Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro is a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Liverpool and the Uruguay national team. Born on June 24, 1999, in Artigas, Uruguay, Núñez has had a remarkable career journey from his early days in local clubs to becoming one of the most promising young players in the world.
Main Milestones
Birth
24 June 1999
Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro was born in Artigas, Uruguay, to an impoverished family. His father, Bibiano Núñez, was a builder, and his mother, Silvia Ribeiro, was a hawker of milk bottles.
Joining Peñarol
2016
At the age of 17, Núñez joined Montevideo-based Uruguayan club Peñarol, marking the beginning of his professional football career.
Professional Debut
2017
Núñez made his professional debut with Peñarol in the Uruguayan Primera División, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 2–1 away loss against River Plate Montevideo.
Signing with Almería
August 2019
Núñez signed with Spanish Segunda División club Almería on a five-year contract for a rumored club record fee of US$4.5 million plus $1.5 million in variables.
Joining Benfica
September 2020
Núñez signed a five-year contract with Portuguese club Benfica for a club record fee of €24 million, becoming the most expensive signing in Portuguese football history.
Breakthrough Season
2021-2022
In his second season with Benfica, Núñez won the Bola de Prata for top scorer in the Primeira Liga with 26 goals in 28 games, being named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year and Primeira Liga Player of the Year.
Signing with Liverpool
June 2022
Núñez signed with Premier League club Liverpool for a transfer worth €75 million (£64 million), marking a significant step in his career.
First Season at Liverpool
2022-2023
Núñez had a promising first season at Liverpool, scoring crucial goals and establishing himself as a key player for the club.
EFL Cup Victory
2023-2024
Núñez played a crucial role in Liverpool's EFL Cup campaign, providing assists and scoring goals, including a brace against Bournemouth. He was praised as one of Liverpool's best performers throughout the campaign.
Continued Success
2024-2025
Núñez continued to excel at Liverpool, scoring important goals and providing assists, including a brace in stoppage time to win against Brentford.
