Omar Jesús Merlo (Spanish pronunciation: [oˈmaɾ ˈmeɾlo]; born 12 June 1987) is a former Argentine naturalized Chilean[1] professional footballer who played as a centre-back.

In February 2008, he signed up with powerhouse team River Plate, where he won the Torneo Clausura.

Seasons later, Merlo was a key player at the squad of Primera División club Huachipato that earned 2012 Torneo Clausura, scoring the winning penalty in the final.

In January 2024, he announced his retirement after playing for Curicó Unido in the 2023 Chilean Primera División.

[2] Merlo naturalized Chilean by residence when he was a player of Huachipato.