History of Darwin Núñez in Timeline

Darwin Núñez is a Uruguayan professional footballer currently playing as a striker for Liverpool in the Premier League and for the Uruguay national team. Known for his speed, strength, and finishing ability, Núñez made a name for himself at Benfica before transferring to Liverpool in 2022. He is a key player for both club and country, with a reputation for scoring important goals.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1998: Nuno Gomes' Record

In the 2021-2022 Champions league season, Darwin Núñez surpassed Nuno Gomes' record of five goals set in the 1998–99 season, becoming Benfica's all-time top scorer in modern Champions League history.

June 1999: Darwin Núñez's Birth

In June 1999, Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro was born. He is a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Liverpool and the Uruguay national team.

June 1999: Darwin Núñez Born in Artigas

On 24 June 1999, Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro was born in Artigas, Artigas Department, Uruguay, into an impoverished family where his father worked as a builder and his mother as a milk bottle hawker.

2006: Latest Winning Premier League Goal

On 2 March 2024, Darwin Núñez scored in the 99th minute, marking Liverpool's latest winning Premier League goal since records began in 2006–07.

November 2017: First-Team Debut

On 22 November 2017, Darwin Núñez made his first-team debut in the Primera División for Peñarol, coming on as a substitute in a 2–1 loss against River Plate Montevideo.

2017: Promoted to Peñarol's First Team

In 2017, Darwin Núñez came through Peñarol's youth academy and was promoted to the first team.

October 2018: First Professional Goal

On 13 October 2018, Darwin Núñez scored his first professional goal, which was the opener in a 2–0 home win over Fénix.

July 2019: Scored Hat-Trick Against Boston River

On 14 July 2019, Darwin Núñez scored a hat-trick in a 4–0 victory against Boston River.

August 2019: Joined Almería

In August 2019, Darwin Núñez joined Spanish Segunda División club Almería for a club record fee.

September 2019: Called up to Uruguay senior team

In September 2019, Darwin Núñez received his first call-up to the Uruguay senior team for friendly matches against Costa Rica and the United States.

October 2019: Scored First Goal for Almería

On 27 October 2019, Darwin Núñez scored his first goal for Almería in a 3–2 home win against Extremadura.

2019: FIFA U-20 World Cup Participation

In 2019, Darwin Núñez participated in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, scoring in the opening match against Norway and in the final group match against New Zealand.

2019: Called Up to National Team

In 2019, Darwin Núñez was called up to the Uruguay senior national team for the first time and scored on his international debut against Peru.

2019: Third Place Finish

In 2019, Núñez was part of the Uruguay under-20 team that finished third in the South American U-20 Championship.

2019: 2019 Pan American Games

In 2019, Núñez was part of the under-22 team that finished in fourth place at the Pan American Games in Peru, scoring in the opening win against the hosts.

September 2020: Signed with Benfica

On 4 September 2020, Darwin Núñez signed a five-year contract with Portuguese club Benfica for a club record fee of €24 million.

2020: Debut and First Goals for Benfica

In 2020, Darwin Núñez debuted for Benfica and scored his first goals for the club, including a hat-trick against Lech Poznań in a UEFA Europa League match and his first Primeira Liga goal against B SAD. He also had a COVID-19 infection that affected his performance.

2020: Signed by Benfica

In 2020, Darwin Núñez was signed by Benfica for a club-record transfer worth €24 million, making him the most expensive signing in Portuguese football history.

May 2021: Underwent Knee Surgery

In May 2021, Darwin Núñez underwent surgery on his right knee, causing him to miss the beginning of Benfica's new season.

June 2021: Included in Uruguay's Copa América squad, but misses tournament due to injury

In June 2021, Darwin Núñez was selected for Uruguay's 2021 Copa América squad in Brazil. However, he had to miss the tournament due to a right knee injury that would sideline him for two months.

2021: Missed Copa América Due to Injury

In 2021, Darwin Núñez missed the Copa América due to an injury.

2021: 20th League Goal for Benfica

On 27 February 2021, Núñez scored his 20th league goal for Benfica in as many matches, during a 3–0 home victory against Vitória de Guimarães.

January 2022: Birth of first child

In January 2022, Darwin Núñez and his partner Lorena Mañas welcomed their first child, a son.

June 2022: Agreed Transfer to Liverpool

On 13 June 2022, Benfica reached an agreement with Premier League club Liverpool for the transfer of Darwin Núñez.

2022: Represented Uruguay at FIFA World Cup

In 2022, Darwin Núñez represented Uruguay at the FIFA World Cup.

2022: Signed by Liverpool

In 2022, Darwin Núñez signed with Liverpool for a transfer worth €75 million (£64 million).

2022: Selected for Uruguay's 2022 FIFA World Cup squad

In 2022, Darwin Núñez was chosen to represent Uruguay at the FIFA World Cup held in Qatar. The team's journey concluded in the group stages, where they were eliminated due to South Korea's superior goal scoring record.

2022: Taça da Liga Final Loss

In 2022, while Darwin Núñez was on international duty, Benfica was defeated by Sporting CP in the Taça da Liga final.

2022: Mixed First Season with Liverpool

Throughout the whole 2022–23 season, Núñez made 42 appearances and scored 15 goals in all competitions. His season was described as "mixed".

February 2023: Liverpool Player of the Month

In February 2023, Darwin Núñez was named Liverpool Player of the Month for his strong performances.

August 2023: Scored Twice Against Newcastle United

On 27 August 2023, Darwin Núñez scored two goals against Newcastle United, securing a 2–1 victory for Liverpool.

October 2023: Key goals in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in October 2023, Darwin Núñez had a significant impact, he scored a stoppage-time equaliser in a 2–2 draw against Colombia on 13 October 2023 and also scored and assisted in a 2–0 victory against Brazil on 18 October.

2023: First in Europe's Top Leagues to Reach Double Figures

On 28 January 2023, Núñez became the first player in Europe's top five leagues to reach double figures for both non-penalty goals and assists in all competitions.

January 2024: Top Assist-Maker for Liverpool

In January 2024, Darwin Núñez became Liverpool's top assist-maker in all competitions after providing two assists in an EFL Cup match against Fulham.

January 2024: 100th Career Goal and 10/10 Milestone

On 21 January 2024, Darwin Núñez scored his 100th senior career goal. His second goal of the match made him the first Premier League player of the season to reach at least 10 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.

June 2024: Called up for 2024 Copa América and scores first hat-trick

In June 2024, Darwin Núñez was selected to play for Uruguay in the 2024 Copa América in the United States. He also achieved his first international hat-trick in a 4–0 friendly victory against Mexico leading up to the tournament.

September 2024: First Goal of the Season

On 21 September 2024, Darwin Núñez scored his first goal of the season against Bournemouth, contributing to a 3–0 victory.

2024: Represented Uruguay at Copa América

In 2024, Darwin Núñez represented Uruguay at the Copa América.

January 2025: Brace in Stoppage Time

On 18 January 2025, Darwin Núñez scored a brace in stoppage time to win the game against Brentford.

2026: FIFA World Cup Qualifier Goals

During qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Darwin Núñez made significant contributions. In October 2023, he scored a stoppage-time equaliser against Colombia on 13 October and scored/assisted in a victory against Brazil on 18 October, followed by a goal against Argentina on 17 November and a brace against Bolivia on 22 November.