Franco Armani

Franco Armani spent close to nine years as River Plate's first-choice goalkeeper, but the story that stretches beyond that spell began in Colombia, at Atlético Nacional, and it is to Atlético Nacional that he has now returned. His first stint in Medellín, from 2010, delivered the club's 2016 Copa Libertadores and the 2017 Recopa Sudamericana, alongside six domestic titles. He also set a Colombian league record of 1,046 minutes without conceding, in 2013.

The move to River Plate in 2018 turned him into one of South America's most decorated goalkeepers. He won the Copa Libertadores that same year, added the Recopa Sudamericana in 2019, and lifted five Argentine championships during his time at the club. In his first season in Argentina he went 965 minutes without conceding, breaking a record that had stood since Amadeo Carrizo.

Armani was twice named South America's goalkeeper of the year, in 2016 and 2018, recognition that bridged his Colombian and Argentine careers. His run culminated at international level: he was part of Argentina's squad that won the 2022 World Cup, and he also won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024. He made 19 appearances for the national team before announcing his retirement from international football in August 2026.

His departure from River Plate this year closed a cycle that had made him one of the club's most trusted figures between the posts. He now returns to Atlético Nacional, the club where his run of major honours first began.