News

Franco Armani Departs River Plate for Return to Atlético Nacional

River Plate's iconic goalkeeper, Franco Armani, is set to leave the club six months before his contract expires to rejoin Atlético Nacional, the team where he first made his mark.

News Published 9 July 2026 2 min read FootballGames10 Desk

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River Plate’s legendary goalkeeper, Franco Armani, is on the verge of departing the club to return to Atlético Nacional, where he began his ascent to prominence. The move comes as a surprise to many fans, who had anticipated Armani would see out his contract with River until the end of the year.

Armani, who is nearing his 40th birthday, has decided to rescind his contract with River Plate prematurely. This decision is reportedly influenced by Santiago Beltrán’s emergence as a strong contender for the starting goalkeeper position at River. The veteran keeper seeks to conclude his illustrious career at Atlético Nacional, the club where he first gained significant recognition.

A Hero’s Farewell

Franco Armani has become a symbol of success for River Plate, amassing 10 titles during his tenure. He played a pivotal role in the club’s historic Copa Libertadores triumph, including the unforgettable final against Boca Juniors in Madrid. His remarkable saves and numerous clean sheet records have solidified his status as an idol for the River faithful.

Return to a Familiar Home

For Atlético Nacional, Armani’s return is a significant boost. He was a key figure in the club’s 2016 Copa Libertadores victory, and his presence is seen as a welcome development, especially with the departure of another club legend, David Ospina. Armani’s previous spell at Atlético Nacional was instrumental in his journey to representing the Argentine national team, a dream he once thought unattainable.

Key Facts

Detail	Information
Player	Franco Armani
Departing Club	River Plate
Returning Club	Atlético Nacional
Reason for Departure	Contract rescission, seeking new challenge
Notable Achievements	10 titles with River Plate, 2016 Libertadores

Armani’s departure marks the end of an era for River Plate. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the club’s history, and his return to Atlético Nacional signifies a full-circle moment in his career. Fans of both clubs will be eager to see how the veteran goalkeeper performs in his second stint with the Colombian side.

Source: Ole – Se despide una leyenda de River: Armani vuelve a Atlético Nacional – https://www.ole.com.ar/river-plate/river-armani-atletico-nacional_0_Fw3W1pc9xh.html