Christian Oliva

Christian Gabriel Oliva Giménez (born 1 June 1996) is a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Santos.

Career Early career Oliva was born in Delta El Tigre, Ciudad del Plata, San José Department. After starting at hometown side Club de Bochas de Delta El Tigre, he joined Nacional's youth setup. Subsequently released, he joined Bella Vista before returning to Nacional in 2016.

Nacional In January 2018, after scoring 17 goals for the reserve side, Oliva was promoted to Nacional's first team by manager Alexander Medina, who also worked with him in the B-team.

Oliva made his Primera División debut on 10 February 2018, playing 14 minutes in a 3–0 away win against Rampla Juniors. His first goal in the category came on 15 April, as he scored the game's only in a home defeat of Boston River. A regular starter, he extended his contract until 2020 on 25 April.

Cagliari On 25 January 2019, Oliva signed for Italian Serie A club Cagliari; the deal was a loan with an obligation to sign permanently until 2023 and an option for a further year. Unused in his first season on Sardinia, he made his debut as a 55th-minute substitute for the injured Luca Cigarini in a 3–1 home win over Genoa on 20 September, and scored his first goal on 3 November to secure a 2–0 victory at Atalanta.

Loan to Valencia

On 1 February 2021, Oliva joined Spanish side Valencia CF on loan for the remainder of the 2020–21 season. He made his club debut thirteen days later, replacing Carlos Soler in a 2–0 away win to Real Madrid.

Mainly a substitute during his spell, Oliva only started in one match, a 1–0 loss to rivals Levante. Despite expressing his desire to stay at the club, he left in July after nine appearances.

Return from loan Back to Cagliari in July 2021, Oliva was mainly an unused substitute, only starting in a Coppa Italia match against Cittadella in December. On 28 January 2022, his contract with Cagliari was terminated by mutual consent.

Talleres On 12 February 2022, Oliva signed a contract with Talleres de Córdoba in Argentina until 2024. Regularly used in his first year, he lost space in his second.

Loan to Juárez On 15 August 2023, Oliva moved to Liga MX side FC Juárez on loan for the season.

Return to Nacional On 11 January 2024, Oliva was announced back at his first club Nacional. Roughly one year later, after being an undisputed starter, he renewed his contract until December 2026.

Santos On 28 February 2026, Campeonato Brasileiro Série A side Santos announced the signing of Oliva on a three-year contract. He made his club debut on 11 March, replacing Willian Arão in a 2–2 away draw against Mirassol.

Career statistics