Muslera in Goal for Estudiantes

Fernando Muslera, 40, returned to Estudiantes de La Plata right after Uruguay's painful elimination in the World Cup group stage. At the UNO Stadium, the club's fans welcomed him with chants of his last name, showing support for the goalkeeper who now faces Corinthians in the quarterfinals of the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026.

Muslera and the search for eternal glory

The Uruguayan turned 40 in June, while in training camp for the World Cup. He arrived at Estudiantes in June 2025, made his debut in the Supercopa Internacional, and in just over a year, has already lifted two trophies—the 2025 Clausura Tournament and the Trofeo de Campeones—playing a key role in a penalty shootout against Racing.

Muslera's role in the Libertadores quarterfinals

In the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026, Muslera was a silent pillar, playing every single minute of the group stage. His experience, which includes stints at Lazio, Galatasaray, and 137 appearances for the Uruguayan national team, makes him one of the most prepared goalkeepers to face the pressure of the tightly contested quarterfinal matchups.

The matchup against Corinthians

Estudiantes will face Corinthians, who previously eliminated the club in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2023 on penalties at the UNO Stadium. Corinthians played with ten men for over half an hour, while Estudiantes now relies on Muslera, Guido Carrillo, and Tiago Palacios in great form in front of goal.

Muslera and the Uruguayan national team

Muslera was called up for the 2026 World Cup and was part of the Uruguayan squad in the tournament. He made his debut for Uruguay in 2009 and played in five World Cups: 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026. His last match for the Celeste was in the 2026 World Cup, against Spain, on June 26.

The return to South America

Before arriving at Estudiantes, Muslera had a long spell in European football, playing for Galatasaray between 2011 and 2025, and also playing for Lazio. In 2025, after 14 years in Turkey, he left Galatasaray and signed with Estudiantes.

With information from gol.conmebol.com, www.sportingnews.com.