Community hub
0 subscribers7 pages, 0 posts
Recent from talks
All channels
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to Anthony Valencia.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Anthony Valencia
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Anthony Lenín Valencia Bajaña (born 21 July 2003) is an Ecuadorian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Belgian club Royal Antwerp.
Key Information
Career
[edit]Born in the Ecuadorean city of Guayaquil, Valencia began his footballing career with Deportivo Azogues, training with the Azogues-based side from 2013 until 2014.[2] He went on to join Independiente del Valle in 2017, and represented the club's youth side at the U-20 Copa Libertadores, with his performances earning him a place in The Guardian's "Next Generation 2020", highlighting the best young players in world football.[3][4]
On 8 June 2022 it was announced that Valencia would join Belgian club Royal Antwerp on a 4 year deal.[5] He notched his first assist for the club in his second appearance for the club; providing the pass for Radja Nainggolan's second goal in a 3–1 win over Norwegian opposition Lillestrøm in the UEFA Europa Conference League on 4 August 2022.[6] The following month, he scored his first goal for the club; after an attack by Royal Antwerp, the attempted clearance from a Westerlo defender rebounded off forward Vincent Janssen and fell for Valencia, who headed the ball past goalkeeper Sinan Bolat.[7]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]| Club | Season | League | Cup[a] | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Independiente Juniors | 2020 | Ecuadorian Serie B | 10 | 2 | – | – | 0 | 0 | 10 | 2 | ||
| 2021 | 18 | 3 | – | – | 0 | 0 | 18 | 3 | ||||
| Total | 28 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 5 | ||
| Independiente del Valle | 2022 | Ecuadorian Serie A | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1[b] | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Royal Antwerp | 2022–23 | Belgian First Division A | 10 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3[c] | 1 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 2 |
| 2023–24 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ||
| Total | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 2 | ||
| Royal Antwerp II | 2022–23 | Belgian National Division 1 | 1 | 0 | – | – | – | 1 | 0 | |||
| Career total | 30 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 6 | ||
- ^ Includes Copa Ecuador and Belgian Cup
- ^ Appearances in the Copa Libertadores
- ^ Appearances in the UEFA Europa Conference League
Honours
[edit]Royal Antwerp
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Anthony Valencia at WorldFootball.net
- ^ "Independiente del Valle transfirió a Europa a su figura de la Libertadores Sub20" [Independiente del Valle transferred the figure from the Libertadores Sub20 to Europe]. eltelegrafo.com.ec (in Spanish). 9 June 2022. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
- ^ "Conmebol destacó un 'golazo' de Anthony Valencia en la Libertadores sub-20" [Conmebol highlighted a 'great goal' by Anthony Valencia in the Libertadores sub-20]. eltelegrafo.com.ec (in Spanish). 8 February 2022. Retrieved 28 March 2022.
- ^ "Next Generation 2020: 60 of the best young talents in world football". The Guardian. 8 October 2020. Retrieved 28 March 2022.
- ^ "Welkom Anthony Valencia" [Welcome Anthony Valencia] (in Dutch). 8 June 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
- ^ Álvarez, Paulo (6 August 2022). "Anthony Valencia aprovecha sus oportunidades en Europa" [Anthony Valencia seizes his opportunities in Europe]. benditofutbol.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 28 August 2023.
- ^ "Anthony Valencia anota con el Royal Antwerp en Bélgica" [Anthony Valencia scores for Royal Antwerp in Belgium]. primicias.ec (in Spanish). 4 September 2022. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
- ^ Anthony Valencia at Soccerway
- ^ "Antwerp wint nu ook de Supercup! KV Mechelen plooit pas na strafschoppen" [Antwerp now also wins the Supercup! KV Mechelen only folds after penalties] (in Dutch). Sporza. 23 July 2023. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
  | This biographical article related to a football midfielder from Ecuador is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by adding missing information. |
Anthony Valencia
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and youth career
Early life
Anthony Lenín Valencia Bajaña was born on 21 July 2003 in Guayaquil, Ecuador.[1] Growing up in the coastal city of Guayaquil, Valencia developed an interest in football. At 1.74 m (5 ft 8½ in) tall, his physical attributes supported his playing style.[1]Youth career
Valencia began his structured youth football training with Deportivo Azogues in 2013 at the age of 10, remaining with the club until 2014 to develop foundational skills such as ball control and basic team coordination.[7] In 2017, at age 14, he moved to the academy of Independiente del Valle, a leading South American youth development program known for its emphasis on tactical awareness, technical proficiency, and rigorous physical conditioning, where he progressed through the ranks until his transfer to Royal Antwerp in 2022.[1][8] During his time at Independiente del Valle's youth setup, Valencia achieved significant milestones, including winning the 2020 Copa Libertadores U-20 with the club's under-20 team as one of the youngest participants in the tournament at age 16.[1][9] He also gained international recognition by being named in The Guardian's "Next Generation 2020" list of top young talents worldwide, with scouts highlighting his explosive pace as a left-footed winger and his proficiency in one-on-one dribbling situations.[10] In competitive youth matches for Independiente del Valle U-20 up to 2022, Valencia featured in 9 appearances, contributing 4 goals—including 1 in the 2020 Copa Libertadores U-20 across 3 matches—and 2 assists, showcasing his emerging attacking potential.[2][11]Club career
Time at Independiente del Valle
Valencia began his senior professional career on loan with Independiente Juniors, the reserve team of Independiente del Valle, in Ecuador's Serie B from 2020 to 2021. During this period, he made 28 appearances and scored 5 goals, where his creative playmaking and versatility as a midfielder drew attention from the first-team staff for potential promotion. Promoted to Independiente del Valle's first team for the 2022 LigaPro Serie A season, Valencia featured in 2 league appearances as a rotational player, recording 0 goals but contributing to the team's midfield depth during their campaign. His role was limited but aligned with the club's youth development philosophy, allowing him to gain experience in Ecuador's top flight while the team secured the Copa Ecuador title that year.[12] Valencia's promising displays in both the reserve and first team culminated in a €1.5 million transfer to Belgian club Royal Antwerp in June 2022, marking the end of his contract with Independiente del Valle.[13]Move to Royal Antwerp
Valencia transferred to Royal Antwerp on 8 June 2022, signing a four-year contract until June 2026 for a reported fee of €1.5 million from Independiente del Valle.[3] Upon arriving in Belgium, he was initially integrated with the club's reserve team, Young Reds Antwerp, in the Belgian National Division 1, where he made four appearances without scoring.[2] This period allowed him to adapt to the physical demands and tactical nuances of European football, differing from the South American style he was accustomed to, while gradually earning opportunities with the senior squad under manager Mark van Bommel.[1] Valencia made his senior debut for Royal Antwerp in the Belgian First Division A during the 2022–23 season, quickly showing promise in limited minutes. His first competitive assist came on 4 August 2022 in a 3–1 UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying win at Lillestrøm SK (first leg), setting up a teammate.[14] He scored his first goal for the club on 11 August 2022 in a 2–0 win over Lillestrøm SK in the second leg. His next goal came in September 2022 via a rebound during a 3–0 league victory against KVC Westerlo.[15][16] These early contributions highlighted his speed and directness on the right wing, helping him secure a rotational role amid the team's push for domestic honors. Over the subsequent seasons, Valencia's involvement grew steadily. In 2022–23, he recorded 10 appearances and 1 goal across all competitions, including stints in the league and European qualifiers. The 2023–24 campaign saw him feature in 15 appearances with 1 goal, often as a substitute providing energy from the bench. By 2024–25, his usage increased to 19 appearances and 1 goal, aiding Royal Antwerp's competitive standing in the Jupiler Pro League title race despite finishing fifth overall.[17] His consistent performances underscored his adaptation to the league's intensity, with improved positioning and defensive work rate. He recovered from a cruciate ligament tear sustained in February 2025, returning to action in October 2025. As of November 2025, Valencia has begun the 2025–26 season with limited but impactful minutes in the Jupiler Pro League, including a substitute appearance in a 1–0 loss to Standard Liège on 20 October 2025, where he entered in the 66th minute.[18] Key contributions include his squad role in Royal Antwerp's 2022–23 Belgian Cup triumph, where he was on the bench for the 2–0 final win over KV Mechelen, and the 2023 Super Cup victory on penalties against the same opponent after a 1–1 draw. His market value reached €1.20 million by mid-2025, reflecting steady development.[1]International career
Youth international career
Anthony Valencia's involvement with Ecuador's youth national teams has been limited, primarily due to club commitments preventing his participation in key tournaments. In early 2023, he was among the overseas-based players considered by head coach Miguel Ángel Bravo for the Ecuador U20 squad ahead of the South American U20 Championship in Colombia, where the team aimed to defend their title; however, Royal Antwerp declined to release him, citing preseason obligations and logistical challenges.[19] Valencia was also in the plans for Ecuador's U20 World Cup campaign later that year, with Bravo intending to include him in the squad for the tournament in Argentina; again, his club refused permission, resulting in no appearances for the national youth side.[20][21] There are no recorded caps for Valencia at the U20 level or earlier youth categories such as U17 or U19, as confirmed by available match records and federation reports up to 2025. His potential for youth international exposure was noted by national team coordinators like Mauro Peralta, who highlighted his development at Independiente del Valle as a factor in scouting considerations.[20]Senior international career
Anthony Valencia received his first call-up to the Ecuador senior national team in September 2022 for a pair of international friendlies.[22] He was named to the squad for matches against Saudi Arabia on September 23 (a 0–0 draw) and Japan on September 27 (another 0–0 draw), but remained an unused substitute in both games.[22][23][24] In September 2024, Valencia earned another call-up for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Brazil on September 6 (a 1–0 loss) and Peru on September 10 (a 1–0 win), but again remained an unused substitute.[25] Despite strong performances at club level with Royal Antwerp, including contributions in the Belgian Pro League and UEFA competitions, Valencia has not received any further senior call-ups in 2025 as of November 2025.[26] This limited involvement stems from intense competition in Ecuador's midfield and attacking positions, particularly from established players like Moisés Caicedo, who has become a cornerstone of the team in World Cup qualifiers.[27][28] As of November 20, 2025, Valencia has earned 0 senior caps and scored 0 goals for Ecuador, with his international experience confined to bench appearances in four matches.[22] His versatility as a right winger and midfielder has positioned him as a rising prospect for future national team consideration, especially ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.[29]Playing style and career reception
Playing style
Anthony Valencia primarily operates as a right winger or right-sided attacking midfielder, leveraging his left-footedness to cut inside from the flank and create scoring opportunities.[1][10] At 174 cm tall, his compact stature enhances his agility, enabling quick changes of direction and effectiveness in one-on-one duels.[30][31] His key strengths lie in explosive pace, dribbling, and vision for assists, allowing him to drive forward and deliver precise short passes to teammates.[10][31] Valencia's high work rate is evident in his willingness to tackle and contribute defensively, complementing his offensive flair.[31] Featured in The Guardian's 2020 Next Generation series, he was highlighted among dynamic South American prospects for his speed and potential to impact games from wide areas.[10] Upon transitioning to European football with Royal Antwerp in 2022, Valencia encountered initial hurdles in adjusting to the league's intensity and physical demands, resulting in limited playing time early on.[1] By 2025, he has evolved, bolstering his defensive contributions while maintaining his creative edge, as reflected in scouting analyses rating his tackling and overall involvement highly.[31][32] Statistically, Valencia favors his left foot for the majority of his actions, aligning with his preferred shooting and passing style.[30] In the 2024–2025 Belgian Pro League season, he averaged 2.3 key passes per 90 minutes across 26 appearances, underscoring his role in play creation.[33]Reception and accolades
Valencia first gained significant international recognition in 2020 when he was featured in The Guardian's "Next Generation" list of the 60 best young talents in world football, where he was highlighted as a promising Ecuadorian winger from Independiente del Valle noted for his explosive pace, creativity, and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations.[10] Upon joining Royal Antwerp in 2022, Valencia was praised for his rapid adaptation to European football, scoring his first league goal against KVC Westerlo on 4 September 2022, a milestone that drew positive media attention for the 19-year-old's seamless transition from South American youth ranks.[34] His performances in the Belgian Pro League have since been commended by club staff for his quick integration and versatility on the wing.[1] Valencia's market value has reflected his reputation, estimated at approximately €1.5 million upon his arrival in 2022 and €1.20 million as of mid-2025, according to Transfermarkt assessments.[35] In the 2024–2025 season, he earned player of the match honors in the Belgian Cup against K.M.S.K. Deinze on 31 October 2024, where his brace and assist contributed to a 6–1 victory.[36] In 2025, Valencia overcame a long-term injury, returning to action for Royal Antwerp in October during the 2025–26 season.[37] Despite his club success, Valencia has received limited media buzz on the international stage due to the absence of senior caps for Ecuador as of 2025, though scouts and analysts view him as a potential future star for the national team given his youth international experience and ongoing development.Career statistics
Club statistics
Anthony Valencia's club career statistics, encompassing appearances, goals, and assists across all competitions, are detailed below as of November 20, 2025.[12][33][2]| Season | Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–2021 | Independiente Juniors | Ecuadorian Serie B | 28 | 5 | 0 |
| 2022 | Independiente del Valle | LigaPro (domestic league) | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022–2024 | Young Reds Antwerp | Belgian Reserve League | 57 | 6 | 0 |
| 2022/23 | Royal Antwerp | Jupiler Pro League, cups, UEFA Conference League | 10 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023/24 | Royal Antwerp | Jupiler Pro League, cups, UEFA Conference League | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024/25 | Royal Antwerp | Jupiler Pro League, cups, UEFA Conference League | 30 | 2 | 3 |
| 2025/26 | Royal Antwerp | Jupiler Pro League, Croky Cup | 5 | 0 | 1 |
International statistics
Anthony Valencia has represented Ecuador at the international level with limited involvement, primarily through senior squad call-ups without any on-field appearances. As of November 2025, he remains eligible solely for the Ecuadorian national team, with no dual nationality eligibility reported.[22]Youth International Statistics
Valencia has no recorded appearances for Ecuador's youth national teams, including the U20 level, across tournaments such as the South American U20 Championship.[22]| Level | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| U20 | 0 | 0 |
Senior International Statistics
Valencia received his first senior call-ups to the Ecuador national team in September 2022 for friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Japan, where he was named to the bench but did not feature. He has since not earned further call-ups or made any appearances in competitions such as World Cup qualifiers or the Copa América.[22]| Year | Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Friendlies | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | World Cup Qualifiers | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Copa América | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | Friendlies/Qualifiers | 0 | 0 |