Darwin Nunez is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal and the Uruguay national team as of January 2026. Following a highly scrutinized three-year tenure at Liverpool where he won the Premier League and EFL Cup, Nunez completed a high-profile permanent transfer to Al-Hilal on August 9, 2025, for a reported fee of €53 million (£46 million). In the current 2025/26 season, the 26-year-old forward has already recorded 7 goals and 4 assists across 17 appearances for the Saudi giants. Despite his productive start in Riyadh, recent reports in early 2026 suggest Nunez is “resolutely intent” on returning to European football ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Turkish club Fenerbahçe linked to a potential swap deal. This guide explores his journey from Uruguay to Anfield, his current standing in the Middle East, and his tactical evolution as one of football’s most debated “chaos” strikers.
Current Status: Al-Hilal and Saudi Pro League (2025–2026)
Darwin Nunez joined Al-Hilal SFC in August 2025, signing a contract that runs until June 30, 2028. He was brought in to bolster an attack that includes stars like Malcom and Marcos Leonardo, filling the void left by departures in the summer window. Since his arrival, he has transitioned into a more balanced “Mobile Striker” role, contributing significantly to Al-Hilal’s dominant run at the top of the Saudi Pro League.
While his statistical output remains high, the narrative surrounding Nunez in January 2026 is dominated by rumors of a return to Europe. Reports from media outlets like DaveOCKOP and A Bola indicate that Nunez is seeking a more competitive environment to ensure his starting spot for Uruguay in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. A proposed swap deal involving Fenerbahçe’s Youssef En-Nesyri has been widely discussed during the January 2026 transfer window.
The Liverpool Legacy: 2022–2025
Nunez’s time at Liverpool was defined by immense physical potential and high-octane “chaos.” Signed from Benfica for an initial £64 million (rising to £85 million), he became a cult figure at Anfield. His final season (2024/25) culminated in Liverpool winning the Premier League title, though Nunez’s individual goal-scoring numbers dipped to 5 league goals, leading to his eventual sale to Al-Hilal under new manager Arne Slot.
Major Honours at Liverpool:
- Premier League: 2024–25
- EFL Cup: 2023–24
- FA Community Shield: 2022
- Total Appearances: 143
- Total Goals: 40
Playing Style: The “Chaos” Factor
Tactically, Darwin Nunez is characterized as a “Mobile Striker” who excels at stretching defensive lines with explosive pace and direct running. His ability to find space in the box is elite, often ranking in the top percentiles for “Touches in the Opposition Box” and “Expected Goals (xG).” However, his career has been marked by a significant variance between his xG and actual goals scored, a trait that followed him from the Premier League to the Saudi Pro League.
Technical Strengths:
- Aerial Dominance: At 1.87m (6’2″), he is a constant threat from crosses and set-pieces.
- Work Rate: Known for “never stopping,” his defensive contributions (tackles and interceptions) are exceptionally high for a centre-forward.
- Directness: Unlike traditional target men, Nunez prefers to run at defenders or exploit the channels behind full-backs.
Early Career: Peñarol, Almería, and Benfica
Nunez’s rise began in Artigas, Uruguay, where he was scouted by Peñarol at age 14. After overcoming significant knee injuries early in his career, he moved to Spanish side UD Almería in 2019. His breakthrough in Europe came at Benfica (2020–2022), where he won the Bola de Prata (Top Scorer) in the 2021/22 season with 26 goals in 28 games, prompting Liverpool’s record-breaking bid.
Practical Information: 2026 Stats and Values
2025/26 Season Data (to Jan 19, 2026)
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| Saudi Pro League | 11 | 6 | 3 |
| King’s Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| AFC Champions League | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 17 | 7 | 4 |
Market Value and Contract
- Estimated Transfer Value (ETV): €34.5M – €37.9M
- Current Wages: Reported at approximately £300,000+ per week in Saudi Arabia.
- Contract Expiry: June 30, 2028.
- Release Clause: Not publicly disclosed, though Al-Hilal is reportedly open to negotiations around the €50M mark.
Psychological Resilience and the “Liverpool Lens”
Nunez’s tenure at Liverpool (2022–2025) was a masterclass in handling high-pressure scrutiny. Despite enduring relentless social media criticism and a “finishing” narrative that overshadowed his work rate, Nunez displayed remarkable mental resilience. Former Benfica psychologist Evandro Mota described him as an “open-minded” athlete who actively sought mental conditioning to handle the “noise” of the Premier League.
In 2026, this resilience is visible in his Saudi Pro League performances. Free from the constant comparisons to Erling Haaland that defined his time in England, Nunez has adopted a “team-first” mentality at Al-Hilal. He remains one of the most humble stars in the league, often seen tracking back into his own half—a trait that endeared him to the Anfield faithful and continues to define his professional character.
The Bielsa Effect: Shaping the 2026 World Cup
For the Uruguay national team, Marcelo Bielsa has acted as a “finishing school” for Nunez. Bielsa’s system, which demands a “non-stop” press, perfectly aligns with Nunez’s natural physical attributes. Bielsa has famously spent hours of video analysis with Nunez, focusing specifically on “stretching the space” and perfecting the timing of his runs behind central defenders.
Impact on Uruguay (2025–2026):
- Goal Productivity: Nunez has netted 10 goals in his last 19 internationals, cementing his place as the successor to Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.
- Technical Refinement: Under Bielsa, Nunez has improved his “link-up” play, moving from a pure poacher to a facilitator who creates space for Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur.
- Defensive Triggers: He leads Uruguay’s front line in “successful pressures,” a metric that Bielsa considers non-negotiable for his starting striker.
Statistical Breakdown: Nunez vs. Haaland (2026)
While the “Nunez vs. Haaland” debate was a staple of the 2022/23 season, the 2026 data shows two players who have diverged into different specialist roles. While Haaland remains the world’s premier “Penalty Box Assassin,” Nunez has evolved into a “High-Volume Creator” from the striker position.
2025/26 Comparative Metrics (Per 90 mins):
| Metric | Darwin Nunez (Al-Hilal) | Erling Haaland (Man City) |
| Non-Penalty xG | 0.82 | 0.94 |
| Touches in Box | 8.4 | 6.2 |
| Progressive Carries | 3.1 | 1.4 |
| Defensive Actions | 2.8 | 0.7 |
| Successful Dribbles | 1.2 | 0.5 |
The data confirms that Nunez is significantly more involved in the build-up and defensive phases of the game than Haaland. While Haaland’s conversion rate remains superior, Nunez’s “chaos” manifests in his ability to disrupt defensive structures, creating high-value chances for teammates even when he isn’t the one scoring.
The “Chaos” Striker: Tactical Profile 2026
In 2026, analysts coined the term “Shotgun Striker” to describe Nunez’s positional intelligence. His movement is described as “menacingly incalculable”; he doesn’t just stay central but optimizes different channels to play off the defender he deems the weakest link. This strategic versatility allows his managers to use him as a traditional number 9 or a “wide-drifting” forward who creates overloads on the wings.
His 2026 shot map at Al-Hilal shows a high concentration of shots from the left-hand side of the box, cutting in on his right foot. However, he has also seen a rise in “headed goals,” utilizing his 1.87m frame more effectively than during his early years at Benfica or Almería.
Future Projections: Beyond the Saudi Pro League
With Nunez reportedly seeking a return to Europe in mid-2026, the footballing world is watching closely. His “market value” in early 2026 sits around €35 million to €40 million, reflecting his age (26) and his proven ability to perform in different tactical environments.
Potential Destinations (Summer 2026):
- Fenerbahçe: Linked with a swap deal involving Jose Mourinho’s side.
- Serie A (Napoli/Milan): His physical profile is seen as a perfect fit for the Italian league’s transition-heavy style.
- Return to Portugal: A return to Benfica remains a romantic possibility, though his current wages make this a financial challenge for “As Águias.”
FAQs
How has Darwin Nunez’s market value changed?
His value peaked at €70 million in 2022 but stabilized around €36 million in 2026 following his move to Al-Hilal.
Is Darwin Nunez married?
He is in a long-term relationship with Lorena Mañas, and they have a son, also named Darwin, born in 2022.
What is his weekly wage at Al-Hilal?
Reports suggest he earns between £300,000 and £400,000 per week, roughly triple his Liverpool salary.
How many trophies did he win at Peñarol?
He won the Uruguayan Primera División twice, in 2017 and 2018.
What is his ‘shooting accuracy’ in 2026?
His current shot accuracy at Al-Hilal is 62%, with 18 of his 29 shots hitting the target.
Does he still struggle with ‘Big Chances Missed’?
Yes, he has missed 9 big chances in 11 league games this season, showing that the “chaos” factor is still part of his DNA.
Who is Nunez’s agent?
He is represented by Jorge Mendes’ GestiFute agency, which facilitated his moves to Benfica, Liverpool, and Al-Hilal.
Has he ever won a Golden Boot?
Yes, he won the Bola de Prata (Top Scorer) in the Portuguese Primeira Liga for the 2021/22 season.
What is his relationship with Mohamed Salah?
The two remain close friends; Nunez has frequently cited Salah as a mentor who helped him adapt to the Premier League.
Will he start for Uruguay in the 2026 World Cup?
Barring injury, Nunez is the undisputed starting striker for Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay.
Where is Darwin Nunez playing in 2026?
He is currently playing for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, though he is linked with a move back to Europe in the January window.
Is Darwin Nunez returning to Liverpool?
There are no current reports suggesting a return to Liverpool; however, a move to Fenerbahçe or a return to Portugal has been rumored.
Why did Darwin Nunez leave Liverpool?
Following Liverpool’s Premier League win in 2025, manager Arne Slot reportedly sought a different profile of striker (signing Alexander Isak), leading to Nunez’s sale for €53 million.
How many goals has Nunez scored for Al-Hilal?
As of mid-January 2026, he has scored 7 goals across all competitions for the Saudi club.
What is Nunez’s jersey number at Al-Hilal?
He currently wears the number 7 shirt.
Who is the coach of Al-Hilal in 2026?
The team is currently led by Simone Inzaghi, who joined the club in late 2025.
Will Darwin Nunez play in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, he is a vital part of Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay squad and is expected to lead the line in the North American tournament.
What is Darwin Nunez’s top speed?
He has been clocked at over 36.5 km/h, making him one of the fastest strikers in world football.
How much did Al-Hilal pay for Darwin Nunez?
The transfer fee paid to Liverpool was €53 million (£46 million) plus potential add-ons.
What is Darwin Nunez’s height?
He stands at 1.87 meters (approximately 6 feet 2 inches).
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