Nicolás Otamendi: The General | OneFootball

Nicolás Otamendi, your childhood dream was to reach 100 caps for Argentina. Fate had a special way of making it happen when that milestone appearance came on December 18, 2022. It was the World Cup final against France. Sure, there was that foul on Kolo Muani that led to a penalty, but in the end, it didn’t matter. Argentina triumphed in the shootout, and you walked away as a world champion.

Breakthrough

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Otamendi began his journey with Vélez Sarsfield, a club that has spent most of its history in the top tier of Argentine Football. During Hugo Tocalli’s managerial reign he was nothing more than a fifth-choice stopper. But when Ricardo Gareca took over the helm, and leading defender Waldo Ponce got injured playing for the Chilean national team, Otamendi got his chance. He fought for and eventually won a starting spot, playing 17 out of 19 games in Vélez’s successful 2008-09 campaign.

In August 2010, Otamendi transferred to FC Porto on a €4 million fee and received a five-year contract. His impact was immediate, helping FC Porto win back-to-back Primera Liga titles in 2011 and 2012.

Mid-season, in February 2014, Otamendi was sold to La Liga side Valencia CF for €12 million, but was immediately loaned out to Clube Atletico Miniero in Brazil for the remainder of the season. Returning to Spain in August, Otamendi made his Valencia debut against Sevilla FC. Notable accomplishments during this season included scoring the winning goal against Real Madrid in Jan. 2015 (which ended Real’s 22-game winning streak) and being chosen for the La Liga Team of the Year honors.

Otamendi wasn’t satisfied, however, believing that he was capable of bigger things.

Manchester City

Late into the 2015 pre-season, Otamendi refused to train or play with Valencia to avoid the possibility of him not being able to sign for another club. Then in August 2015, Manchester City announced they had signed him on a five-year contract for a transfer fee of £32 million. He became part of a defensive unit built around the iconic Vincent Kompany and Kyle Walker that hoisted the FA League Cup trophy in 2016. Moreover, he was recognized for his incredible work rate. Win, lose or draw, he always gave 100% and left nothing for the locker room. He was sometimes impulsive and given to reckless challenges, but most, if not all, would agree that his performances in 2017 were world class. In a team with talents like Leroy Sané, Raheem Sterling, Kevin de Bruyne and Sergio Agüero he was, by far, one of the best, if not the best, performing player.

Benfica

After five years with Manchester City, Otamendi moved back to Portugal in September 2020, this time to Porto’s rivals Benfica. This deal was part of a player swap, with defender Ruben Días moving the other way. The transfer fee was €15 million. Since his debut in a 3-2 win against Faranse in October 2020 he has gone on to appear 209 times for the club in all competitions.

International Career

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR – DECEMBER 18: Nicolas Otamendi of Argentina kisses the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Otamendi made his debut for La Albiceleste in 2001. The 21-year old was selected by manager Diego Maradona to appear in a friendly match against Panama. He has since 122 more times, including the 2022 World Cup where they won it all.