Benfica confirmed on Sunday morning that Nico Otamendi will be leaving the club. The Eagles announced the split between the two sides in an official statement, making it clear that the decision came from the captain and centre-back.
Otamendi is 38 years old and spent the last six seasons wearing Benfica's red shirt. After arriving from Manchester City in the summer of 2020, the Argentina world champion won just the 2022/23 league title at Estádio da Luz, adding two Super Cups and one League Cup.
His contract with Benfica expires in June and will not be extended.
In total, he made 281 official appearances and scored 18 goals for the club, numbers that make him the fifth foreign player with the most appearances for Benfica, behind only Luisão, Maxi Pereira, Grimaldo and Cardozo.
Nico Otamendi is expected to be involved at the 2026 World Cup. After the North American tournament, all signs point to him returning to play in the Argentine league.
BENFICA STATEMENT:
?Sport Lisboa e Benfica informs that captain Nicolás Otamendi believes his time at the club has come to an end, after six seasons in which he honoured our shirt and our armband to the very last drop of sweat.
Nicolás Otamendi has always been an example of passion, commitment, quality, leadership and professionalism, playing a decisive role in winning one league title, one League Cup and two Super Cups.
Beyond the trophies, he touched and filled the hearts of Benfica fans with pride and gratitude, and he will forever be part of our family and this will always be his home. Sport Lisboa e Benfica wishes him all the best for the future.
Thank you, Captain!?
