Hernán Galíndez

Early career

As a child, Galíndez played for local youth clubs Estrella Juniors and Alianza Sports as a midfielder. During a local youth tournament at the age of seven, he switched to play as a goalkeeper and faced a neighbouring team featuring Lionel Messi. Galíndez later recounted that Messi scored the first goal he had ever conceded, although his team went on to win and he and his teammates were awarded a bicycle for winning. At the age of 10, he joined the Rosario Central youth team, remaining with the club until he was 21, spending a period on loan with Quilmes during the 2010–11 season. When the club was relegated in 2010, both Galíndez and his family received death threats and he contemplated giving up the game.

In 2012, Galíndez was released by Rosario and joined Rangers de Talca, but he only took part in the preseason until he was loaned to Universidad Católica del Ecuador in the Ecuadorian Serie B. Having never left Argentina before, Galíndez was offered a room by teammate Facundo Martínez on arrival. He helped the club win promotion to the Ecuadorian Serie A in his first season after playing 41 league matches. On 6 March 2016, he saved two penalties in a game against L.D.U. Quito, securing a 1–1 draw for his side.

Universidad de Chile

Galíndez signed for Chilean side Universidad de Chile in January 2022 on a two-year deal with the club having the option of a third. He made his debut for the side in a 4–2 victory over Unión La Calera on 6…

Born in Argentina, Galíndez became a nationalised Ecuadorian in February 2019, a process which he had originally started in 2016. He was called up to the Ecuador national team for the first time by manager Gustavo Alfaro in October 2020 as a replacement for Johan Padilla who tested positive for COVID-19. He was selected for the Ecuador squad for the 2021 Copa América and made his international debut on 23 June 2021 in a 2–2 draw with Peru in Ecuador's third group match. He played the remainder of his side's matches as they reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Argentina. After going seven games without conceding a goal, Galíndez was selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and was chosen as the starting goalkeeper in all three of his nation's matches, ahead of Alexander Domínguez, as they were eliminated in the group stage. Galíndez was called up to the final 26-man Ecuador squad for the 2024 Copa América. On 31 May 2026, Galíndez was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Galíndez has been described as a "complete goalkeeper", possessing quick reflexes but also being able to play well with the ball at his feet.

Galíndez has a twin brother.