Nicolás Otamendi, born on February 12, 1988, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a professional footballer renowned for his role as a central defender. Standing 1.83 meters tall, Otamendi has had an illustrious career both at the club and international levels.
Club Career:
- Vélez Sarsfield (2007–2010): Otamendi began his professional journey with Vélez Sarsfield in Argentina, making his debut in 2008. He became a key player, contributing to the team’s success in the 2009 Clausura tournament.
- FC Porto (2010–2014): In August 2010, Otamendi transferred to FC Porto in Portugal for €4 million. During his tenure, he won multiple titles, including the Primeira Liga and the 2011 UEFA Europa League.
- Valencia CF (2014–2015): He signed with Valencia in February 2014, later spending a brief period on loan to Atlético Mineiro in Brazil.
- Manchester City (2015–2020): Otamendi joined Manchester City in 2015, where he achieved significant success, including two Premier League titles and four League Cups.
- Benfica (2020–Present): In September 2020, he returned to Portugal to play for Benfica. Since then, he has added another Primeira Liga title and the Portuguese League Cup to his accolades.
International Career: Since his debut in 2009, Otamendi has been a stalwart for the Argentine national team, earning over 120 caps. He represented Argentina in three FIFA World Cups and five Copa América tournaments. Notably, he was part of the squad that won the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, playing every minute of the latter. In 2024, Otamendi secured a second consecutive Copa América title with Argentina.
Recent Developments: In September 2024, with Lionel Messi’s absence from the national team, Otamendi emerged as a leading candidate for the captaincy, given his extensive experience and leadership qualities.
As of March 2025, Otamendi continues to be a vital presence in both club and international football, celebrated for his defensive prowess, leadership, and contributions to Argentina’s recent successes.