Today marks Alan Benítez‘s 32nd birthday, a milestone that finds the Paraguayan right-back at the summit of South American football on the very day of the historic Gre-Nal derby.
While it has been three years since he patrolled the touchline at Allianz Field, Benítez’s journey from Saint Paul to Porto Alegre has been defined by a return to the elite form that first drew the Loons’ scouts to Asunción.
Currently anchoring the defense for Internacional in the high-stakes Campeonato Gaúcho, Benítez remains a player of significant interest to Minnesota United fans, serving as a prime example of a talent that used a brief MLS stint as a springboard back into the continental spotlight.
Blazing trails in the Twin Cities
Benítez arrived in Minnesota in July 2022, a mid-season reinforcement intended to provide the verticality and crossing ability the Loons’ right flank had lacked. He wasted no time making an impact, logging 12 appearances (11 in the regular season and one in the MLS Cup Playoffs) and contributing one goal and two assists.
His “trademark” moment came on Aug. 14, 2022, when he surged forward against Nashville SC to net a crucial goal, showcasing the aggressive overlapping style that made him a temporary fan favorite. Despite his clear talent and a respectable statistical return during his short tenure, the fit within the squad’s long-term salary cap structure proved difficult.
On the eve of the 2023 season in February, Benítez and the club mutually agreed to a contract termination, allowing the defender to return to South America to pursue a primary role elsewhere.
From Paraguay to Brazil
Immediately following his departure from Minnesota, Benítez returned to his native Paraguay to rejoin his former club, Cerro Porteño. His second stint with the “Cyclone” was remarkably productive; between 2023 and early 2025, he made over 60 appearances, re-establishing himself as a premier right-back in the Primera División and a consistent threat in the Copa Libertadores.
His defensive maturity and continued offensive output eventually caught the eye of Brazilian giants Internacional. In June 2025, Benítez made the high-profile jump to the Campeonato Brasileiro, signing a deal through late 2026.
Since arriving at the Beira-Rio, he has fought through a crowded depth chart to become a regular fixture, helping Inter navigate the grueling Série A season and the early stages of the 2026 state championships.
A seasoned international in his prime
Now 32, Benítez is playing some of the most refined football of his career. While the raw speed that defined his time in Minnesota is still present, his game has evolved to include a much higher level of tactical discipline and interception-heavy defending.
This evolution has not gone unnoticed by the Paraguay national team; Benítez has earned several recalls over the past year, featuring in key World Cup Qualifiers and high-profile friendlies.
Benítez’s trajectory stands as a testament to his resilience. He has transformed from a “what if” in the Twin Cities to a foundational piece for one of Brazil’s biggest clubs, proving that even a short stay in Saint Paul can be a vital chapter in a top-tier international career.
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