How a fifth-choice defender became a World Cup champion
In short: In 2008, Nicolás Otamendi was merely the fifth-choice stopper at Vélez Sarsfield. Decades later, the Argentine defender would play every single minute of a World Cup campaign, securing the ultimate prize and etching his name alongside legends like Diego Maradona.
Otamendi's ascent from a backup player in the Argentine Primera División to a global icon is a testament to resilience. After making his professional debut on 10 May 2008, he initially struggled for playing time under manager Hugo Tocalli. However, a tactical shift during the 2009 Clausura saw him rise to a starting role, eventually helping Vélez Sarsfield to a league title.
His career trajectory took him through Europe's elite, including stints at Porto, Valencia, Manchester City, and Benfica. At Manchester City, he was part of a historic domestic treble in the 2018–19 season. His defensive reliability was further cemented during his time in Spain, where he famously ended Real Madrid's 22-match winning streak with a goal for Valencia in January 2015.
On the international stage, Otamendi's journey was marked by both heartbreak and triumph. After consecutive runner-up finishes in the Copa América, he finally secured the trophy in 2021. This success paved the way for the 2022 World Cup, where he played every minute of Argentina's campaign to lift the trophy. By the time he retired from international football in 2026, he had earned 17 years of service, equaling Diego Maradona for second place in World Cup appearances for Argentina.
Even in the twilight of his career, Otamendi remained a formidable force. At the 2026 World Cup, at age 38, he became the second-oldest outfield player to appear in a final, trailing only his teammate Lionel Messi.
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