Marcos Acuna at FIFA World Cup 2026
River Plate
Primary
Left-Back
Others
Left Midfielder, Wing-Back
Marcos Acuña remains one of Argentina's most versatile and physically resilient defensive assets as the national team prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Known for his tireless work rate and tactical flexibility, the 34-year-old River Plate left-back continues to provide essential depth and experience to Lionel Scaloni's squad. His ability to operate as both a traditional defender and a wide midfielder makes him a unique tactical tool in any tournament scenario.
Quick Answer
Marcos Javier Acuña is a 34-year-old Argentina defender for River Plate.
He is primarily used as a left-back, with cover across left midfielder, wing-back.
His reported weekly salary is £34,000, and his estimated net worth is £10 million.
Early Life and Background
Marcos Javier Acuña was born on October 28, 1991, in Zapala, a city in the Neuquén Province of Argentina. His nickname 'El Huevo' (The Egg) was given to him as a child due to the numerous bumps and bruises he acquired from playing football on the hard, uneven pitches of his hometown. This early environment instilled in him a physical toughness and a 'never-say-die' attitude that would become his professional trademark.
Birthplace, family, and youth football journey
He began his formal journey at Ferro Carril Oeste after being rejected by several bigger clubs during his youth. This period of adversity only fueled his determination. At Ferro, he played as a wide midfielder, developing the crossing ability and the stamina that would eventually make him one of Argentina's most reliable wide players.
The influence of his upbringing in Zapala provided the foundation for his professional resilience. Growing up in a region known for its rugged passion, Marcos developed a tactical maturity and a psychological toughness that have allowed him to thrive in the competitive environments of Portugal and Spain.
Marcos Acuña Personal Info and Profile
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Marcos Javier Acuña |
| Date of birth | 28 October 1991 |
| Age | 34 |
| Nationality | Argentina |
| Height | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Weight | 69 kg (152 lbs) |
| Position | Left-Back |
| Preferred foot | Left |
| Current club | River Plate |
| Jersey number | 24 |
| Weekly salary | £34,000 |
| Estimated net worth | £10 million |
Marcos Acuña's profile is defined by physical resilience and tactical versatility. At 34, he remains one of the most physically fit players in the Argentine league, a result of a career built on high-intensity performance in Portugal and Spain.
His financial status reflects a successful career in Europe followed by a high-profile return to Argentina. With a weekly salary of £34,000 at River Plate, he is among the league's top earners, a status that reflects his importance as a World Cup winner.
Marcos Acuña Club Career
Early clubs and development
Acuña's breakthrough came at Racing Club, where he joined in 2014. He quickly became a vital part of the side that won the Argentine Primera División title, showcasing his ability to contribute both goals and assists from wide positions. His form at Racing earned him a move to Europe, signing with Sporting CP in Portugal in 2017.
At Sporting, Acuña transitioned into a more defensive role, often playing as a left-back or wing-back. This adaptation was seamless, and he became one of the league's top-performing defenders. In 2020, he moved to Sevilla in Spain, where he won the UEFA Europa League and established himself as one of the most consistent left-backs in La Liga over four successful seasons.
Current club and recent form
In August 2024, Acuña made the significant decision to return to Argentina, joining River Plate. The move was seen as a major statement by River, bringing a reigning World Cup winner back to the domestic league. Since his arrival, he has been a regular presence in the starting lineup, providing the defensive discipline and crossing quality that have been hallmarks of his career.
In the 2025-26 season, Acuña has recorded consistent appearances in the Argentine Primera División and continental competition, contributing multiple assists while providing the tactical energy that solidifies River's transitions. Despite being 34, his physical conditioning remains elite, allowing him to handle the intensity of South American football. His current contract with River runs through December 2027.
Marcos Acuña - Stats and Performance
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | River Plate | 11 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024-25 | River Plate | 25 | 1 | 3 |
| 2020-24 | Sevilla | 108 | 4 | 10 |
| 2017-20 | Sporting CP | 88 | 7 | 20 |
| 2014-17 | Racing Club | 87 | 18 | 21 |
| 2010-14 | Ferro Carril Oeste | 117 | 5 | — |
| Career Total | Multiple Clubs | 430+ | 35 | 55 |
Acuña's statistical profile is characterized by high defensive volume and consistent crossing accuracy. His consistency in appearances for top clubs across two continents underscores his reliability and tactical value.
Acuña's stats at River Plate highlight his evolution into an elite, all-action defensive specialist. Recording some of the highest numbers for successful tackles and ball recoveries in the league underscores his readiness for the highest level of competition. His threat from wide-area delivery remains a major asset, showcasing his continued relevance as a world-class professional.
In the 2025-26 cycle, his successful progressive carries and tactical interceptions per match rank him among the top tier of defenders in Argentina. This statistical excellence underscores his importance to River's tactical structure and his continued relevance as a primary candidate for the national team's defensive rotation.
International Career
Caps, goals, and major tournaments
Acuña's international career began in 2016, and he has since been a constant presence in the Argentina squad across three major tournament cycles. He played a significant role in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, as well as the 2019, 2021, and 2024 Copa América campaigns. His performance in the 2021 Copa América final remains a career highlight.
With 62 senior caps as of May 2026, he is one of the most experienced members of the squad. He is a triple-champion with Argentina, holding World Cup, Copa América, and Finalissima medals, a record that reflects his importance to the team's success. As 2026 approach, he remains a vital part of the national team's veteran leadership.
| National team | Caps | Goals | Tournament involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 62 | 0 | World Cup winner in 2022; Copa America winner in 2021 and 2024 |
World Cup Record by Tournament
| Year | Host | Matches | Goals | Assists | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Russia | 3 | 0 | 0 | Round of 16 |
| 2022 | Qatar | 6 | 0 | 0 | Champion |
| 2026 | USA / Canada / Mexico | World Cup debut - upcoming | 0 | 0 | Upcoming |
| Total | - | 9 | 0 | 0 | 1 Title |
Acuña has been a key participant in two World Cup tournaments, including the 2022 victory in Qatar where he featured in six matches. His physical style and crossing ability were vital in the quarter-final and semi-final stages, providing the defensive stability and wide-area threat that Argentina needed to succeed.
Looking ahead to 2026, Acuña provides the veteran experience of a player who has already conquered the global stage. His role in North America will be to provide the same physical grit and tactical discipline that defined his success in Qatar, as Argentina aims for a historic title defense.
Honours and Trophies
Marcos Acuña's honours are highlighted by his World Cup triumph in 2022 and multiple Copa América titles. These achievements reflect his status as a winner and a player who thrives in the most high-pressure environments, such as the Lusail Stadium and the Estadio Monumental.
Individual recognition has been consistent throughout his career, with Acuña frequently cited as one of the best attacking full-backs in world football. His status as a regular for top European sides and his international success reflect his standing as an elite global professional.
Transfer News and Market Value
The most significant transfer move in Acuña's recent career was his return to River Plate from Sevilla in 2024. This move ended a successful seven-year stint in Europe and placed him back at the center of Argentine club football. His current market value is estimated at €1.6M, reflecting his age and status as a senior professional.
Heading into the 2026 World Cup, Acuña is settled at River Plate, focusing on maintaining his peak form for both club and country. His return to Argentina has been the perfect developmental step, ensuring he is battle-hardened and ready for the challenges of a world title defense on North American soil.
Marcos Acuña Salary and Net Worth
Weekly wages for Marcos Acuña at River Plate are approximately £34,000 (gross), a figure that reflects his status as a World Cup winner and a primary star in the Argentine top flight. This contract, running until December 2027, ensures he remains a well-compensated and highly valued member of the River project. His total annual compensation is estimated at over £1.7 million.
Estimated net worth for the 34-year-old is approximately £10 million, reflecting a successful career in both Portugal and Spain. His moves across Europe's top leagues and his status as a senior international provide a solid financial foundation. He remains a dedicated professional with a primary focus on defensive excellence.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Weekly salary | £34,000 (gross) |
| Annual compensation | £1.76 million (gross) |
| Estimated net worth | £10 million |
| Contract end | December 2027 |
Marcos Acuña 2026 Style, Strengths, and Tournament Outlook
The 2026 outlook for Marcos Acuña is focused on his role as the versatile defensive veteran for Argentina's title defense. His tactical intelligence and his 'bulldog' style of defending will be essential in North America, providing the physical grit needed in tournament football. He is realistically expected to be a primary rotation option.
Strongest traits for the 34-year-old include his elite endurance, his crossing accuracy, and his professional composure. His ability to cover multiple positions and his creativity from wide areas make him an invaluable asset for the national team selectors. In the 2026 preparation window, his role as a 'tactical anchor' will be key to the squad's stability.
