Franco Armani


Franco Armani is an Argentinian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Club Atlético River Plate and the Argentina national football team.

Club career

Franco Armani left Deportivo Merlo in 2010 for Medellin giants Atletico Nacional. He stayed for 8 seasons and became their first choice goalkeeper. He was described as a hero to the Nacional fans, particularly being praised as an effective and reliable shot-stopper. Armani would go on to win thirteen trophies with El Verde, including the Copa Libertadores – South America's Champions League – against Independiente del Valle in 2016.
In January 2018, River Plate paid Armani's buyout clause to Nacional, a reported $3 million. On 11 January 2018, he signed a three-year contract with Los Millonarios, which was renewed for an additional year in May 2018.
On 14 March 2018, he was named man of the match in River's 2–0 triumph over arch rivals Boca Juniors for the 2017 Supercopa Argentina. The man of the match award was sponsored by the fast food company Burger King and he was literally ‘crowned’ on the pitch after the game.

International career

Armani married a Colombian and applied for citizenship. Colombia were reportedly interested in naturalising Armani so that he could play for their national team; however, he wished to return to Argentina to press his case for a World Cup berth with the nation of his birth.
Armani has impressed for River, being described by Olé as a goalkeeper who wins matches.
In June 2018, Armani was named in Argentina's 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia by manager Jorge Sampaoli. On 26 June, he made his international debut starting in place of Willy Caballero for Argentina's final group match against Nigeria; Argentina advanced to the second round as group runners-up following a 2–1 victory. On 30 June, Armani started in the Round of 16 match against France, which saw Argentina eliminated from the tournament following a 4–3 defeat.

Career statistics

Club

1 Includes cup competitions such as Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana.
2 Includes Superliga Colombiana matches.

International

Honours

Atlético Nacional
River Plate