River Plate and Juanfer Quintero Part Ways: Contract Termination Ends Third Spell at Monumental

River Plate confirmed on Thursday the mutual termination of Juan Fernando Quintero’s contract, bringing an end to the Colombian midfielder’s third stint at the club. The announcement, published on the club’s official channels, stated that the decision was reached “by mutual agreement” and that Quintero now holds his own playing rights.

“The talent of Juanfer and his fundamental contribution at the most decisive moment will remain forever in the great history of the Club, which became his home during all these shared years,” the club said in a statement, thanking the player and wishing him success in the next chapter of his career.

Quintero, 33, made his return to River Plate in early 2024, but this third spell failed to recapture the magic of his earlier periods. Persistent physical problems and intense internal competition for midfield places limited his opportunities. The player had admitted in an interview on Wednesday that he had differences with head coach Eduardo Coudet, which contributed to the early departure.

Key facts

A legacy defined by one goal

Quintero’s name is permanently etched in River Plate folklore. His extra-time strike against Boca Juniors in the 2018 Copa Libertadores final at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid remains one of the most celebrated moments in the club’s history. That goal secured River’s fourth Libertadores title and cemented Quintero as a cult hero among the Monumental faithful.

In total, he played more than 150 matches for the club across three spells, contributing goals, assists and a unique creative spark that endeared him to fans. However, his third stint, which began in 2024 after a spell at Junior de Barranquilla, never reached the same heights. He struggled to maintain fitness and consistency, and the club’s midfield depth – including the emergence of younger players – left him on the periphery.

What this means for River and Quintero

For River Plate, the departure frees up a foreign player slot and reduces the wage bill. The club is now expected to focus on reinforcing the squad ahead of the second half of the Argentine season and the 2026 Copa Libertadores knockout stages. The decision also signals that head coach Eduardo Coudet is reshaping the midfield with a preference for different profiles.

For Quintero, the immediate priority is finding a new club. At 33, he still possesses the technical quality that made him a standout in South American football. Speculation over the past weeks linked him with clubs in Colombia, Mexico and the Middle East. With his contract now terminated, he can negotiate freely and will likely attract interest from teams looking for a creative, experienced playmaker.

Context and reactions

The announcement was met with a wave of appreciation from River Plate supporters on social media, who focused on his historic contribution rather than the anticlimactic end. The club’s official farewell message, posted on X, was shared thousands of times within hours.

While Quintero’s third spell did not deliver the expected impact, his overall legacy at River remains overwhelmingly positive. The 2018 goal alone secures his place in the club’s pantheon. For the neutral observer, this is a transfer story that closes a chapter of romance and volatility – a player who gave the club its greatest moment in modern times, but whose final return was cut short by the realities of age and competition.

Source: Clarin Deportes – “River anunció la rescisión del contrato de Juanfer Quintero: se cierra una historia de gloria, amor y desencuentros” (https://www.clarin.com/deportes/river-anuncio-rescision-contrato-juanfer-quintero-cierra-historia-gloria-amor-desencuentros_0_hUT1YrynrB.html)