Early Life and Challenges
Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro, born on June 24, 1999, in Artigas, Uruguay, grew up in a modest household. His father, Bibiano, was a builder, while his mother, Silvia, sold milk bottles to support the family. Raised in poverty, football offered a hopeful escape. Starting his journey at local clubs La Luz and San Miguel, his talent quickly attracted scouts. At the age of 12, Núñez moved to Montevideo to join the prestigious Peñarol youth academy. The transition was tough, as he faced severe homesickness, but his determination remained strong.
During his time at Peñarol, Núñez suffered a major setback with a cruciate ligament injury that kept him sidelined for over a year. During his recovery, his older brother sacrificed his own football career to help support the family, which strengthened Darwin’s resolve to succeed in football.
Career Progression
Núñez made his professional debut for Peñarol in 2017 and scored his first goal in 2018. In 2019, he moved to Spain, signing with Almería for a club-record fee of $4.5 million. His performances in Spain were impressive, scoring 16 goals in the Segunda División, which led to a €24 million move to Benfica in 2020. At Benfica, Núñez immediately made an impact, notably scoring a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League.
His breakthrough season came in 2021–22 when he scored 26 goals, earning the Bola de Prata as the top scorer of the Primeira Liga. This impressive form led to a record €75 million transfer to Liverpool in 2022. Though his first season was marred by injury, he still contributed to Liverpool’s EFL Cup victory, becoming an integral part of their squad.
International Career and Achievements
Núñez started his international career with Uruguay’s youth teams, playing in the 2019 South American U-20 Championship and the FIFA U-20 World Cup. He made his senior debut in 2019 and represented Uruguay in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Despite Uruguay’s early exit, Núñez’s performances continued to impress. In 2024, he scored his first international hat-trick in a friendly against Mexico during the Copa América.
Personal Life
Núñez is in a relationship with Lorena Mañas, and they welcomed their first child in January 2022. Fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese, Núñez has become a prominent figure not just in Liverpool, but also on the international stage.
Net Worth
Núñez’s net worth is estimated at $40 million, reflecting his success across several top clubs, including his €75 million transfer to Liverpool. With his talent and determination, his financial and footballing achievements are expected to continue growing.
