Miguel Ángel Merentiel Serrano: The Journey of a Uruguayan Striker
Miguel Ángel Merentiel Serrano, born on February 24, 1996, is a professional Uruguayan footballer who plays as a striker for Club Atlético Boca Juniors in Argentina’s Primera División and the Uruguay national team. Known for his power, skill, and goal-scoring instinct, Merentiel has earned a prominent place in South American football, particularly with his standout performances for Boca Juniors. This article explores his journey, achievements, and impact on the sport, from his roots in Paysandú to his debut with the national team.
Early Career: Roots in Paysandú
First Steps in Football
Born in Paysandú, a city in Uruguay’s interior, Miguel Merentiel began his football journey in the youth academy of Club Atlético Peñarol, one of Uruguay’s most storied clubs. From a young age, he displayed a natural talent for attacking play, standing out for his speed, physical strength, and finishing ability. His development at Peñarol was crucial in shaping his playing style, which blends intensity with precision.
Professional Debut with El Tanque Sisley
In 2017, Merentiel was loaned to El Tanque Sisley, a club in Uruguay’s Primera División, to gain experience. He made his professional debut on February 19, 2017, in a 4-3 loss to Cerro. Despite the defeat, Merentiel showed promise. A week later, he scored his first professional goal in a 2-1 win against Liverpool Montevideo. On March 12, he shone brightly, scoring twice in a 2-1 victory over Montevideo Wanderers, cementing his reputation as a rising star. During his loan spell, Merentiel scored seven goals in 20 matches, an impressive tally for a debutant.
First International Experience: Lorca FC
Adventure in Spain
In August 2017, Merentiel took a bold step by joining Lorca FC in Spain’s Segunda División on loan. This marked his first experience outside Uruguay, a pivotal moment for his development. However, his stint at Lorca was brief and challenging, ending in January 2018. Despite the difficulties, the exposure to European football helped him mature, adapting to a more technical and competitive style of play.
Brief Stint with Valencia B
In 2018, Merentiel was loaned again, this time to Valencia B in Spain. Though his playing time was limited, the experience in a high-level environment further honed his technical skills. He returned to Uruguay with greater maturity, ready for new challenges in South American football.
Breakthrough in Argentina: Godoy Cruz and Defensa y Justicia
Arrival at Godoy Cruz
In January 2019, Merentiel signed with Godoy Cruz in Argentina, a transfer that marked his entry into Argentine football. The club acquired 50% of his economic rights for $200,000. Over two seasons, he played 26 matches and scored six goals, showcasing his ability to adapt to the competitive Primera División. His physicality and ball-holding skills made him a key part of the attack.
Explosion at Defensa y Justicia
In 2021, Merentiel was loaned to Defensa y Justicia, where his career soared. He earned the nickname “La Bestia” (The Beast) after scoring against River Plate at the Estadio Monumental and shouting “I’m a beast” to the camera. His time at Defensa was marked by remarkable stats: 27 goals and nine assists in 80 matches. His finishing and movement made him one of the league’s most feared strikers. In 2022, Defensa y Justicia purchased his rights for $1 million, underscoring his importance to the team.
New Chapter: Palmeiras and Loan to Boca Juniors
Contract with Palmeiras
On May 18, 2022, Merentiel signed a four-year contract with Palmeiras, one of Brazil’s footballing giants. The move was a milestone in his career, given the club’s competitiveness and elite infrastructure. However, with strong competition in Palmeiras’ attack, Merentiel had limited opportunities.
Loan to Boca Juniors
In January 2023, Merentiel was loaned to Boca Juniors with a $3 million purchase option. He debuted on February 5, 2023, against Central Córdoba, coming off the bench for Juan Ramírez. Two weeks later, he scored his first goal for Boca against Platense. Initially considered the third-choice striker behind Darío Benedetto and Luis Vázquez, Merentiel’s consistent performances as a substitute earned him a starting role.
Under coach Jorge Almirón, Merentiel formed a dynamic partnership with another center-forward, solidifying his place in the team. By October 2023, he had scored in every competition Boca played, including the Copa Libertadores. On November 10, 2023, Boca exercised the purchase option, acquiring 70% of his rights for $3 million.
Stardom at Boca Juniors
2023 Season: Rise to Prominence
The 2023 season was a turning point for Merentiel at Boca Juniors. He became an undisputed starter, scoring crucial goals against teams like Central Córdoba (two goals) and Argentinos Juniors. His versatility and commitment endeared him to fans. Club vice-president Juan Román Riquelme publicly praised Merentiel’s dedication, highlighting his importance to Boca’s project.
2025 Season: Captain and Reference Point
In 2025, under coach Fernando Gago, Merentiel solidified his role as the starting center-forward and even wore the captain’s armband in some matches. He scored against clubs like Deportivo Argentino, Independiente Rivadavia, Aldosivi, Defensa y Justicia, and Estudiantes de La Plata. A memorable moment was his goal in the Superclásico against River Plate, despite Boca’s 2-1 loss.
In the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Merentiel shone in his debut against Benfica, scoring the opening goal and earning MVP honors in a 2-2 draw. His intensity and ability to challenge defenses, even while battling cramps, were widely praised. This performance made him the second-highest Uruguayan goal-scorer in Boca Juniors’ history, a remarkable achievement.
Debut with the Uruguay National Team
First Call-Up
Merentiel’s consistency at Boca Juniors caught the attention of Uruguay’s national team coach, Marcelo Bielsa. In June 2024, he earned his first call-up for friendlies but was not included in the final Copa América 2024 squad. His official debut came on September 10, 2024, during World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental de Maturín. Entering at halftime for Maximiliano Araújo, he played in a goalless draw. His call-up was seen as a reward for his 29 goals in 74 matches for Boca Juniors.
Impact on the National Team
Though early in his international career, Merentiel is viewed as a promising asset. His physicality and versatility in attack provide valuable tactical options for Bielsa. Expectations are high for his contributions to Uruguay’s World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign and beyond.
Playing Style and Characteristics
Striker Profile
Merentiel is a complete forward, known for his finishing, physical strength, and tactical intelligence. He combines the speed typical of Uruguayan players with the ability to hold up play and create chances for teammates. His versatility allows him to play as a central striker or in wider attacking roles, adapting to the team’s needs.
Nickname “La Bestia”
The nickname “La Bestia” reflects his relentless intensity. Merentiel is tireless, pressing defenders and fighting for every ball. His competitive mentality and dedication have made him a fan favorite, especially at Boca Juniors, where his grit resonates with the passionate supporters.
Achievements and Statistics
Titles and Honors
While Merentiel has yet to win major titles, his career is marked by standout moments. He was a key player at Defensa y Justicia, where he won the Recopa Sudamericana, and has shone for Boca Juniors in competitions like the Copa Libertadores and FIFA Club World Cup. His MVP award against Benfica in 2025 underscores his impact.
Impressive Numbers
As of the 2025/2026 season, Merentiel has scored six goals in 18 matches for Boca Juniors, per recent data. His goal and assist average, particularly at Defensa y Justicia and Boca, highlights his consistency. Overall, he has scored over 60 goals in his professional career, a remarkable figure for a 29-year-old.
Legacy and Future
Impact at Boca Juniors
Merentiel has become a central figure at Boca Juniors, not only for his goals but for his leadership. His occasional captaincy and ability to decide key matches make him a cornerstone of the club. Fans see him as a symbol of grit and dedication, qualities that align with Boca’s identity.
Prospects with Uruguay
With the national team, Merentiel has the chance to cement his place among Uruguay’s great strikers. As players like Luis Suárez near the end of their careers, Merentiel could take on a starring role in future international tournaments. His versatility and teamwork make him an ideal candidate to shine.
Merentiel’s Future
At 29, Merentiel is at the peak of his career. With a contract at Boca Juniors until 2027, he has the opportunity to win major titles and further his legacy. His role with Uruguay opens doors to an even brighter future. If he maintains his consistency, Merentiel could become one of South America’s great strikers of his generation.
Conclusion
Miguel Ángel Merentiel Serrano is more than a footballer; he is a testament to determination and talent. From his early days at Peñarol to his rise as “La Bestia” at Boca Juniors, Merentiel has built a career defined by perseverance and achievement. His debut with Uruguay and standout performances in the FIFA Club World Cup show he is just getting started. For Boca and Uruguay fans, Merentiel is a source of pride and a promise of great moments in football.
