Juan Manuel Gutiérrez Freire

Juan Manuel Gutiérrez Freire (born 4 February 2002) is a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as a forward for Argentine club Defensa y Justicia.

Club career Danubio Born in Atlántida, Gutiérrez joined Danubio in 2015, aged 13. On 16 May 2018, he made his first team – and Primera División – debut, coming on as a late substitute for Nicolás Prieto in a 0–2 home loss against Montevideo Wanderers; aged 16 years, three months and 12 days, he became the youngest player to debut for the club in the 21st century. He only scored one further goal for the first team, against Montevideo City Torque, before leaving in September 2020.

Almería On 13 September 2020, UD Almería reached an agreement in principle with Danubio for the transfer of Gutiérrez. He was announced by his new club two days later, after agreeing to a five-year contract.

Gutiérrez featured almost exclusively for the reserves in Tercera División, and moved back to his home country on 27 August 2021, after agreeing to a two-year loan deal with Nacional. On 21 July 2023, after being rarely used, he joined Boston River on loan for one year.

Defensa y Justicia On 26 July 2025, Gutiérrez moved to Argentine Primera División side Defensa y Justicia on a one-year loan deal. On 16 June 2026, the club activated his buyout clause, with the player signing a permanent four-year deal.