History of Darwin Núñez in Timeline

Darwin Núñez is a Uruguayan professional footballer currently playing as a forward for Liverpool in the Premier League and for the Uruguay national team. Known for his speed, strength, and finishing ability, Núñez has quickly become a prominent figure in both club and international football. His transfer to Liverpool garnered significant attention, highlighting his potential and the high expectations placed upon him. Núñez's performances are closely watched as he continues to develop and make an impact on the world stage.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1998: Nuno Gomes' Champions League Record

In the 1998–99 season, Nuno Gomes set a record of five goals in the Champions League for Benfica, a record that Darwin Núñez would later surpass.

June 1999: Darwin Núñez Born

Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro was born on 24 June 1999 in Artigas, Uruguay, into an impoverished family. His father was a builder, and his mother was a milk bottle hawker.

2006: Liverpool's Latest Winning Premier League Goal Since Records Began

On 2 March 2024, Darwin Núñez scored in the 99th minute of a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest, marking Liverpool's latest winning Premier League goal since records began in 2006-07.

November 2017: First-Team Debut for Peñarol

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 was promoted from Peñarol's youth academy to the first team.

October 2018: First Professional Goal

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

July 2019: 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 was called up to the Uruguay senior team for friendlies against Costa Rica and the United States.

October 2019: Debut and First Goal for Almería

In October 2019, Darwin Núñez made his debut for Almería and scored his first goal for the club in a 3–2 home win against Extremadura.

2019: First Call-Up to Senior National Team

In 2019, Darwin Núñez received his first call-up to the senior Uruguay national team. He scored on his international debut against Peru.

September 2020: Signed by 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: Signed by Benfica

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

2020: Debut and First Goals for Benfica

In 2020, Darwin Núñez debuted for Benfica and scored his first goals for the club with a hat-trick against Lech Poznań in the UEFA Europa League. He also scored his first Primeira Liga goal against B SAD. Later in the year, he returned to action after recovering from COVID-19.

May 2021: 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: Inclusion in Uruguay squad for 2021 Copa América

In June 2021, Darwin Núñez was included in the final 26-man Uruguay squad for the 2021 Copa América in Brazil, but he missed the tournament due to a right knee injury.

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, Darwin Núñez scored his 20th league goal for Benfica in as many matches, in 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 announced the birth of their first child, a son.

June 2022: Agreement Reached with Liverpool for Transfer

On 13 June 2022, Benfica reached an agreement with Liverpool for the transfer of Darwin Núñez. The following day, the club confirmed the deal for £64 million, with potential add-ons.

2022: Represented Uruguay at the 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: Selection for 2022 FIFA World Cup

In 2022, Núñez was selected in Uruguay's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where the team was eliminated in the group stages.

2022: Taça da Liga Final Defeat

In 2022, while Darwin Núñez was on international duty for Uruguay, Benfica were defeated 2-1 by Sporting CP in the Taça da Liga final.

2022: First season with Liverpool

In 2022-2023 season, Darwin Núñez made 42 appearances and scored 15 goals in all competitions, nine of such goals coming in the Premier League.

February 2023: Liverpool Player of the Month (February)

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 twice against Newcastle United, securing a 2–1 victory for Liverpool.

October 2023: World Cup Qualifiers

In October 2023, Darwin Núñez was lauded for his form in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring a stoppage-time equaliser in a 2–2 draw against Colombia on October 13, scoring and assisting in a 2–0 victory against Brazil on October 18, scoring in a 2–0 victory against Argentina on November 17 and scoring a brace in a 3–0 victory against Bolivia on November 22.

2023: Equalled Previous Season Premier League Goal Tally

On 17 February 2023, Darwin Núñez scored his ninth Premier League goal of the season in a 4–1 victory against Brentford, which equalled his Premier League goal tally from the previous season.

January 2024: Top Assist-Maker for Liverpool

In January 2024, Darwin Núñez provided two assists in an EFL Cup semi-final against Fulham, becoming Liverpool's top assist-maker in all competitions with 10.

January 2024: 100th Senior Career Goal and Double Figures for Goals and Assists

On 21 January 2024, Darwin Núñez scored his 100th senior career goal and became the first Premier League player to reach at least 10 goals and 10 assists in all competitions. On 28 January, he also became the first player in Europe's top five leagues to reach double figures for both non-penalty goals and assists in all competitions.

June 2024: Call up to represent Uruguay at the 2024 Copa América

In June 2024, Darwin Núñez was called up to represent Uruguay at the 2024 Copa América in the United States and scored his first international hat-trick in a 4–0 friendly win against Mexico shortly before the tournament.