Darwin Nuñez is a world-class Uruguayan striker currently playing for Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal and the Uruguay national team. Born in Artigas, Uruguay, in 1999, Nuñez rose from an impoverished background to become one of the most expensive players in football history when he joined Liverpool in 2022 for a fee rising to £85 million. Following a successful tenure at Anfield, where he won the Premier League and EFL Cup, he completed a high-profile €53 million (£46 million) transfer to Al-Hilal in August 2025. As of early 2026, Nuñez remains a polarizing yet prolific figure in global football, known for his “chaos factor,” explosive pace, and relentless work rate. While his recent season in Riyadh has seen tactical shifts and a mid-season exclusion from the league squad due to foreign player quotas, his status as the successor to Luis Suarez for Uruguay remains undisputed.
Early Life: The Artigas Origins
Darwin Gabriel Nuñez Ribeiro was born on June 24, 1999, in Artigas, a city on the border of Uruguay and Brazil known for its extreme poverty. His father, Bibiano, worked in construction, while his mother, Silvia, hawked milk bottles on the street to keep the family afloat.
The Nuñez household frequently faced food insecurity, with Darwin often going to bed on an empty stomach so his brother, Junior, could eat. These humble beginnings instilled a fierce survival instinct in Darwin, which manifests today in his aggressive, high-energy playing style. At age 14, he was scouted by former Uruguayan international José Perdomo and moved to Montevideo to join Peñarol.
Professional Breakthrough at Peñarol
Darwin’s time at Peñarol was nearly cut short by a devastating ACL injury at age 16 that required two surgeries. During this dark period, his brother Junior gave up his own promising football career to work and support the family, a sacrifice Darwin credits for his eventual success.
He finally made his senior debut in November 2017, coming on for former Liverpool star Maxi Rodriguez. Despite limited game time due to fitness concerns, his raw physical attributes caught the eye of European scouts, leading to a move to Spanish side Almería in 2019 for roughly $6 million.
The European Ascent: Almería and Benfica
At Almería, Nuñez quickly adapted to the Spanish Segunda División, scoring 16 league goals in his debut season. This performance prompted Benfica to shatter their transfer record, paying €24 million for his signature in September 2020.
His second season in Lisbon (2021/22) was his true “breakout” year. He finished as the Primeira Liga’s top scorer with 26 goals in 28 games and made a name for himself in the Champions League by scoring against giants like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool. It was these performances that convinced Jurgen Klopp to bring him to the Premier League.
The Liverpool Era: 2022–2025
Nuñez’s arrival at Anfield was met with massive expectations and immediate scrutiny. He scored on his debut in the Community Shield against Manchester City and on the opening day of the Premier League against Fulham, signaling a bright start.
However, his tenure was defined by a “chaos” style—high shot volume, incredible physical dominance, but a tendency to miss high-quality chances. Despite the criticism, he was a statistical powerhouse, finishing his Liverpool career with 40 goals and 26 assists in 143 appearances. In his final season (2024/25), he helped Liverpool secure the Premier League title, cementing his legacy before his departure.
Playing Style: The “Chaos” Factor
Nuñez is often described as a “defensive coordinator’s nightmare” because of his unpredictable movement. He is most effective when playing as a left-sided forward who can cut inside or as a traditional “number 9” who pins defenders with his 1.87m frame.
Key Strengths
Explosive Speed: One of the fastest players in the world, once clocked at 38 km/h.
Aerial Dominance: His height and vertical leap make him a constant threat on crosses and set pieces.
Volume Shooting: He consistently ranks in the 99th percentile for shots taken per 90 minutes.
Technical Weaknesses
Offside Awareness: He frequently mistimes his runs, leading to a high number of offside calls.
Finishing Consistency: While he scores spectacular goals, his “big chances missed” metric remains one of the highest in professional football.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans following Darwin Nuñez in 2026, here are the essential details regarding his current contract and viewing his matches.
Current Club: Al-Hilal SFC (Saudi Arabia).
Contract Expiry: June 30, 2028.
Market Value: Approximately €35 million – €40 million.
How to Watch: Saudi Pro League matches are broadcast on DAZN and FOX Sports in various regions; AFC Champions League matches are available on Paramount+.
Next Major Tournament: Nuñez is expected to lead the line for Uruguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FAQs
Why did Darwin Nuñez leave Liverpool?
Nuñez left Liverpool in August 2025 following a €53 million offer from Al-Hilal; while he was successful under Klopp, his role was expected to change under new manager Arne Slot, making the move financially and professionally viable.
How many goals has Darwin Nuñez scored for Uruguay?
As of early 2026, he has scored 15 goals in 32 appearances for the senior national team, including vital goals in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Who is Darwin Nuñez’s partner?
He is in a long-term relationship with Lorena Mañas, and the couple has a son named Darwin, born in January 2022.
Is Darwin Nuñez playing in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, he is the starting striker for Uruguay and is considered their most important offensive player heading into the tournament hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
What is his weekly wage at Al-Hilal?
Nuñez reportedly earns between £300,000 and £350,000 per week, a significant increase from his previous salary at Liverpool.
Why was he dropped from the Al-Hilal squad in February 2026?
He was omitted from the domestic squad due to Saudi Pro League foreign player limits after the club signed additional international stars; he remains eligible for the AFC Champions League.
What is his top speed?
Darwin Nuñez has been recorded at a top speed of 38.0 km/h (23.6 mph), making him one of the top five fastest players in the Premier League during his time there.
Which agent represents Darwin Nuñez?
He is represented by Jorge Mendes and the GestiFute agency, which handles many of the world’s most high-profile football transfers.
Has Darwin Nuñez won any individual awards?
His most notable individual honor is the Primeira Liga Player of the Year award for the 2021/22 season, where he also won the Golden Boot (Bola de Prata).
Does he speak English?
During his time at Liverpool, he struggled with English, which manager Jurgen Klopp noted as a barrier to tactical communication; he primarily speaks Spanish and Portuguese.
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