Full Name: Federico Santiago Valverde Dipetta
Date of Birth: 22 July 1998
Place of Birth: Montevideo, Uruguay
Height: 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s): Midfielder
Current Club: Real Madrid
Jersey Number: 8
When watching Real Madrid, you often see a 6 ft midfielder in Federico Valverde with a commanding presence. The Uruguayan runs like he has four lungs, tackles relentlessly and seems to cover every inch of the pitch. When it seems like the Spanish giants are about to lose their grip on a match, this player often finds a way to turn the tide.
These traits, and more not yet mentioned, are the result of a player, who has shown incredible growth pushing himself through adversity and rising through the ranks. However, it wasn’t just Valverde's footballing ability that shaped his career—it was also his mentality and the guidance of mentors that helped him unlock his potential.
Here Are 10 Facts About Valverde From Childhood
1. He Has a Mixed Heritage via Parents Julio Valverde and Doris Dipetta
Valverde was born on July 22, 1998, in Unión in Montevideo, Uruguay. He is of Spanish and Italian descent, which adds an interesting layer to his identity.
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His parents, Julio Valverde and Doris Dipetta didn't just provide him with the support he needed as a child, they also passed on cultural legacies that have shaped his footballing journey. The dual heritage connected him to both Europe and South America, giving him a unique edge as he progressed in his career.
2. His Career Started at Estudiantes de la Unión Before joining Peñarol
Valverde’s voyage into football began in his hometown with Estudiantes de la Unión, a modest local club in Unión. However, his undeniable talent quickly caught the attention of other clubs.
Just before he was age four, he moved to the youth ranks of Peñarol, one of Uruguay’s most storied football institutions. It was at Peñarol that Valverde’s talent truly began to shine. He quickly rose through the ranks, showing off his versatility and football intelligence, which would later be pivotal in his move to Europe.
3. He Was Mentored by Diego Forlán During His Early Career
When Valverde joined Peñarol’s first team, he had the privilege of being mentored by Diego Forlán, one of Uruguay’s greatest football icons. Forlán, who had already carved out an illustrious career in Europe, took the young midfielder under his wing.
Valverde has often spoken about how Forlán’s guidance helped him as a player and a person, especially during the early years of his career. Forlán’s presence provided Valverde with a sense of professionalism and discipline, crucial for his success.
4. His Success at Peñarol Prepared Him for Real Madrid
Valverde’s rise through Peñarol was swift and impressive. His performances for the club did not go unnoticed, and soon, European giants were taking a keen interest in him. Real Madrid, with an eye for young talent, quickly identified the potential in the Uruguayan.
By 2016, Valverde was transferred to Real Madrid, initially joining their reserve team, Castilla. His time at Peñarol didn't just prepare him for the intensity of European football, it also instilled the winning mentality that he would later carry into football's elite competitions.
5. His Loan Move to Deportivo La Coruña Helped Him Adapt to La Liga
In June 2017, Valverde decided to leave Real Madrid temporarily for a loan spell at Deportivo La Coruña in La Liga. This move was vital for his development as it gave him valuable first-team experience in Spain’s top division.
Over the course of the season, he made 24 appearances, contributing to the team despite their eventual relegation. This period was crucial in helping Valverde adjust to La Liga, preparing him for his return to Madrid, where he would go on to become a key player.
6. He Scored His First Real Madrid Goal Against Eibar
Valverde’s first goal for Real Madrid came in November 2019 during a 4–0 win against Eibar in La Liga. It was a momentous occasion for the young midfielder, who had worked tirelessly to earn his place in the first team. The goal was a proof of his growing confidence and presence in Madrid’s midfield and it marked the beginning of his rise to prominence in one of Europe’s top teams.
7. He Assisted the Winning Goal in the 2022 UEFA Champions League Final
On May 28, 2022, during the UEFA Champions League Final against Liverpool, Valverde made a crucial contribution to Real Madrid’s historic 14th European title. His precise assist to Vinícius Júnior, who scored the match-winner, was a defining moment in the game.
Valverde’s role in that final was not just as a player, but as a creator—showing his maturity and ability to perform on the biggest stage. His contribution helped Los Blancos clinch their 14th Champions League title as he cemented his place in the club’s rich European history.
8. He Scored the 2023-24 Champions League Goal of the Season
Valverde’s performances in the 2023–24 Champions League season took another step up with a remarkable goal in the quarter-finals against Manchester City. On April 9, 2024, Valverde scored a stunning first-time volley that was ultimately voted Goal of the Season.
The strike was a perfect mix of technique and timing, and it became a defining moment in both the match and his career. Valverde’s growth as a player had been undeniable, and this goal was a perfect illustration of that.
9. He Won the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup Silver Ball
In 2017, A young Valverde played a key role in Uruguay’s run to the semifinals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, held in South Korea. The midfielder’s standout displays throughout the tournament earned him the Silver Ball award, given to the second-best player of the competition. Despite Uruguay finishing in fourth place, the award solidified his potential on the international stage.
10. He Has A Family with Mina Bonino
Off the pitch, Valverde has found happiness with Mina Bonino, an Argentinian journalist and TV presenter. The couple, who have been together for several years, have two children. Despite his hectic football schedule, he values his family above all else, and they are a constant source of support as he navigates the pressures of his career at the highest level.
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