Darwin Núñez is a 26-year-old Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as a striker for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal and the Uruguay national team. Born June 24, 1999, in Artigas, Uruguay, the 6’2″ forward is known for his explosive pace, reaching speeds of 36.5 km/h, and dynamic attacking style. He won the Premier League with Liverpool in 2024-25 before transferring to Al-Hilal for €53 million in August 2025.
The Rise of Uruguay’s Most Electrifying Striker
Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro represents one of football’s most compelling success stories. From growing up in extreme poverty in northern Uruguay to becoming a Premier League champion and one of South America’s most prolific goal scorers, his journey embodies resilience, raw talent, and unwavering determination.
The Uruguayan striker has captivated football audiences worldwide with his explosive speed, physical presence, and unpredictable playing style that earned him the nickname “Agent of Chaos.” After three eventful seasons with Liverpool, where he scored 40 goals in 143 appearances and lifted the Premier League trophy, Núñez embarked on a new chapter with Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal in August 2025.
From Humble Beginnings in Artigas
Darwin Núñez was born on June 24, 1999, in El Pirata, a working-class neighbourhood in Artigas, Uruguay’s northernmost department. His childhood was marked by severe economic hardship. His father, Bibiano Núñez, worked as a builder, while his mother, Silvia Ribeiro, collected and sold empty bottles from the streets to help feed the family. There were nights when young Darwin went to bed hungry, an experience that would fuel his determination to succeed.
At 14, his life changed when legendary Uruguayan midfielder José “El Chueco” Perdomo, a former Peñarol star, spotted him playing on a remote pitch in Artigas. Recognising exceptional talent, Perdomo convinced Darwin’s parents to send him to Montevideo to join Peñarol’s youth academy. The tearful goodbye at the bus station marked the beginning of an extraordinary football journey.
The transition proved challenging. Struggling with homesickness and loneliness in Uruguay’s capital, Darwin initially returned home after a few months. His older brother Junior, who was also at Peñarol, made a life-changing sacrifice by quitting football to work and support the family. Junior told his younger brother, “Stay here. You have a future. I’m out.” This gesture became a driving force behind Darwin’s relentless pursuit of football excellence.
Overcoming Career-Threatening Injuries
At 17, Núñez suffered a devastating cruciate ligament injury that threatened to end his career before it truly began. The injury required two operations and kept him sidelined for over a year. Many young players might have given up, but Darwin used the setback as motivation. He worked tirelessly through rehabilitation, drawing strength from his family’s sacrifices.
His professional debut finally came on November 22, 2017, when he appeared as a second-half substitute for Peñarol in a match against River Plate Montevideo. Though the team lost 2-1, Darwin had taken his first steps toward professional football. The following month, he underwent his second knee surgery, but his determination never wavered.
On October 13, 2018, Núñez scored his first professional goal in a 2-0 home victory over Fénix. Between 2017 and 2019, he would score four goals in 22 appearances for Peñarol while also helping the club win back-to-back Uruguayan League titles in 2017 and 2018.
Breaking Through in Europe
Almería: The Spanish Adventure
On August 29, 2019, Núñez made his move to Europe, signing with Spanish Segunda División club Almería on a five-year contract. The transfer fee was reported at approximately $4.5 million plus $1.5 million in add-ons, making it a club record for Almería.
The 20-year-old striker made an immediate impact in Spain’s second tier. He finished the 2019-20 season with an impressive 16 goals in 32 games, showcasing the lethal finishing ability and explosive pace that would become his trademarks. His performances caught the attention of several top European clubs, setting the stage for his next career leap.
Benfica: Becoming a Portuguese Legend
In September 2020, Portuguese giants Benfica secured Núñez’s signature for a club-record €24 million, making it the most expensive signing in Portuguese football history at the time. The deal also included 20% of any future transfer fee going back to Almería.
Núñez made his Benfica debut on September 15, 2020, in a Champions League qualifying match against PAOK. Just over a month later, on October 22, 2020, he announced his arrival with a stunning hat-trick against Lech Poznań in the Europa League, winning 4-2 away from home. Four days later, he scored his first Primeira Liga goal in a 2-0 victory over B SAD.
His second season at Benfica transformed him into one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers. The 2021-22 campaign saw Núñez score an incredible 34 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions, including 26 goals in just 28 Primeira Liga matches. This prolific form earned him multiple honours:
- Bola de Prata (top scorer in the Primeira Liga)
- Primeira Liga Team of the Year
- Primeira Liga Player of the Year
His Champions League performances particularly caught global attention. In the quarter-finals against Liverpool, Núñez scored in both legs despite Benfica’s 6-4 aggregate defeat. These performances against the English giants would prove pivotal, as Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp was reportedly impressed by the young Uruguayan’s abilities.
The Liverpool Chapter: Glory and Challenges
Record-Breaking Transfer
On June 14, 2022, Liverpool confirmed the signing of Darwin Núñez on a six-year contract. The transfer fee started at €75 million (£64 million) but could rise to €100 million (£85 million) with add-ons, making him Liverpool’s most expensive signing at the time.
“I’ve played against Liverpool, and I’ve seen them in lots of games in the Champions League, and it’s my style of play,” Núñez said upon signing. He would wear the iconic number 27 shirt in his first season before taking over the prestigious number 9 jersey for the 2023-24 campaign.
First Season: Finding His Feet
Núñez’s Premier League debut came on August 6, 2022, but his official competitive debut occurred on July 30, 2022, when Liverpool faced Manchester City in the FA Community Shield. He scored in that match, helping Liverpool secure a 3-1 victory and lift his first trophy in English football.
His first season produced 15 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions. While the goal tally was respectable, Núñez faced criticism for inconsistent finishing and adapting to the Premier League’s physical demands. He showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with composure in front of goal at times.
Second Season: Becoming Indispensable
The 2023-24 season saw Núñez improve his output to 18 goals while developing into a more complete player. His most memorable performance came on August 27, 2023, against Newcastle United. With Liverpool trailing by a goal and reduced to 10 men, Núñez entered as a 77th-minute substitute for Alexis Mac Allister. He scored in the 81st minute and again in stoppage time, completing a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory.
Other highlights from his second campaign included:
- January 10, 2024: Provided two assists in an EFL Cup semi-final against Fulham, becoming Liverpool’s top assist-maker in all competitions with 10.
- January 21, 2024: Scored a brace against Bournemouth. His first goal was the 100th of his senior career for club and country, while his second made him the first Premier League player that season to register at least 10 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.
- January 28, 2024: Scored against Norwich City in the FA Cup, becoming the first player in Europe’s top five leagues that season to reach double figures for both non-penalty goals and assists.
- February 17, 2024: Netted his ninth Premier League goal of the season against Brentford, equaling his previous season’s tally. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury at halftime and missed the 2024 EFL Cup final, which Liverpool won against Chelsea.
- March 2, 2024: Scored in the 99th minute of a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, Liverpool’s latest winning Premier League goal since records began in 2006-07.
Final Season: Premier League Glory
The 2024-25 season under new manager Arne Slot proved to be a mixed experience for Núñez. While Liverpool marched toward their 20th league title, Núñez found himself competing for playing time with Diogo Jota and sometimes Luis Díaz in the striker role. He started only eight Premier League games throughout the campaign, scoring seven goals in 46 appearances across all competitions.
Despite limited playing time, Núñez contributed important moments to Liverpool’s title triumph. His most significant contribution came on January 18, 2025, when he scored a brace in stoppage time against Brentford to secure a vital three points. This dramatic late intervention proved crucial in Liverpool’s eventual Premier League championship win.
On September 21, 2024, he scored his first goal of the season against Bournemouth in a 3-0 victory, and on October 23, 2024, he netted his first Champions League goal of the campaign in a 1-0 away win against RB Leipzig.
When Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy under Arne Slot, Núñez had achieved his dream of becoming a league champion, cementing his place in the club’s history despite the ups and downs of his three-year tenure.
International Career: Thriving in Uruguay
Youth Success
Before representing Uruguay’s senior team, Núñez showcased his talents at various youth levels. He participated in the 2019 South American U-20 Championship, where Uruguay finished third, and the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, scoring in the opening match against Norway and again against New Zealand in the final group game to help Uruguay top Group C. The team was eliminated by Ecuador in the round of 16.
Núñez also represented Uruguay’s U-22 team at the 2019 Pan American Games in Peru, where they finished fourth. He scored in the opening 2-0 win over the host nation.
Senior Debut and Early Years
Núñez received his first senior call-up in September 2019 for friendlies against Costa Rica and the United States. He made his international debut on October 16, 2019, in a 1-1 friendly draw away to Peru. Remarkably, he scored just five minutes after entering the pitch as a 75th-minute substitute for Brian Lozano, announcing his arrival on the international stage in spectacular fashion.
In June 2021, Núñez was selected for Uruguay’s squad for the Copa América in Brazil, but a knee injury ruled him out for two months, causing him to miss the entire tournament.
World Cup 2022
Núñez represented Uruguay at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Despite his presence, La Celeste disappointed, being eliminated in the group stage after finishing below South Korea on goals scored. The tournament was a learning experience for the young striker as he competed on football’s biggest stage.
Marcelo Bielsa Era: Historic Form
When Marcelo Bielsa took over as Uruguay manager, Núñez’s international career reached new heights. The Argentine coach seemed to unlock something special in the Liverpool striker, deploying him in a more central role focused on finishing chances rather than extensive buildup play.
Núñez flourished under Bielsa during World Cup 2026 qualifying, producing several memorable performances:
October 13, 2023: Scored a stoppage-time equaliser in a 2-2 draw against Colombia. October 18, 2023: Scored and assisted in a 2-0 victory against Brazil. November 17, 2023: Found the net in a 2-0 victory against Argentina. November 22, 2023: Netted a brace in a 3-0 victory against Bolivia
Copa América 2024: Record-Breaking Run
The 2024 Copa América in the United States became Núñez’s showcase tournament. Before the competition began, he scored his first international hat-trick in a 4-0 friendly victory against Mexico on June 6, 2024, his 25th birthday.
In Uruguay’s opening match on June 24, 2024, Núñez scored against Panama in a 3-1 victory at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. This goal extended his remarkable scoring streak and demonstrated his excellent form heading into the tournament.
The second group match against Bolivia on June 28, 2024, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey saw Núñez make history. He scored Uruguay’s second goal in a dominant 5-0 victory, marking his seventh consecutive international match with a goal. This achievement equalled a 96-year-old record set by legendary striker Héctor Scarone between 1927 and 1928.
During this historic run, Núñez scored 10 goals in seven consecutive matches for Uruguay, the longest scoring streak for the country since at least 1928. His performance against Bolivia was particularly impressive, recording seven shots in the first half alone and completing six dribbles while winning 12 duels.
Bielsa praised Núñez as “very dynamic, energetic and powerful” after the Bolivia match, highlighting how the manager had successfully tailored the team’s approach to maximise the striker’s strengths.
Recent International Form
As of December 2025, Núñez has represented Uruguay in 35 international matches, scoring 13 goals and providing three assists. His transformation under Bielsa demonstrates the importance of tactical fit, as the manager positioned him closer to the goal and reduced his involvement in buildup play, allowing his natural finishing instincts and explosive movement to flourish.
Playing Style and Tactical Profile
Physical Attributes
Standing 187 cm (6’2″) tall and weighing 81 kg (179 lbs), Núñez possesses an athletic frame that combines size with remarkable agility. His most defining physical attribute is his extraordinary speed. Núñez has recorded top sprint speeds of approximately 36.5 km/h, making him one of the fastest players in world football.
His acceleration is equally impressive, giving him the ability to create immediate separation from defenders when making runs in behind defensive lines. This change of pace allows him to exploit spaces that other strikers might not reach.
Technical Abilities and Strengths
- Movement and Positioning: Núñez excels at scanning space and making intelligent decisions about his positioning relative to the ball, teammates, and opponents. He specialises in attacking the space between fullbacks and centre-backs, often curving his initial run away from the centre-back before darting back infield at the last moment.
- Shot Generation: The Uruguayan striker is adept at generating shots from varied situations and positions. He possesses explosive shot power, particularly with his right foot, and can strike the ball with tremendous force from both inside and outside the penalty area. His longer femur length contributes to his powerful ball-striking ability.
- Counter-Attacking: Núñez thrives in counter-attacking situations where his speed and directness become devastating weapons. He can carry the ball at pace over long distances, making him particularly effective when teams transition quickly from defence to attack.
- Versatility: While primarily deployed as a central striker, Núñez is capable of playing as a left winger or in wide attacking positions. During his time at Benfica, he frequently operated in various roles within 4-4-2, 4-3-3, and 3-4-3 formations, demonstrating tactical flexibility.
- Aerial Ability: Despite not being the tallest striker, Núñez’s timing and jumping ability make him effective in aerial duels. He uses his body intelligently to shield the ball and arrive at crosses ahead of his markers.
Weaknesses and Areas for Development
- First Touch: One of the most frequently discussed aspects of Núñez’s game is his inconsistent first touch. When the ball arrives at his feet in tight spaces, he sometimes struggles to control it cleanly, leading to lost possession or missed opportunities.
- Composure: Núñez has been criticised for occasionally snatching at chances when more composure would result in goals. His eagerness to shoot can lead to rushed decisions, particularly when facing one-on-one situations with goalkeepers.
- Passing Accuracy: While capable of moments of quality in his passing, Núñez’s distribution can be erratic. His pass completion rates are generally lower than other top strikers, and his decision-making with the ball at his feet sometimes lets him down.
- Offside Awareness: Early in his career, Núñez frequently found himself caught offside due to his aggressive runs and difficulty timing his movements. While this has improved, it remains an occasional issue.
- Physical Play Without Ball: Despite his size and strength, Núñez doesn’t always maximise his physical advantages in hold-up play. His balance and flexibility are not exceptional, which can make it difficult for him to receive the ball with his back to goal under pressure from defenders.
Tactical Systems That Suit Him
Núñez performs best in systems that emphasise:
- Quick transitions from defence to attack
- Direct vertical passing that exploits space behind defensive lines
- Width in attack, allowing him to drift to the left side, where he’s most comfortable
- Teammates who can play through balls into space
- High pressure to create turnovers in dangerous areas
He struggles more in possession-based systems requiring extensive buildup play, intricate link-up exchanges in tight spaces, or situations where he’s isolated against multiple defenders with limited support.
Comparisons to Other Strikers
Uruguayan Legends
Núñez’s playing style has drawn comparisons to several Uruguayan attacking legends:
- Luis Suárez: Both possess relentless work rates, aggressive pressing, and an instinct for goals. However, Suárez demonstrated superior technical quality and creativity.
- Edinson Cavani: The comparison to Cavani is perhaps most apt, as both combine exceptional work rate with a willingness to make runs in behind and attack space aggressively. Cavani’s movement was more refined, but Núñez possesses greater pace.
- Diego Forlán: Some observers note similarities in their powerful shooting and ability to score spectacular goals, though Forlán was more of a complete forward with superior technical ability.
Contemporary Strikers
- Erling Haaland: Both are tall, powerful strikers with blistering pace who excel at finishing. However, Haaland demonstrates more clinical finishing and positional discipline, while Núñez offers more unpredictability and wider movement patterns.
- Fernando Torres: Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher compared Núñez to Torres, noting their similar pace, power to knock defenders off, and explosive acceleration. Torres was more refined technically, but the comparison captures Núñez’s most dangerous qualities.
The “Agent of Chaos” moniker reflects Núñez’s unique unpredictability. He can miss seemingly simple chances yet score spectacular goals moments later, create chaos in opposing defences through his relentless movement, and produce moments of brilliance mixed with frustrating errors.
The Saudi Arabia Move: Al-Hilal Chapter
Transfer Details
After Liverpool’s Premier League triumph in 2024-25, Núñez’s future at Anfield became uncertain. With the club pursuing high-profile attacking reinforcements, including Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitiké, and Florian Wirtz, the Uruguayan’s position in Arne Slot’s plans came into question.
On August 9, 2025, Al-Hilal confirmed the signing of Darwin Núñez on a three-year contract. The transfer fee was reported at €53 million (£46.2 million) initially, with potential add-ons that could take the total package to €65 million (£56.6 million).
The move made Núñez Liverpool’s sixth-biggest sale in club history, behind only Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mané, Fabinho, Luis Díaz, and potentially ahead of Raheem Sterling and Fernando Torres once add-ons are achieved.
Saudi Pro League Ambitions
Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia’s most successful club, had been searching for a marquee signing to replace Brazil legend Neymar, who departed in January 2025. The club already boasted stars like Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinković-Savić, João Cancelo, and Aleksandar Mitrović, and is coached by two-time Champions League finalist Simone Inzaghi.
Núñez joined a growing list of high-profile players who moved to Saudi Arabia following Cristiano Ronaldo’s groundbreaking transfer to Al-Nassr in 2022. Other notable names who made the switch include Karim Benzema, Sadio Mané, and Riyad Mahrez.
Early Performance and Uncertain Future
Through his first 11 appearances for Al-Hilal, Núñez scored five goals and provided two assists, showing promising signs in his new environment. However, recent reports from Argentina suggest the striker may already be seeking a move away from Saudi Arabia after just four months.
In December 2025, Argentine newspaper Ole reported that Núñez “intends to leave Al-Hilal” and has been offered to River Plate. The 26-year-old shared a cryptic post on social media with the word “resiliencia” (resilience), familiar to Liverpool supporters from his struggles at Anfield.
While the situation remains developing, any early departure would affect additional payments to Liverpool, as the transfer included various performance-related bonuses tied to appearances and achievements.
Personal Life
Núñez is in a relationship with Lorena Mañas, who is 31 years old. The couple announced the birth of their first child, a son, in January 2022. Family remains central to Núñez’s life, and he frequently speaks about how his parents’ sacrifices motivate him.
In addition to his native Spanish, Núñez also speaks Portuguese fluently, having spent two successful seasons in Portugal with Benfica. This linguistic ability helped him adapt quickly to new environments and communicate effectively with international teammates.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Career Achievements
Despite being only 26 years old, Darwin Núñez has already accumulated impressive achievements:
Club Honours:
- Premier League (2024-25) with Liverpool
- EFL Cup (2023-24) with Liverpool
- FA Community Shield (2022) with Liverpool
- Uruguayan Primera División (2017, 2018) with Peñarol
Individual Honours:
- Bola de Prata (Primeira Liga top scorer, 2021-22)
- Primeira Liga Player of the Year (2021-22)
- Primeira Liga Team of the Year (2021-22)
Career Statistics:
- Liverpool: 40 goals, 26 assists in 143 appearances
- Benfica: 48 goals, 16 assists in 85 appearances
- Uruguay: 13 goals, 3 assists in 35 appearances
What Defines His Career
Darwin Núñez’s career is defined by resilience, explosive talent, and a relentless determination forged in childhood poverty. From going to bed hungry in Artigas to lifting the Premier League trophy at Anfield, his journey represents triumph over adversity.
His playing style divides opinion. Supporters appreciate his work rate, pace, and ability to produce spectacular moments. Critics point to inconsistent finishing and technical limitations. Both perspectives contain truth. Núñez embodies the modern striker paradox: capable of brilliance and frustration in equal measure.
What’s undeniable is his impact on games. Whether through goals, assists, pressing, or simply creating chaos that opens spaces for teammates, Núñez influences matches. Under the right tactical system with managers like Marcelo Bielsa, who position him to maximise his strengths while minimising weaknesses, Núñez can be devastating.
Future Potential
At 26, Núñez enters his prime years as a footballer. His move to Saudi Arabia raises questions about his ambitions at the highest level of European competition. If reports of his desire to leave Al-Hilal prove accurate, a return to elite European football could reignite his career trajectory.
The key to unlocking his full potential lies in finding a tactical environment that emphasises his strengths: space to exploit, direct vertical passing, and freedom to make aggressive runs in behind defensive lines. Teams willing to build around his unique skill set rather than forcing him to adapt to possession-based systems that don’t suit his game will benefit most from his abilities.
FAQs
How old is Darwin Núñez?
Darwin Núñez is 26 years old, born on June 24, 1999, in Artigas, Uruguay.
What position does Darwin Núñez play?
Núñez plays primarily as a centre-forward (striker), though he’s also capable of playing as a left winger or anywhere across the front line.
How fast is Darwin Núñez?
Núñez has reached top speeds of approximately 36.5 km/h, making him one of the fastest players in professional football.
Why is Darwin Núñez called the “Agent of Chaos”?
The nickname reflects his unpredictable playing style, where he can miss simple chances yet score spectacular goals, creating havoc for defenders through relentless movement and explosive pace.
How much did Liverpool pay for Darwin Núñez?
Liverpool signed Núñez from Benfica in June 2022 for an initial £64 million, with add-ons potentially taking the total to £85 million, making him Liverpool’s record signing at the time.
Why did Darwin Núñez leave Liverpool?
After three seasons at Liverpool, Núñez moved to Al-Hilal in August 2025 as the club pursued other attacking targets and he sought a fresh challenge, with the transfer valued at up to €65 million.
Conclusion
Darwin Núñez’s story transcends football statistics and transfer fees. His journey from extreme poverty in northern Uruguay to Premier League champion embodies the transformative power of talent, determination, and unwavering family support. His older brother’s sacrifice, his mother’s struggles, and his own resilience through career-threatening injuries created the foundation for his success.
On the pitch, Núñez represents a unique striker profile in modern football. His explosive pace, powerful shooting, and relentless movement make him a nightmare for defenders when deployed correctly. While technical inconsistency has frustrated fans and critics, his capacity to influence matches through goals, assists, and pure chaos remains undeniable.
Whether his future lies in Saudi Arabia or a return to European football’s elite stages, Darwin Núñez has already established himself as one of Uruguay’s most talented forwards of his generation. His international record under Marcelo Bielsa, including that historic seven-game scoring streak and performances against Brazil and Argentina, demonstrates the heights he can reach when confidence and tactics align.
For football fans worldwide, Núñez offers something increasingly rare: unpredictability. In an era where data analysis and tactical systems dominate, the “Agent of Chaos” reminds us that individual brilliance, explosive athleticism, and raw instinct still have their place in the beautiful game.
His career continues to unfold, and whether he adds more trophies, breaks more records, or simply produces more moments of spectacular chaos, Darwin Núñez will remain one of football’s most fascinating characters—a striker whose journey from poverty to Premier League glory inspires millions.
Subscribe to KeyJournal for detailed football insights, performance analysis, and player coverage, including ongoing updates on Darwin Nunez and elite Premier League talent.
