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Alexis Duarte
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Alexis David Duarte Pereira (born 12 March 2000) is a Paraguayan professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Libertad, on loan from Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Santos, and the Paraguay national team.
Key Information
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Club career
[edit]Cerro Porteño
[edit]Born in Itauguá, Duarte joined Cerro Porteño's youth sides in 2013, for the under-14 team.[1] He made his first team debut on 3 October 2018, starting in a 4–2 away win over 2 de Mayo for the Copa Paraguay.[2]
After featuring in a further two cup matches, Duarte made his Primera División debut on 29 April 2019, starting in a 3–0 win over Nacional Asunción.[3] He only became a regular starter in the 2020 season,[4] and scored his first goal on 26 September of that year, netting Cerro's third in a 3–1 home success over River Plate Asunción, in a match that ensured the club's 2020 Apertura title.[5]
In January 2021, Duarte agreed a move to Liga MX side Club Necaxa but the move fell through due to injury;[6] he also received an offer from a Major League Soccer side in the summer, but it was refused by Cerro.[7] He became team captain ahead of the 2022 Clausura tournament,[8] and renewed his contract until 2026 on 1 September of that year.[9]
Spartak Moscow
[edit]
On 11 January 2023, Cerro announced that the club had reached an agreement for the transfer of Duarte to Russian Premier League side Spartak Moscow.[10] Spartak confirmed the transfer thirteen days later, with the player signing a four-and-a-half-year deal for a rumoured fee of US$5 million.[11]
Duarte made his debut abroad on 4 March 2023, starting in a 2–2 home draw against Ural Yekaterinburg. He became a regular starter in the 2023–24 season, featuring in 33 matches.
Santos
[edit]On 2 September 2025, Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Santos announced the signing of Duarte on a four-year contract.[12] He made his club debut on 28 September, starting in a 2–2 away draw against Red Bull Bragantino.[13]
Duarte featured in a further four matches in the year, but started the 2026 campaign as a fifth-choice behind Adonis Frías, Zé Ivaldo, Luan Peres and João Basso. He featured in one match against Chapecoense, before being deemed surplus to requirements.[14]
Loan to Libertad
[edit]On 25 February 2026, Duarte returned to his home country after agreeing to a loan deal with Libertad until the end of the year.[15]
International career
[edit]Having represented his country in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the 2019 South American U-20 Championship, Duarte earned his first call-up to the Paraguay senior team in September 2021 for their World Cup qualifiers.[16] He was an unused substitute in the nation's 1–0 loss to Ecuador on 2 September.
In August 2022, Duarte was called up to the national side for a friendly against Mexico, but had to withdraw due to injury.[17] He made his full international debut on 18 November 2025, starting in a 2–1 win over the same opponent at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.[18]
Personal life
[edit]Duarte's father and brother, both named Andrés, were also footballers and defenders. They also played for Cerro.[19]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of 29 January 2026
| Club | Season | League | National cup[a] | Continental | State league | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Cerro Porteño | 2018 | Paraguayan Primera División | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 3 | 0 | ||
| 2019 | Paraguayan Primera División | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0 | |||
| 2020 | Paraguayan Primera División | 25 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 25 | 1 | |||
| 2021 | Paraguayan Primera División | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8[b] | 0 | — | 1[c] | 0 | 37 | 0 | ||
| 2022 | Paraguayan Primera División | 38 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7[b] | 0 | — | — | 45 | 0 | |||
| Total | 92 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 15 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | 111 | 0 | |||
| Spartak Moscow | 2022–23 | Russian Premier League | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 8 | 0 | |||
| 2023–24 | Russian Premier League | 27 | 0 | 6 | 0 | — | — | — | 33 | 0 | ||||
| 2024–25 | Russian Premier League | 15 | 0 | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 19 | 0 | ||||
| 2025–26 | Russian Premier League | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 7 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 55 | 0 | 12 | 0 | — | — | — | 67 | 0 | |||||
| Santos | 2025 | Série A | 5 | 0 | — | — | — | — | 5 | 0 | ||||
| 2026 | Série A | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | ||
| Total | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 6 | 0 | |||
| Libertad (loan) | 2026 | Paraguayan Primera División | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | ||
| Career total | 153 | 1 | 15 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 184 | 1 | ||
- ^ Includes Copa Paraguay, Russian Cup
- ^ a b Appearances in Copa Libertadores
- ^ Appearance in Supercopa Paraguay
International
[edit]- As of match played 18 November 2025
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paraguay | 2025 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 1 | 0 | |
Honours
[edit]- Cerro Porteño
References
[edit]- ^ "Cerro Porteño le dedicó una emotiva despedida a Alexis "Pulpito" Duarte" [Cerro Porteño posted an emotional farewell to Alexis "Pulpito" Duarte] (in Spanish). Versus. 21 January 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ^ "Cerro Porteño, a octavos de final" [Cerro Porteño, to the round of 16] (in Spanish). Paraguayan Football Association. 4 October 2018. Archived from the original on 4 October 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ^ "NACIONAL ASUNCIÓN VS. CERRO PORTEÑO 0 - 3". Soccerway. 29 April 2019. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
- ^ ""Pulpito" sigue invicto desde que llegó a la Primera de Cerro" ["Pulpito" remains unbeaten since his arrival in the first team of Cerro] (in Spanish). Versus. 4 December 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ^ "Cerro Porteño campeón" [Cerro Porteño champions] (in Spanish). ABC Color. 26 September 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ^ "⚡ Alexis David Duarte preocupa a Cerro Porteño y a Necaxa" [⚡ Alexis David Duarte worries Cerro Porteño and Necaxa]. OneFootball (in Spanish). 14 October 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
- ^ "Alexis Duarte y Ángel Cardozo Lucena siguen en Cerro Porteño" [Alexis Duarte and Ángel Cardozo Lucena remain at Cerro Porteño] (in Spanish). ABC Color. 6 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ^ "Porqué Alexis Duarte es el nuevo capitán de Cerro Porteño" [Why Alexis Duarte is the new captain of Cerro Porteño] (in Spanish). ABC Color. 18 July 2022. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ^ "Cerro Porteño oficializó la renovación de Alexis Duarte" [Cerro Porteño turned official the renewal of Alexis Duarte] (in Spanish). ABC Color. 1 September 2022. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ^ "Acuerdo total para la transferencia de Alexis Duarte" [Agreement for the transfer of Alexis Duarte]. Cerro Porteño. 11 January 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
- ^ "Алексис Дуарте и Томаш Тавареш — новые игроки "Спартака"!" [Alexis Duarte and Tomas Tavares are Spartak's new players!] (in Russian). FC Spartak Moscow. 24 January 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
- ^ "Zagueiro da Seleção do Paraguai, Alexis Duarte é mais um reforço do Santos FC" [Stopper of the Paraguay national team, Alexis Duarte is another addition of Santos FC] (in Brazilian Portuguese). Santos FC. 2 September 2025. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
- ^ "Alexis Duarte soma bons números em estreia pelo Santos e ganha elogios de Vojvoda" [Alexis Duarte gets good numbers on debut for Santos and receives praise from Vojvoda] (in Brazilian Portuguese). Gazeta Esportiva. 29 September 2025. Retrieved 26 February 2026.
- ^ "Santos libera Alexis Duarte para procurar outro clube; zagueiro entra na lista de negociáveis" [Santos release Alexis Duarte to look for another club; centre-back is now on the transfer list] (in Brazilian Portuguese). Bolavip. 31 January 2026. Retrieved 26 February 2026.
- ^ "Santos acerta o empréstimo do zagueiro Alexis Duarte ao Libertad, do Paraguai" [Santos agree the loan of centre-back Alexis Duarte to Libertad, from Paraguay] (in Brazilian Portuguese). Diário do Peixe. 25 February 2026. Retrieved 26 February 2026.
- ^ "Selección paraguaya tiene a sus convocados para las Eliminatorias" [Paraguay national team have their called-up players for the qualifiers]. ip.gov.py. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
- ^ "Alexis Duarte, desafectado de la selección paraguaya por lesión" [Alexis Duarte, removed from the Paraguay national team due to injury] (in Spanish). ABC Color. 29 August 2022. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ^ "Alexis Duarte é titular e estreia pelo Paraguai em amistoso contra o México" [Alexis Duarte is a starter and debuts for Paraguay in friendly against Mexico] (in Brazilian Portuguese). Diário do Peixe. 19 November 2025. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
- ^ "Alexis Duarte, la revelación del campeón" [Alexis Duarte, the breakthrough player of the champions] (in Spanish). D10. 26 September 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
External links
[edit]- Alexis Duarte at Soccerway
Alexis Duarte
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Personal life
Early life
Alexis David Duarte Pereira was born on 12 March 2000 in Itauguá, a city in Paraguay's Central Department located about 30 kilometers southeast of the capital, Asunción.[2] Duarte grew up in Itauguá in a family with deep roots in Paraguayan football; his father, Andrés Duarte, was a professional defender who played for Cerro Porteño, among other clubs, and earned seven caps for the Paraguay national team in 1993.[2][9] His initial experiences with football occurred in non-professional settings in Itauguá prior to age 13, reflecting the sport's prominence in local community life.[2]Family background
Alexis Duarte hails from a family deeply embedded in Paraguayan football, particularly known for producing defenders. His father, Andrés Duarte Villamayor, was a professional right-back who represented Paraguay at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, competing alongside notable players like Francisco Arce.[10] During his club career, the elder Duarte played for Cerro Porteño, where he was part of the squad that secured the Paraguayan Primera División title in 1994, and later featured for River Plate Asunción in Paraguay as well as Argentinos Juniors and Ferro Carril Oeste in Argentina.[11][9] Duarte's older brother, also named Andrés Duarte Pereira, shares the family's defensive lineage as a centre-back, currently with Club 24 de Setiembre in Paraguay's third division (Primera B) since January 2025.[12][13] The brother's professional journey has unfolded primarily in domestic leagues, with stints at clubs including Sportivo Luqueño in the top flight around 2021, followed by moves to lower-tier teams such as Resistencia SC, Atyrá FC, and Independiente FBC before his latest transfer.[11][14] This footballing heritage profoundly shaped Alexis Duarte's path, instilling a shared defensive philosophy emphasizing robust tackling and aerial prowess—reflected in his nickname "Pulpito" (little octopus), inherited from his father's "Pulpo" moniker for similar on-pitch tenacity.[11] His father actively supported his early development by driving him on a two-hour round trip daily to Cerro Porteño's youth academy in Asunción, nurturing his skills amid the family's competitive environment.[11]Club career
Youth career and Cerro Porteño debut
Born in Itauguá, Paraguay, Alexis Duarte played for Club 4 de Agosto until age 12, before joining Cerro Porteño's youth academy at the under-14 level in 2013, and progressed through the club's various age groups, developing as a centre-back.[15][11] Duarte made his senior team debut on 3 October 2018, starting in a 4–2 away victory over 2 de Mayo in the Copa Paraguay, under head coach Fernando Jubero.[16][15] He featured in two further cup matches that year before making his Primera División debut on 29 April 2019, starting in a 3–0 home win against Nacional Asunción during the Apertura tournament.[17] As a centre-back, Duarte scored his first professional goal on 26 September 2020, heading in the third goal in the 83rd minute during a 3–1 home win over River Plate Asunción, a result that clinched Cerro Porteño's 2020 Apertura title.[18][19]Time at Spartak Moscow
Duarte joined Spartak Moscow from Cerro Porteño on 25 January 2023, with the club paying a transfer fee of approximately €4 million for the 22-year-old Paraguayan centre-back.[20] He signed a 4.5-year contract running until June 2027, a move negotiated amid interest from several European clubs and positioned as Spartak's effort to inject South American defensive solidity and youth into their squad.[2] Expectations were high for Duarte as one of the few Paraguayan imports in the Russian Premier League, valued for his aerial prowess and ball-playing ability from his domestic success.[21] Duarte made his Russian Premier League debut on 4 March 2023, starting as a centre-back in Spartak's 2–2 home draw against Ural Yekaterinburg, where he completed 90 minutes and recorded two clearances in a match that highlighted the physical intensity of European football.[22] Adapting to the faster pace and colder climate proved challenging initially, but he quickly settled into a defensive role, often partnering with experienced teammates to form a robust backline; by the 2023–24 season, he had become a regular starter, contributing to Spartak's fifth-place finish in the league. Across all competitions during his time at Spartak, Duarte amassed 55 league appearances and 12 in the Russian Cup, totaling 67 outings with one assist, primarily as a starter in central defense where he averaged over 80% pass accuracy and frequent interceptions.[21] Key contributions included his role in pivotal matches like the 2–0 victory over Rubin Kazan in August 2025, showcasing his leadership in organizing the defense. His prior captaincy at Cerro Porteño in 2022—where he led the team at age 22 during the Clausura tournament—and contract renewal there until 2026 underscored his maturity, qualities that translated to vocal presence and mentorship among Spartak's younger defenders. Duarte's departure from Spartak came in September 2025, following a transfer to Santos FC for €3.4 million, driven by his expressed desire to return to South American football and compounded by reduced starting opportunities in the 2025–26 season amid squad rotation and new defensive signings.[23] This period saw a dip in his involvement, with only six league appearances early in the campaign, reflecting team transitions under coaching changes rather than personal form issues.Move to Santos FC
On 2 September 2025, Alexis Duarte signed a four-year contract with Santos FC, extending until 30 June 2029, after transferring from Spartak Moscow for a reported fee of €3.4 million.[20][24] The move marked his return to South American football following a stint in Russia, allowing the 25-year-old Paraguayan centre-back to play closer to home and reunite with the region's competitive environment.[2] As of 16 November 2025, Duarte had made five appearances for Santos in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, starting all of them as a centre-back and accumulating 405 minutes on the pitch.[25] His contributions to the defence included solid tackling and aerial duels, with one yellow card received but no goals or assists recorded, helping stabilize the backline during early-season fixtures; he missed the 15 November match against Palmeiras due to Paraguay national team duty.[25] These outings demonstrated his reliability in a high-tempo league, where he partnered with other defenders to limit opponents' chances. Duarte's transition from the physical Russian Premier League to Brazil's more fluid style has shown initial success, with his technical proficiency aiding build-up play from the back.[3] Built on a strong foundation at Cerro Porteño—where he featured in 92 matches and scored one goal across all competitions from 2018 to 2023—the contract positions him for long-term impact at Santos, potentially anchoring the defence through future campaigns.[4]International career
Youth international career
Duarte began his youth international career with Paraguay's under-17 team in 2017, earning six caps between February and October of that year without scoring any goals.[3] He featured in the South American U-17 Championship qualifiers, where he received a yellow card during a match against Argentina in February.[26] As captain, Duarte led the team at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India, playing in key group stage encounters, including a 4-2 victory over New Zealand despite committing two own goals in the first half.[27][28] Duarte progressed to the Paraguay under-20 squad in 2019, accumulating four caps during the CONMEBOL South American U-20 Championship held in Chile, again without finding the net.[29] He started all four group stage matches, completing the full 90 minutes each time for a total of 360 minutes on the pitch, and picked up one yellow card while contributing to a solid defensive line that secured three clean sheets against Uruguay, Peru, and Argentina.[29] These youth international appearances, marked by consistent defensive reliability and leadership, served as a foundational experience that highlighted Duarte's potential for higher levels of national team representation.[3]Senior international career
Duarte received his first call-up to the Paraguay senior national team in September 2021 for the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches under coach Eduardo Berizzo. He was included in the squad for the away fixture against Ecuador on September 2, 2021, at Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado in Quito, where Paraguay lost 0–2, but Duarte remained an unused substitute throughout the game. This selection highlighted Berizzo's approach to blending emerging domestic talents into the senior setup, with Duarte earning recognition for his reliable defensive displays at Cerro Porteño during the 2021 season.[8][30] As of November 2025, Duarte has yet to make his senior international debut despite additional call-ups. He was also included in the squad for the home World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on September 5, 2025, which ended in a 0–0 draw, but remained an unused substitute. He was named in the squad for the away fixture against Peru on September 10, 2025, which Paraguay won 1–0, as well as for friendlies against Japan on October 10, 2025, and South Korea on October 14, 2025, serving as an unused substitute in each match. Additionally, he was named in the squad for the friendly against the United States on November 15, 2025, which Paraguay lost 1–2, serving as an unused substitute. These inclusions reflect ongoing consideration by current coach Gustavo Alfaro, who has prioritized Duarte's integration amid his strong club performances abroad.[8] Duarte's limited involvement stems from stiff competition for centre-back roles in the national team, where veterans such as Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, Junior Alonso, and Roberto Rojas have consistently secured starting positions. Discussions around his non-debut often point to this depth in defensive options as a key factor, positioning him as a rotational player in broader CONMEBOL squads for qualifiers and friendlies without match minutes. He has contributed to training sessions and team dynamics during these windows, building experience at the international level.[31]Career statistics
Club statistics
Alexis Duarte's club statistics encompass his appearances and goals across various competitions for Cerro Porteño, Spartak Moscow, and Santos FC. The following table details his performance on a season-by-season basis, including domestic leagues, cups, and continental tournaments where applicable.[25]| Season | Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Cerro Porteño | Primera División Apertura | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | Cerro Porteño | Primera División Apertura | 14 | 1 |
| 2020 | Cerro Porteño | Primera División Clausura | 10 | 0 |
| 2020 | Cerro Porteño | Primera División Playoffs | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | Cerro Porteño | Primera División Apertura | 14 | 0 |
| 2021 | Cerro Porteño | Primera División Clausura | 14 | 0 |
| 2021 | Cerro Porteño | Copa Libertadores | 8 | 0 |
| 2022 | Cerro Porteño | Primera División Apertura | 16 | 0 |
| 2022 | Cerro Porteño | Primera División Clausura | 22 | 0 |
| 2022 | Cerro Porteño | Copa Libertadores | 7 | 0 |
| 2022/23 | Spartak Moscow | Russian Premier League | 7 | 0 |
| 2022/23 | Spartak Moscow | Russian Cup | 1 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | Spartak Moscow | Russian Premier League | 27 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | Spartak Moscow | Russian Cup | 6 | 0 |
| 2024/25 | Spartak Moscow | Russian Premier League | 15 | 0 |
| 2024/25 | Spartak Moscow | Russian Cup | 4 | 0 |
| 2025/26 | Spartak Moscow | Russian Premier League | 6 | 0 |
| 2025/26 | Spartak Moscow | Russian Cup | 1 | 0 |
| 2025/26 | Santos FC | Campeonato Brasileiro Série A | 5 | 0 |
Club Totals
| Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Cerro Porteño | 107 | 1 |
| Spartak Moscow | 67 | 0 |
| Santos FC | 5 | 0 |
| Overall | 179 | 1 |
International statistics
Duarte represented Paraguay at the youth international level, accumulating a total of 10 caps across U17 and U20 teams with no goals scored.[32] His appearances were concentrated in major tournaments, including the 2017 South American U-17 Championship and FIFA U-17 World Cup, as well as the 2019 South American U-20 Championship.[33][29] The following table summarizes his youth international statistics by level and tournament:| Youth Level | Period | Tournament | Appearances | Goals | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U17 | 2017 | South American U-17 Championship | 2 | 0 | 93 |
| U17 | 2017 | FIFA U-17 World Cup | 4 | 0 | 360 |
| U17 Total | 2017 | - | 6 | 0 | 453 |
| U20 | 2019 | South American U-20 Championship | 4 | 0 | 360 |
| Youth Total | 2017–2019 | - | 10 | 0 | 813 |
| Level | Period | Appearances | Goals | Call-ups (No Play) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior | 2021–2025 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Includes: Sep 2, 2021 vs. Ecuador (World Cup qualifier); Sep 10, 2025 vs. Peru (World Cup qualifier); Oct 10, 2025 vs. Japan (friendly); Oct 14, 2025 vs. South Korea (friendly); one additional 2025 call-up. |
| Senior Total | 2021–2025 | 0 | 0 | 5 | - |