Nicolás Otamendi, the 37-year-old Argentine central defender, continues to make headlines both on and off the pitch. As of September 2025, he remains a pivotal figure at Benfica, where he has been a cornerstone of the defense since 2020.

Contract Extension with Benfica

In June 2025, Otamendi renewed his contract with Benfica until 2026. Despite receiving offers from clubs in Italy, Spain, and Saudi Arabia, he chose to stay in Portugal, reaffirming his commitment to the club.

During the 2024–25 season, he featured in 53 matches, scoring eight goals and providing four assists—a remarkable tally for a central defender. His leadership and consistency have been instrumental in Benfica’s recent successes.

Farewell to the National Team

Otamendi is set to bid farewell to the Argentina national team in the final match of the South American World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela.

With 127 caps, he has been a stalwart in the defense, contributing to Argentina’s triumphs in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa América titles. Head coach Lionel Scaloni praised Otamendi’s dedication and confirmed that he will captain the team in his farewell match, stepping in for Lionel Messi.

Personal Incident

In a distressing turn of events, Otamendi and his family were victims of a robbery at their home in Aroeira, Portugal. The incident occurred in the early hours of a Monday morning after Benfica’s 4-1 victory over Famalicão.

Reports indicate that Otamendi was attacked by four assailants, who forced their way into the home, tied him up, and stole valuables, including jewelry and watches. Fortunately, Otamendi, his wife, and son were unharmed. Benfica issued a statement confirming the incident and requested privacy for the family during the ongoing investigation.

Looking Ahead

As Otamendi prepares to conclude his international career, his focus remains on contributing to Benfica’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as the club navigates the challenges of the upcoming season.

Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how the veteran defender continues to impact the game in the twilight of his illustrious career.