Hernán Galíndez's story is a dream come true. The goalkeeper once said that he was very, very close to quitting soccer after relegation with a renowned club in Argentina. However, he never gave up: he became a starter with the Ecuadorian national team in the 2022 World Cup.
How did his life take a 180-degree turn after becoming an Ecuadorian citizen?
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Hernán Galíndez at the 2022 World Cup debut of Ecuador. Photo: Sports Illustrated
Who is Hernán Galíndez?
Hernán Galíndez was born in Argentina and was part of the team that was relegated with Rosario Central in 2010, after losing the Promotion Playoff against All Boys by 3-0.
After that tragic moment, the goalkeeper said he was close to quitting soccer. However, his agent told him about the possibility of playing for Universidad Católica in Ecuador, which was in the Second Division of the tricolor country.
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The footballer knew that changing teams could mean a resurgence in his career. For this reason, he decided to sign with the university club in 2012.
He ascended to the First Division and managed to establish himself in the team. He played there for several years until he was able to obtain Ecuadorian nationality.
Against all odds, that decision completely changed Galíndez's life: in 2020, he was called up by Gustavo Alfaro to play in the South American Qualifiers. Then, in 2021, he was called up for the Copa America of that year.
However, the dream moment would come shortly after, as he was included in Ecuador's squad for the 2022 World Cup and has just started in the debut match against the host country.
Hernán Galíndez currently plays for Deportivo Aucas in Ecuador. Photo: Órbita Deportiva
For this reason, Galíndez holds Ecuador very dear. The goalkeeper also played for clubs in Chile and Argentina, but his best moments would come in the least expected destination.
How tall is Hernán Galíndez?
The goalkeeper is 1.89 m, according to Transfermarkt.