December 26, 2025, marks the 29th birthday of Omar Alderete, the Paraguayan defender who has become a key figure for Sunderland AFC. Since joining Sunderland from Getafe for a £10m fee, as confirmed by SoftFootball, Alderete has impressed fans with his defensive solidity, aerial dominance, and composure under pressure.
The Boxing Day milestone celebrates not just his age but a career defined by resilience and adaptability. Alderete’s football journey began in Asunción, Paraguay, where he developed through local academies before debuting professionally with Cerro Porteño.
His talents took him to Argentina with Huracán and Godoy Cruz, where his versatility as a centre-back and occasional left-back drew attention from European scouts. In 2020, he joined Hertha Berlin, later moving to FC Basel, gaining experience in both the Bundesliga and UEFA competitions.
Now at Sunderland, his leadership has been vital in the club’s Championship push. On the field, Alderete excels in defensive aggressiveness and box protection. He ranks in the top 4% of European centre-backs for clearances per 90 minutes and is a strong aerial presence.
His ball recovery and interception skills make him effective in disrupting opposition play, while his progressive passing ability contributes to initiating attacks. Remarkably, he is also a set-piece threat, ranking in the top 1% for shots among centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues.
Off the pitch, Alderete is grounded and family-orientated, often sharing glimpses of life outside football while remaining private. Sunderland supporters admire his professionalism and dedication, with manager Régis Le Bris praising his influence after the club’s derby win over Newcastle.
As Alderete celebrates his 29th birthday, fans and teammates reflect on a career built on grit, skill, and leadership. Sunderland shared a post on their official X account wishing defender Omar Alderete a happy birthday with a custom graphic of him in team kit.
From the streets of Asunción to the Stadium of Light, he embodies the journey of a modern defender whose best years may still lie ahead. Feliz cumpleaños, Omar, and here’s to more clean sheets, crucial goals, and promotion battles.
