Federico Javier Santander Mereles (born 4 June 1991) is a Paraguayan professional footballer who plays as a forward for Uruguayan club Nacional and the Paraguay national team.
Santander started in the youth divisions of Guaranàwhere he excelled and was part of the under-20 squad that won the international friendly championship held in Valencia, Spain. After winning the U20 tournament with Guaranàhe attracted the interest of several clubs and had a trial with A.C. Milan. In 2008, at the age of 16, he made his debut with the senior squad of Guaranàby scoring a goal in the 5âÂÂ2 win against Tacuary. On 31 August 2010, he signed for French side Toulouse.
In February 2012, he moved to Racing Club on a three-year contract with a purchase option for 20% of his sports rights.
In July 2012, Santander joined Argentine Primera División side Tigre on a one-year loan deal despite that Guaranàhad intentions to bring him back to Paraguay. He was handed the number #24 shirt for the 2012âÂÂ13 season and debuted in a 2âÂÂ1 home defeat against Estudiantes de La Plata on 6 August 2012.
On 14 June 2015, Santander signed a five-year contract with the Danish Superliga team F.C. Copenhagen. He joined the club after completing Copa Libertadores with GuaranÃÂ. He made his league debut on 2 August 2015 against SønderjyskE making two assist, assisting Thomas Delaney and William Kvist. Three days later, he scored his first goal in a 3âÂÂ2 defeat against FK Jablonec as Copenhagen failed to qualify for the UEFA Europa League group stage. On 16 May 2016, he netted twice to give his club a 2âÂÂ0 win against FC Nordsjælland which crowned Copenhagen league champions. In his first season in Copenhagen he became the third highest goalscorer with 14 goals and four assists.
On 24 August 2016, Santander's goal in Copenhagen's qualification match versus Cypriot club APOEL secured his club's position in the 2016âÂÂ17 Champions League.
In June 2018 Santander signed a four-year contract with Italian club Bologna in a deal worth â¬6 million.
On 2 August 2022, Santander moved to Reggina on a multi-year contract.
On 27 January 2023, Santander returned to GuaranÃÂ on loan until 30 June 2023.
On 28 September 2009, at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt, Santander scored the first goal for the Paraguay U-20 squad against home team Egypt, giving the Paraguayans a 1âÂÂ0 lead.
Wearing the number 9 as a replacement for Roque Santa Cruz, he debuted for Paraguay on 9 October 2010 in a 1âÂÂ0 loss against Australia in Sydney.
Copenhagen