defensores de Belgrano to Deportivo Riestra – transfer – fee undisclosed, contract to 31.12.2027
2024 – William Tesillo: Club León to Atlético Nacional – free transfer
2026 – Santiago Úbeda: Chaco For Ever to Club Almagro – free agent
Services
Contract negotiation and renewals
Transfers and loans (domestic and international)
Career planning and club placement
Immigration/relocation coordination (case-by-case)
Legal and administrative support around registrations (where applicable)
Partner Network
Clubs and markets linked through publicly documented client pathways: Boca Juniors, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Atlético Nacional, Independiente Santa Fe, Argentine Primera/Primera Nacional clubs
Track Record (last 3 seasons)
Total transfers completed: 5+ (publicly visible across the listed client group)
Deals ≥ €10m: 1 (Anselmino to Chelsea – €16.5m)
Clients in top-5 leagues: 1 (Premier League – Chelsea; plus Bundesliga on loan at Dortmund)
National team clients: 3+ (William Tesillo – Colombia; Julian Aude, Anselmino – Argentina U20 listed)
Renewal/extension deals: Not publicly disclosed
Approach & Philosophy
ML Sports appears to operate as a boutique roster agency, prioritizing a small number of clients and leveraging international pathways from South America into Europe when opportunities arise.
The public client mix suggests a dual focus: high-upside talent export and steady career management for experienced pros in Argentina/Colombia.
Fees & Transparency
Intermediary compensation is commonly structured as a percentage of the player’s remuneration and/or transfer-related service fees, subject to applicable federation rules and disclosure requirements.
Under FIFA’s FFAR framework, “service fee” concepts and restrictions are defined, but implementation and certain elements (including caps) have faced legal challenges and temporary suspensions in some jurisdictions, so enforceability can vary.
Compliance & Reputation
Disciplinary actions / sanctions: No public sanctions found
Litigation / disputes: No widely reported litigation found
Media sentiment: Neutral to mixed – mostly routine coverage
Awards/recognition
No major industry awards or formal recognitions found in public sources reviewed.
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