Federico Valverde has long been established as one of the cornerstones of Real Madrid's project, showcasing his versatility and quality in every match he plays. His journey from the Uruguayan club Peñarol to becoming a pivotal player in one of the world's most prestigious football clubs has been nothing short of remarkable.
Early Career and Transition to Madrid
Valverde's professional career kicked off with Peñarol in Uruguay, where he quickly made a name for himself as a promising young talent. His impressive performances at a young age caught the eye of Real Madrid, who signed him for €5.5 million after the 2015-2016 season. Initially, he was integrated into Real Madrid Castilla, the club's reserve team, before making his first-team debut in 2017. His loan spell at Deportivo La Coruña in the 2017-2018 season was crucial for his development, providing him with the experience needed to handle the pressures of top-tier football.
Rising Star at Real Madrid
Upon his return from loan, Valverde not only secured a spot in the first team but also became an indispensable part of the squad. His adaptability on the pitch, able to play as a central midfielder, defensive midfielder, or even a right-back or right-winger, has made him invaluable. His contributions have been significant, with his work ethic, stamina, and shooting from distance becoming trademarks of his play. Valverde has been part of the team that has clinched multiple titles including two La Liga championships, two Spanish Super Cups, one Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup, and one UEFA Super Cup.
Current Season Impact
In the 2024-2025 season, Valverde has continued his form, taking on a more central role in the midfield due to tactical adjustments following the arrival of Jude Bellingham. Here are some of his detailed statistics for the season:
Goals: 7 total goals, with 6 in club competitions (La Liga, UEFA Super Cup, Champions League, World Club Championship) and 1 for the national team in Copa America.
Fede Valverde has scored 5 goals from outside of the box this season. No one in the Europe's top 5 leagues has scored more than him.
Assists: 2 assists in La Liga.
Matches Played: Valverde has played in 14 La Liga matches, starting 26 times in first line-up roles.
Minutes Played: He has accumulated 2599 minutes on the pitch in La Liga.
Shots: He has taken a total of 29 shots, 14 of which were on target, giving him a shot accuracy of around 48.28%.
Passing:
Pass Completion: 91% accuracy in La Liga.
Long Balls: 4 out of 7 completed against Sevilla.
Passes into Final Third: 18 passes in the match against Atletico Madrid.
Defensive Contributions:
Tackles: 2 tackles against Sevilla.
Interceptions: 3 interceptions against Sevilla, 3 against Atletico Madrid.
Recoveries: He has made 91 recoveries, placing him joint 3rd among La Liga outfield players for recoveries.
Discipline: 2 yellow cards with no red cards in La Liga this season.
Key Passes: Known for his playmaking, he has created numerous chances, including 3 key passes against Sevilla.
Valverde's performance metrics also include a Sofascore rating of 6.5 in his last match against Athletic Club, and his non-penalty expected goals (npxG) per 90 minutes stands at 0.25, placing him in the top 85th percentile among La Liga players.
International Recognition
On the international stage, Valverde has been a key player for Uruguay, where he has also worn the captain's armband, demonstrating his leadership and tactical acumen. His international career includes significant moments like scoring in a crucial match against Paraguay in 2017 and leading Uruguay in various friendlies and tournaments.
Fede Valverde's evolution at Real Madrid exemplifies how talent, hard work, and adaptability can lead to success in one of football's most demanding environments. His all-terrain capabilities make him not just a player but an asset for the club's ambitions in domestic and international competitions. With each season, Valverde continues to solidify his status as a modern football star, cherished by fans and respected by peers for his relentless energy and versatility on the field. His journey is a testament to what young talents can achieve with the right guidance and opportunities.