Diego Galanternik, a former professional goalkeeper who made a senior appearance for Racing Club in 2012, is now hired by amateur soccer teams through a specialized mobile application where his rates reach up to six-figure sums per match, Infobae reported.
The 35-year-old former player, who now manages a security company and works as a sports journalist, joined the goalkeeper app after seeing an advertisement on Instagram. The digital platform allows amateur squads needing a stand-in keeper to post match details and bounties, while registered goalkeepers list their backgrounds, desired pay, and preferred pitch formats—ranging from five-a-side up to full eleven-a-side matches.
Digital Applications Match Ex-Professionals With Amateur Squads
More than 10,000 goalkeepers have registered on the platform, which operates with transactional security where teams pay the agreed amount through the application rather than in cash. Following each fixture, clubs rate the stand-in on punctuality, fair play, and overall performance.
Galanternik maintains a five-star rating on the application after playing five matches, during which he secured three wins, one draw, and one loss while conceding just two goals. In an interview with Infobae, he noted that competitive pressure in Argentina drives teams to invest financially in experienced players.
“For that to give you an idea, they have paid me up to six figures for a match,” Galanternik told Infobae. He added that many local players recognize him from his days at Racing Club, providing an immediate advantage during tense weekend fixtures.
Galanternik Rises Through Racing Club to Turn Professional
Long before picking up matches through smartphone software, Galanternik worked his way through the youth ranks at Racing Club. Born into a family of dedicated supporters and a regular visitor to the Cilindro de Avellaneda from age ten, he began as an outfield player in baby fútbol for Caballito Juniors.
After a family connection secured him a trial at Racing, he transitioned to the position of goalkeeper. He advanced through the Metro League and seventh division before signing his first professional contract in 2012, during a period when he sat ahead of future Argentina international Juan Musso in the reserve team pecking order.
The pinnacle of his professional career arrived on September 9, 2012, at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Cordoba. Under manager Luis Zubeldía, Galanternik started against Belgrano in the sixth round of the Torneo Inicial. The opportunity arose because first-choice goalkeeper Sebastián Saja was injured and backup Jorge De Olivera was suspended.
A Crucial First-Half Deficit Against Belgrano
That afternoon in Cordoba proved both memorable and heartbreaking. Galanternik held a clean sheet through the opening minutes, but a defensive lapse just before halftime allowed Belgrano to score the match’s only goal in a 1-0 defeat.
“It was a dream. I remember that post-match shower after the San Juan game knowing that I would have the possibility,” Galanternik recalled to Infobae regarding the buildup to his senior debut. Despite two late red cards shown to Belgrano, Racing failed to equalize, leaving the young goalkeeper with a bittersweet memory of his sole top-flight appearance.
After leaving Racing, Galanternik spent time on loan, played in lower divisions, and even secured a club by posting his resume on Facebook before stepping away from professional soccer. Today, technology bridges his past elite career with weekend amateur leagues.
Worth a look
