María José Granatto is one of Argentina’s most celebrated field hockey players, renowned for her creative attacking play, technical brilliance, and her many achievements with the national team, Las Leonas.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: María José Granatto
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Date of Birth: April 21, 1995
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Place of Birth: La Plata, Argentina
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Height: 1.55 m
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Position: Forward
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Nickname: Majo
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Club: Santa Bárbara Hockey Club (Argentina); also played for HC Oranje Rood (Netherlands) and Club Junior de Sant Cugat (Spain)
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Family: Younger sister of fellow Las Leonas player Victoria Granatto
Career Highlights
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National Team Debut: 2015
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Olympic Medals:
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Silver: Tokyo 2020 Olympics
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Bronze: Paris 2024 Olympics
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World Championships:
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Silver: 2022 World Cup (also named best player of the tournament)
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Pan American Games:
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Gold Medals: 2019 (Lima), 2023 (Santiago)
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Pan American Cup:
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Gold: 2022 (named best player of the tournament)
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Champions Trophy:
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Gold: 2016
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Bronze: 2018
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FIH Pro League:
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Champion: 2021–22
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Junior World Cup:
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Champion: 2016 (U21)
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Youth Career:
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Junior World Cup runner-up (2013), champion (2016)
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Awards and Recognition
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FIH Rising Star of the Year: 2016, 2017
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FIH World Player of the Year: Multiple nominations, widely regarded as one of the world’s best forwards
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Poligras Magic Skill Award: 2022, for an iconic through-the-legs pass at the World Cup
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Exceptional dribbling, agility, and stick skills
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Creative playmaking and finishing in the circle
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Ability to produce moments of brilliance under pressure
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Leadership and inspiration for younger players
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Style:
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Dazzling, unpredictable forward known for her technical wizardry and ability to break down defenses
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Often compared to Argentine sporting icons and seen as the “Messi of hockey”
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Notable Facts
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Nicknamed “Majo,” she is considered the natural successor to Luciana Aymar in the No. 10 shirt for Las Leonas.
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Scored over 60 international goals and earned more than 150 caps for Argentina by her late twenties.
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Known for her humility and connection with fans, as well as her leadership on and off the field.
FAQs About María José Granatto
What position does María José Granatto play?
Forward
Which club does she play for?
Santa Bárbara Hockey Club (Argentina); also played for HC Oranje Rood (Netherlands) and Club Junior de Sant Cugat (Spain)
How old is María José Granatto?
30 (born April 21, 1995; as of June 2025)
What are her main achievements?
Olympic silver and bronze medals, World Cup silver, multiple Pan American golds, Champions Trophy and Pro League titles, FIH Rising Star and Magic Skill awards
What is her playing style?
Creative, technically brilliant forward with exceptional dribbling and playmaking
Conclusion
María José Granatto is a global icon in field hockey, celebrated for her Olympic and international medals, her dazzling skills, and her leadership for Las Leonas and club teams.
