Cristian Lema retires after Boca spell and returns to Puerto Madryn | OneFootball

Cristian Lema has ended his professional career. According to SuperDepor.com, the 35-year-old has returned to his native Puerto Madryn, choosing family life and personal projects over further offers despite being fit.

The centre-back began in 2007 with Guillermo Brown, becoming the youngest debutant in a national competition, the Argentino A.

Across nearly two decades he played for Newell’s, Tigre, Quilmes, Belgrano de Córdoba, Benfica of Portugal, Peñarol of Uruguay, Damac of Saudi Arabia, Lanús and Boca.

Lema joined Boca at the start of 2024 as Diego Martínez’s first signing, the club paying around 500,000 dollars after his spell at Lanús. He started regularly and featured in 23 of the first 28 matches that season.

His standing shifted after the Copa de la Liga semi-final against Estudiantes, when he gave away a penalty and was sent off as the team went out.

His last official appearance was the 1-1 draw with Deportivo Riestra at La Bombonera in October 2024. He injured his left ankle that day and spent months on the sidelines.

He terminated his contract in December 2025 and did not return to the La Ribera side. His only Boca goal was a free-kick on 31 August 2024 against Rosario Central at La Bombonera.

Lema retires with 375 senior games, 34 goals and 12 assists, and titles in 2019 with Benfica in the Primeira Liga and with Peñarol in the Torneo Apertura.

Source: SuperDepor.com