Omar Alderete

Omar Federico Alderete Fernández (born 26 December 1996) is a Paraguayan professional footballer who plays as a defender for Premier League club Sunderland and the Paraguay national team. Mainly a centre-back, he can also play as a left-back.

Club career Early career Alderete began his career with Cerro Porteño, he played for their U20s at the 2016 U-20 Copa Libertadores between January and February 2016 where he scored one goal (vs. Bolívar) in three games. Months later, in May 2016, Alderete made his professional debut for the club in a Paraguayan Primera División loss to Rubio Ñu. His first appearance came in a 4–4 draw with Defensa y Justicia on 26 August. Alderete joined Basel's first team for their 2019–20 FC Basel season under head coach Marcel Koller. After playing in five test games, Alderete played his domestic league debut for the club in the away game in the Stade Tourbillon on 19 July 2019 as Basel won 4–1 against FC Sion. He scored his first goal for his team four days later, on 23 July 2019, in the away game in the Philips Stadion in the second qualifying round of the 2019–20 UEFA Champions League. But this could not help the team, as Basel were defeated 2–3 by PSV Eindhoven, who scored two goals in the last minutes of the game.

Alderete left the club during the transfer window of the next season. During his short period with the club Alderete played a total of 64 games for Basel scoring a total of four goals. 31 of these games were in the Swiss Super League, six in the Swiss Cup, four in the Champions League, 13 in the Europa League and 10 were friendly games. He scored two goals in the domestic league, one in the Swiss Cup and one in the Champions League.

Hertha BSC On 5 October 2020, Alderete signed a long-term deal with Hertha BSC. He made his debut in a 2–1 debut at the Red Bull Arena against RB Leipzig on 24 October.

Getafe On 19 August 2022, Alderete joined Getafe on loan with an option to buy. On 25 May of the following year, he signed a permanent five-year contract with the club.

Sunderland On 12 August 2025, Premier League side Sunderland announced the signing of Alderete on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee. On 27 September, he scored his first goal for the club in a 1–0 away victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

International career Alderete has represented Paraguay at U17, U20 and U23 level.

Omar Alderete made his debut for the Paraguay national team on 20 November 2018 in a friendly match against South Africa. He started the match, and the game ended in a 1–1 draw.

On 1 June 2026, he was named by head coach Gustavo Alfaro in Paraguay's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Career statistics Club

Scores and results list Paraguay's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Alderete goal. Paraguayan Footballer of the Year: 2025