His nickname \u201cTacuara\u201d earned due to his figure. The tacuara is a Guaran\u00ed word which means \u201ccane\u201d or \u201cbamboo\u201d. He was given this nickname due to his tall stature (1.93 meters) and slim, strong physical build, similar to the plant. Being nicknamed \u201cTacuara\u201d is actually common in Paraguay.<\/p>\n
A rapid rise in Argentina<\/p>\n
In Argentina, he joined other Paraguayan players like Diego Gavil\u00e1n, Justo Villar (the goalkeeper of the national team) and Santiago Salcedo \u201cSas\u00e1\u201d.<\/p>\n
He rapidly became key in the team, scoring 21 goals in the 2006-2007 season and became a fan favourite, as well saving the team from relegation. His good performances in the Argentinian league won him the status of cult player for Argentinian football fans.<\/p>\n
Benfica, where \u201cTacuara\u201d Cardozo became a legend<\/p>\n
![\""Tacuara"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/tacuara-benfica-1-1024x769.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
His excellent performances in Newell\u00b4s gained \u201cTacuara\u201d Cardozo a spot in the 2007 Copa Am\u00e9rica with the national team. He became Paraguayan football player of the year and was transferred to Portuguese side S.L. Benfica. There, \u201cTacuara\u201d cemented his legacy. Over several seasons, he became once again, a fan favourite.<\/p>\n
He also became one of the club\u2019s all-time stop scorers. Cardozo won multiple Primeira Liga Titles and domestic titles. Thanks to his performances, he also won the heart of Benfica supporters. Twice he was the top scorer of the Portuguese league and consistently delivered in decisive matches. In Benfica, however, he lost two international finals in 2013 and 2014, in the UEFA Europa League.<\/p>\n
Oscar \u201cTacuara\u201d Cardozo became the club\u2019s top foreign scorer with 172 goals. In Portugal, he was not only a prolific scorer, but an idol. His powerful left foot, especially from free kicks and long-range shots became his trade mark. Even years after his departure, Benfica fans continue to regard him as on the club\u2019s modern legends. He also became a cult player for European football fans, just like in Argentina.<\/p>\n
After Benfica<\/p>\n
Following his successful spell in Lisbon, he continued his career at Turkish side Trabzonspor and later Greek football team Olympiacos, one of Greece\u2019s most historic clubs.<\/p>\n
![\""Tacuara"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/tacuara-greece-1-1024x577.jpg\")
\u201cTacuara\u201d Cardozo with Greek side Olympiacos<\/p>\n
Despite a shorter spell, his arrival was marked by a remarkable reception. Greek fans welcomed him with enthusiasm and respect, recognising his status as an elite striker. His reputation had clearly travelled ahead of him. That moment symbolised something bigger than statistics: \u201cTacuara\u201d Cardozo had become a globally respected figure in football. Both in Greece and Turkey he provided good performances, proving that he still had the will and the scorer mind with him.<\/p>\n
International duty<\/p>\n
![\""Tacuara"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Tacuara-at-the-national-team-1-1024x731.jpg\")
\u201cTacuara\u201d with \u00c9dgar Barreto and Roque Santa Cruz<\/p>\n
With the Paraguayan national team, Cardozo was part of a historic generation. He featured in major tournaments such as the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where Paraguay reached the quarter-finals for the first time. His most memorable moment came in the round of 16 against Japan. He scored the decisive penalty that sent Paraguay through to that historic stage,<\/a> a moment that firmly elevated him to national hero status.<\/p>\n He also experienced difficult moments, such as the missed penalty against Spain in the next round.<\/a> Nonetheless, his legacy with the national team remains defined by his willingness to take responsibility in the most crucial moments. For instance, when he scored against Colombia a late equalizer in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers,<\/a> giving Paraguayan football fans joy and hope.<\/p>\n The return and final years at Libertad<\/p>\n In 2017, after more than a decade abroad, he returned home to wear the shirt of Club Libertad.<\/a> Far from being a symbolic ending, his time back in Paraguayan football proved highly productive. With Libertad, he once again became a central figure, surpassed 100 goals for the club. \u201cTacuara\u201d played a key role in securing several domestic titles, remaining competitive even in the final stretch of his career.<\/p>\n This proves that his instinct had not faded with time. Even in his later years, he remained a decisive player, a leader in the dressing room and a reference for younger generations. His presence elevated the local league and gave fans the chance to witness, once again, a striker who had conquered international football.<\/p>\n![\""Tacuara"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Tacuara-at-Libertad-1024x739.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
![\""Tacuara"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/tacuara-with-the-national-team-1024x893.jpg\")
\u201cTacuara\u201d after scoring against Japan<\/p>\n