Javier Otero

Javier Alejandro Otero León (born 18 November 2002) is a Venezuelan professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Major League Soccer club Orlando City and the Venezuela national team.

Early career Otero joined the U.S. Soccer Development Academy of Major League Soccer side Orlando City in 2018.

Orlando City On 15 June 2022, Otero signed a short-term MLS contract to be rostered for Orlando City's game against New England Revolution in the absence of regular backup Mason Stajduhar. He was not named to the matchday squad behind Pedro Gallese and Adam Grinwis.

On 10 July 2023 Otero signed a MLS Homegrown contract with Orlando City through 2024 with an option for an additional two years.

On 28 June 2024, Otero made his debut for Orlando City after Mason Stajduhar suffered a broken tibia and fibula following a collision with Malachi Jones in a New York City FC attack that proved to be offside. Orlando would lose the game 4–2 with Otero conceding three of those goals.

Ahead of the 2025 season, Otero became the backup goalkeeper to Pedro Gallese following Mason Stajduhar's transfer to Real Salt Lake. On 22 March, Otero made his first start for Orlando City, letting only one goal in a 4–1 victory over D.C. United. On 7 May, Otero recorded his first clean sheet for the team in a 5–0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup. Later, on 20 May, Otero signed a new contract with the team through the 2026 season with club options for 2027 and 2028.

On 15 April 2026, Otero made seven saves in a 1–0 win over FC Naples in the 2026 U.S. Open Cup, and one of those saves was voted as the save of the round.

International career On 2 June 2023, Otero was called up to the Venezuela national team by Fernando Batista for a friendly match against Guatemala and Honduras, but he did not make an appearance. Later that year on 10 December, Otero made his international debut in a 1–0 friendly loss to Colombia. On 11 January 2025, Otero was once again called up, this time for a friendly against the United States, but he did not make an appearance. Otero received another call up for friendly matches against Argentina and Belize on 10 October and 15 October respectively. Venezuela's match against Belize in Chicago was canceled after the event's production company failed to find an alternative venue due to security issues in the city caused by protests from the U.S. National Guard being deployed to the city.

On 22 May 2026, Otero was recalled to the national team for friendlies against Turkey and Iraq.

Personal life Born in Venezuela, Otero also holds Spanish nationality.

Career statistics Club

International

Honours Individual

MLS Next Pro Goalkeeper of the Month: March/April 2022