At 38, Nicolás Otamendi confirmed that his international chapter has come to a close, bringing an end to a distinguished career with the Argentine senior team. The veteran defender made the announcement on Tuesday, thanking fans for the unwavering support that accompanied every cap.
A Journey Across Continents
Otamendi retires with 139 appearances for La Albiceleste, a tally that reflects consistency and resilience across three World Cup cycles. He was an integral part of the squads that captured the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and added Copa América crowns in 2021 and 2024, moments he will forever associate with the roar of the Maracanã and the streets of Buenos Aires.
His club odyssey spanned 16 years and four European powerhouses — FC Porto, Valencia CF, Manchester City and Benfica — where he amassed 21 major trophies, nine of them with Manchester City. The defender’s adaptability allowed him to thrive in England’s Premier League, Portugal’s Primeira Liga and Spain’s La Liga, cementing his reputation as a reliable back‑line anchor.
Now wearing the colors of River Plate, Otamendi has signed a contract that runs through 2027, keeping him in the Argentine top flight while he contemplates the next phase of his footballing life. The move signals a return to his roots after a storied European adventure.