- The Uruguayan defender found a footballing refuge at Cienciano, a place that has now restored him to prominence on the international stage.
- The experienced centre-back, who impressed in the youth ranks wearing the 'Charrúa' shirt, scored the second goal in the win over Montevideo City Torque in the first leg of the CONMEBOL Sudamericana quarter-finals.
Amondarain is a true footballing globetrotter. At 33, he has represented 14 different clubs across Uruguay, Wales and Spain before arriving in Peruvian football, where he established himself and continued to develop before joining Cienciano. He is now an indispensable member of the squad that is dreaming — once again — of lifting the CONMEBOL Sudamericana.
The World Cup that opened the door to European football
Born in Montevideo, the defender came through the academy at Uruguayan club Nacional. His impressive performances earned him a place in the youth national team and saw him considered by manager Juan Verzeri for much of the process. However, his name was not included in the squad for the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey. An unfortunate injury to Fabricio Formiliano, once the team had arrived in Turkey, led to Amondarain receiving a late call-up.
He featured during the tournament and shared a squad with high-profile names such as José María Giménez and Giorgian De Arrascaeta in an unforgettable campaign that took Uruguay all the way to the final, where they were beaten by a France side inspired by a brilliant Paul Pogba.
The World Cup opened the door to the Old Continent for Amondarain, who joined Cardiff City, then competing in the Premier League. The young defender did not make an appearance for the Welsh club and subsequently embarked on a seven-year spell in and around Spain's second tier, interspersed with returns to Uruguay: Elche Ilicitano, Barakaldo and Orihuela Conquense in Spain, and Racing Club, Progreso, Rentistas and Cerrito in his native Uruguay.
Peru, a footballing revival
At the beginning of 2022, Amondarain joined Alianza Atlético Sullana, where he made 27 appearances and attracted the attention of other Peruvian clubs. He moved to Manucci and subsequently Sport Boys before joining Cienciano.
He has made more than 60 appearances for the Peruvian side, scoring twice and providing two assists. His solidity and composure quickly established him as a key figure in Horacio Melgarejo's system.
In his second CONMEBOL Sudamericana campaign with 'Papá', Amondarain has become a vital player. He scored the decisive penalty that sent Cienciano past Melgar in the Preliminary Phase and found the net again in the quarter-finals against Montevideo City Torque.
The Estadio Inca Garcilaso de la Vega has become his second home. A venue that has already witnessed memorable and unforgettable continental exploits — including the 2003 triumph — and which now wants to dream of more great achievements.
