Born in 1998, Uruguayan footballer Federico Valverde has become a world-class midfielder.
He’s known for his blazing speed, tireless energy, and powerful shots.
Playing for the prestigious Real Madrid club and Uruguay’s national team, Valverde is a versatile player who can dominate the center of the field, play defense, attack from the right wing, and even fill in as a right defender if needed.
Federico Valverde’s Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Hailing from Montevideo’s Unión neighborhood, Federico Valverde grew up playing for his local club, Estudiantes.
With football in his blood (his parents are Julio Valverde and Doris Dipetta), and a supportive older brother (Diego) and two step-brothers (Pablo and Matías Castro) by his side, his talent was undeniable.
His heritage is a mix of Spanish and Italian, and he even became a Spanish citizen in 2020.
Néstor Gonçalves, a scout with a keen eye, spotted Valverde’s potential and brought him to the prestigious Peñarol club, where his professional journey began.
Club Career
Peñarol
Valverde’s talent flourished at Peñarol, where he quickly progressed through the youth ranks, leaving a strong impression.
He made his first appearance for the club in a friendly against Cruzeiro just one day after turning 17. His official senior debut followed shortly after in a match against Cerro at the start of the 2015-16 season.
During this time, he had the unique opportunity to learn from his childhood idol, Diego Forlán, who was also his teammate at Peñarol.
Valverde’s outstanding performances not only earned him a place in Uruguay’s national youth teams but also drew interest from top European clubs such as Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.
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Real Madrid
Valverde’s talents didn’t go unnoticed. In July 2016, Real Madrid came calling, initially placing him in their reserve team, Castilla.
He quickly proved himself there, scoring his first goal just a few months later. His coach, Santiago Solari, was impressed by his constant energy and midfield dominance.
Looking to gain more experience, Valverde spent a year on loan at Deportivo La Coruña in 2017. While the team was ultimately relegated, Valverde gained valuable playing time.
Returning to Real Madrid in 2018, he impressed the new manager and secured a permanent spot on the first team.
He made his official debut in the Champions League at the young age of 20 and even lifted the FIFA Club World Cup in his first season with the senior squad.
The 2019-20 season saw Valverde truly break through as a key player. With a change in management, he earned a starting position and scored his first goal for Real Madrid in November 2019.
Valverde’s dedication even went viral in January 2020. During a crucial match, he made a strategic foul to stop a potential goal, earning a red card but ultimately helping his team win the game and even being named Man of the Match. That season, he contributed significantly to Real Madrid’s La Liga victory.
Valverde continued to shine in the 2020-21 season, scoring his first goal of the season in the opening game and etching his name in history by scoring against Barcelona at the Camp Nou – only the second Uruguayan player to do so in El Clásico.
He continued his impressive goal-scoring streak that season, surpassing his previous season’s total. His dedication was rewarded with a contract extension until 2027 in August 2021.
Valverde’s trophy cabinet continued to grow in 2022. He scored a crucial goal in the Supercopa de España and provided the assist for the winning goal in the Champions League final, securing Real Madrid’s record 14th title.
The 2022-23 season wasn’t without its challenges. An off-field incident led to accusations, but the case was ultimately dismissed in July 2023. Despite this, Valverde’s commitment to Real Madrid was solidified with another contract extension, this time until 2029, in November 2023.
International Career
Valverde’s talent wasn’t limited to club teams. He shone on the international stage as well.
In 2017, he helped Uruguay finish fourth at the U-20 World Cup, even receiving the Silver Ball award for his outstanding performance.
However, a celebratory gesture after scoring a goal caused a stir, with FIFA requesting clarification from Uruguay.
Later in 2017, he earned his first call-up and debut for the senior Uruguayan national team, even scoring a goal in his first appearance.
He narrowly missed inclusion in the final squad for the 2018 World Cup but secured a spot for the 2019 Copa América, although Uruguay fell short in the quarterfinals.
Valverde continued to be a key player for Uruguay, participating in the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
While Uruguay’s results haven’t always mirrored his individual talent, Valverde’s dedication to his national team is undeniable.
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Personal Life and Nickname Transformation
Valverde is in a relationship with Argentinian journalist and presenter Mina Bonino. They have two sons, Benicio, born in 2020, and Bautista, born in 2023.
Valverde previously went by the nickname Pajarito (baby bird), but now prefers to be called Halcón (falcon), symbolizing his evolution as a professional footballer.
In an interview, Valverde mentioned that everyone embraced the Halcón nickname, and while some were upset about the change from Pajarito, he feels that Halcón suits him better now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Federico Valverde
1. What is Federico Valverde’s age?
Federico Valverde was born in 1998, making him 26 years old as of 2024.
2. Is Federico Valverde in a relationship?
Yes, Federico Valverde is in a relationship with Argentinian journalist and presenter Mina Bonino.
3. How many children does Federico Valverde have?
Federico Valverde has two sons, Benicio and Bautista.
4. What is Federico Valverde’s ethnicity?
Federico Valverde’s heritage is a mix of Spanish and Italian.