What Happened to Néstor Fernando Muslera Micol?
Fernando Muslera, the legendary Uruguayan goalkeeper, concluded a highly successful 14-year tenure with Turkish club Galatasaray in May 2025, where he won numerous domestic titles. He subsequently joined Argentine club Estudiantes, and despite having announced his international retirement in April 2024, was recalled to the Uruguay national team in March 2026 and named in their squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making him the first Uruguayan to participate in five World Cups and set to become the oldest Uruguayan to play in the tournament.
Quick Answer
Fernando Muslera, after a decorated career with Galatasaray until May 2025, joined Argentine club Estudiantes where he won the Trofeo de Campeones in 2025. Despite retiring from international football in April 2024, he was remarkably recalled to the Uruguay national team in March 2026 and included in their 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As of June 15, 2026, Muslera is set to become the oldest player to represent Uruguay in a World Cup and is expected to start in their opening match against Saudi Arabia.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Uruguay National Team Debut
Fernando Muslera made his debut for the Uruguay national football team against Ecuador in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
First FIFA World Cup Appearance
Muslera played every minute in goal for Uruguay during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, helping his nation reach the semi-finals.
Wins Copa América
Muslera was instrumental in Uruguay winning the 2011 Copa América, making crucial saves throughout the tournament.
Joins Galatasaray
Muslera transferred to Turkish club Galatasaray from Lazio for a fee of around €12 million, beginning a highly successful 14-year tenure.
Galatasaray Legend
During his time at Galatasaray, Muslera won eight Süper Lig titles, five Turkish Cups, and six Turkish Super Cups, becoming a club icon and captain.
Becomes Galatasaray's Most Capped Süper Lig Player
Muslera played his 429th Süper Lig match for Galatasaray against Konyaspor, surpassing Bülent Korkmaz to become the club's all-time record holder for league appearances.
Announces International Retirement
Muslera announced his retirement from the Uruguay national team after 133 caps and four World Cups.
Scores Penalty in Final Galatasaray League Match
In his last Süper Lig game for Galatasaray, Muslera scored a penalty in a 3-0 win against Kayserispor, securing the 2024-25 Süper Lig title.
Departs Galatasaray
Fernando Muslera played his final match for Galatasaray against İstanbul Başakşehir, marking the end of his 14-year tenure.
Joins Estudiantes
Muslera signed an 18-month contract with Argentine Primera División club Estudiantes, returning to South American football.
Wins Trofeo de Campeones with Estudiantes
Muslera helped Estudiantes win the Trofeo de Campeones in 2025, adding another trophy to his extensive collection.
Recalled to Uruguay National Team
Despite his previous retirement, Muslera was recalled to the Uruguay national squad for friendly matches.
Named in 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Muslera was included in Uruguay's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making him the first Uruguayan to feature in five World Cup squads.
Set to Become Oldest Uruguayan World Cup Player
On the day of Uruguay's opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Saudi Arabia, Fernando Muslera, at 39 years and 364 days old, is set to become the oldest player to represent Uruguay in a World Cup. He is expected to start the match.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Néstor Fernando Muslera Micol, born on June 16, 1986, established himself as one of Uruguay's most iconic goalkeepers through a career spanning over two decades. His professional journey began in Uruguay with Montevideo Wanderers and Nacional before a move to Italian club Lazio in 2007, where he secured the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana in 2009.
The most significant chapter of his club career unfolded at Galatasaray, which he joined in 2011 for approximately €12 million. Over 14 seasons, Muslera became a club legend, captaining the team and amassing an impressive collection of trophies, including eight Süper Lig titles, five Turkish Cups, and six Turkish Super Cups. His time in Turkey concluded symbolically on May 18, 2025, when he scored a penalty in his final league match, a 3-0 victory over Kayserispor that clinched the 2024-25 Süper Lig title for Galatasaray. He officially departed the club on May 30, 2025.
Following his departure from Galatasaray, Muslera made a return to South American football, signing an 18-month contract with Argentine Primera División club Estudiantes on June 24, 2025, which runs until December 2026. He quickly made an impact, helping Estudiantes win the Trofeo de Campeones in 2025. His performances in Argentina have been consistently solid, with FotMob rating him highly in the 2026 Liga Profesional Apertura season.
Internationally, Muslera had a long and distinguished career with the Uruguay national team, earning over 130 caps since his debut in 2009. He was a cornerstone of the team that won the 2011 Copa América and participated in four consecutive FIFA World Cups from 2010 to 2022. On April 25, 2024, Muslera announced his retirement from international football, citing personal reasons and acknowledging the emergence of new goalkeeping talent.
However, his international retirement proved to be short-lived. In a surprising turn of events, Muslera was recalled to the Uruguay squad in March 2026 for friendly matches, and subsequently, on May 31, 2026, he was named in Marcelo Bielsa's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This selection marks his fifth World Cup participation, a record for a Uruguayan player. As of June 15, 2026, the day of Uruguay's opening match against Saudi Arabia, Muslera, at 39 years and 364 days old, is set to become the oldest player ever to represent Uruguay at a FIFA World Cup and is expected to start in goal. Uruguay's football federation also requested FIFA to grant him 'Legacy' recognition for his five World Cup participations, but this was denied due to his lack of playing time in the 2022 tournament.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Néstor Fernando Muslera Micol made different choices?