Gallardo Recalls Lautaro Rivero as River’s First Signing for Club World Cup

River Plate have secured their first reinforcement for the 2025 Club World Cup. According to Noticiero 7, the club has triggered the buy-back clause for Lautaro Rivero, a 21-year-old center-back who impressed during his loan spell with Central Córdoba in Santiago del Estero. The news was confirmed by the Ferroviario’s president, José Félix Alfano, who said: “Rivero is heading to the Club World Cup with River. We just received the official notice.”

Rivero had left River in May 2024 after being listed for the Copa Libertadores under Martín Demichelis without making an appearance. During his time at Central Córdoba, he featured in 30 matches, scored two goals, added one assist, and played a key role in the club’s 2024 Copa Argentina title run.

Having joined River’s youth system in 2018, the left-footed defender from Moreno made his reserve debut in 2021. Before that, he played in local youth teams, sold alfajores on the street to support his family, and initially played as a left midfielder before switching to defense due to his physical attributes.

After a breakthrough year and a memorable win over Flamengo at the Maracanã, Rivero returns to Núñez aiming to secure a spot in the first team and pursue his dream of playing for Argentina’s national team. His return addresses a key need in River’s defense as they prepare for international competition.