Hello, Football fans! If you love following the Football and admire world-class, Federico Valverde is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Federico Valverde is a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Real Madrid and the Uruguay national team, and he is widely regarded as one of the most complete modern midfielders in Europe as of 2026. He combines relentless work rate with technical quality, making him a key figure for both club and country in the 2025–26 season.
Federico Valverde’s Biography
| Aspect | Information |
| Full Name | Federico Santiago Valverde Dipetta |
| Nickname | Halcón (Falcon), previously Pajarito (Baby Bird) |
| Date of Birth | July 22, 1998 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 27 years old |
| Place of Birth | Montevideo, Uruguay |
| Height | 1.82m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Weight | 78 kg |
| Nationality | Uruguayan |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Turned Professional | 2015 |
| Current Club | Real Madrid |
| Current Position | Midfielder |
| Jersey Number | 8 |
| Relationship Status | Married to Mina Bonino |
| Children | Two sons – Benicio and Bautista |
| Net Worth | Approximately £48.9-50 million |
| Annual Salary | €16.6 million |
| Instagram Profile | @fedevalverde |
| Twitter/X Profile | @fedeevalverde |
Early Career
Valverde’s footballing journey began in his childhood with Estudiantes de la Unión, his local neighborhood club, before joining the prestigious youth academy of Peñarol in 2008 at just 11 years old. After seven years of development through various youth categories, he made his senior debut for Peñarol on August 16, 2015, at just 17 years old, in a match against Cerro during the 2015-16 season.
That inaugural season proved remarkable as Peñarol won the Uruguayan Primera División title with the young midfielder making 13 appearances, establishing himself as a talented prospect destined for European football. His early performances earned him recognition at the international youth level, representing Uruguay across multiple age groups from under-15 onwards.
Professional Career
Valverde joined Real Madrid in July 2016 at the age of 18 from Peñarol, with Real Madrid paying approximately €5 million for his transfer. He initially played for Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve team, during the 2016-17 season, competing in Spain’s Segunda División B while adapting to European football and the club’s demanding environment. During this period, he was occasionally overwhelmed by the personalities and luxurious lifestyles of the established first-team players but remained determined to progress.
In the summer of 2017, Valverde made a significant decision to go on loan to Deportivo La Coruña rather than stay with the B team or join Real Betis, who also showed interest. He moved 600 kilometers from Madrid without his parents, an experience that proved pivotal for his personal and professional growth. Coach Pepe Mel gave him his La Coruña debut in September 2017, and Valverde made 24 league appearances during the 2017-18 season, demonstrating his versatility by playing across multiple positions. Despite Deportivo’s relegation that season, he gained invaluable experience competing against top-flight opposition.
Upon returning from loan in summer 2018, new Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui was impressed by his preseason performances during the club’s United States tour, recognizing his hunger and determination despite his introverted nature. Valverde made his official Real Madrid debut on October 23, 2018, in the UEFA Champions League group stage against Viktoria Plzeň at the Bernabéu at just 20 years old. His breakthrough came during the 2019-2021 period under Zinedine Zidane, when he scored his first goal for Real Madrid on November 9, 2019, in a 4-0 away victory against Eibar. Since his establishment in the first team, he has become one of the club’s most indispensable players, making over 300 appearances and establishing himself as a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s midfield.
Wife
Federico Valverde is happily married to Mina Bonino, an accomplished Argentine journalist and television presenter who is approximately five years older than him. The couple began dating in 2019 after meeting through Instagram and married in 2022. Mina plays an important role in both his personal and professional life, even advising him when Real Madrid offered him the legendary number 8 jersey previously worn by Toni Kroos—an honor that came with immense pressure and decision-making responsibility.
Federico Valverde’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Federico Valverde’s net worth stands at approximately £48.9-50 million, making him one of the wealthiest footballers in the world at his age. His wealth comes primarily from his substantial salary at Real Madrid, where he currently earns €320,577 per week (approximately £265,000-277,000 per week), equating to €16.6 million annually (around £14.4 million per year). This positions him as the fifth-highest earner at Real Madrid, behind Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and David Alaba.
Beyond his salary, Valverde benefits from sponsorship deals and endorsement opportunities, particularly his partnership with Nike, which provides additional revenue streams. His market value according to Transfermarkt stands at approximately €114-130 million, reflecting his importance to Real Madrid’s squad.
Contract Details
On November 9, 2023, Valverde signed a contract extension with Real Madrid that keeps him at the club until June 30, 2029. This extension came with a remarkable release clause of €1 billion, making him one of the most protected assets at the club. His contract includes significant salary increases and demonstrates Real Madrid’s commitment to keeping their midfielder at the club for the long term.
The deal was part of Real Madrid’s strategy under president Florentino Pérez to secure their talented young roster, similar to recent extensions given to Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Eder Militao. Previously, Valverde had extended his contract in August 2021 until 2027, but the 2023 extension ensured his presence through the remainder of the 2020s decade.
Career Earnings
| Year | Weekly Salary | Annual Salary | Club | Position | Contract Expiry |
| 2025-26 | €320,577 | €16.6 million | Real Madrid | CM | 30-06-2029 |
| 2024-25 | £277,766 | £14.4 million | Real Madrid | CM | 30-06-2029 |
| 2023-24 | £269,387 | £14 million | Real Madrid | CM | 30-06-2027 |
| 2022-23 | £134,323 | £6.9 million | Real Madrid | CM | 30-06-2027 |
| 2021-22 | €160,192 | €8.3 million | Real Madrid | CM | 30-06-2027 |
| 2020-21 | €80,192 | €4.1 million | Real Madrid | CM | 30-06-2021 |
| 2019-20 | €80,000 | €4.1 million | Real Madrid | CM | 30-06-2021 |
| 2018-19 | €16,654 | €866,000 | Real Madrid B | CM | 30-06-2018 |
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Valverde maintains partnerships with major brands that enhance his income and global visibility:
- Nike Football: His primary sponsor, providing football boots, apparel, and exclusive endorsement deals
- Uruguayan National Team Kit Sponsorship: As Nike partner of the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF), he benefits from national team sponsorship arrangements
- Brand Ambassadorial Roles: Various global sports brands seek his endorsement given his status as one of the world’s best midfielders
- Social Media Partnerships: With over 20 million Instagram followers, he has lucrative content creation opportunities with major brands
Career Records
| Record/Achievement | Details |
| Total Appearances | 455+ matches across all competitions |
| Goals Scored | 38 goals in career |
| Assists | 37 career assists |
| La Liga Appearances | 253 matches, 20 goals, 28 assists |
| UEFA Champions League | 71+ appearances, 3 goals, 7 assists |
| International Caps | 50+ appearances for Uruguay |
| La Liga Titles | 3 (2019-20, 2021-22, 2023-24) |
| UEFA Champions League Titles | 2 (2021-22, 2023-24) |
| FIFA Club World Cups | 2 (2018, 2022) |
| UEFA Super Cup | 2 (2022, 2024) |
| Copa del Rey | 1 (2022-23) |
| Supercopa de España | 3 (2020, 2022, 2024) |
| FIFA Intercontinental Cup | 1 (2024) |
| 2022 Champions League Final Assist | Assisted Vinícius Júnior’s goal vs. Liverpool (1-0) |
| 2023 Club World Cup Silver Ball | Individual award for tournament performance |
| 2017 U-20 World Cup Silver Ball | Recognition at youth level |
| Peñarol Primera División | 1 (2015-16) |
FAQs
1. What is Federico Valverde’s highest salary year at Real Madrid?
Federico Valverde’s highest salary year came in 2025-26, when he earns €320,577 per week, totaling €16.6 million annually. This represents a significant increase from his earlier years at the club and reflects Real Madrid’s commitment to keeping him as a core player, positioning him among the club’s best-paid players.
2. How many goals and assists has Federico Valverde scored in his entire Real Madrid career?
Throughout his Real Madrid career since 2018, Valverde has scored 19+ goals and created numerous assists. His total career statistics across all clubs and competitions show 38 goals and 37 assists across 455+ appearances, demonstrating his dual contribution in both defensive and attacking phases of play.
3. What is Federico Valverde’s release clause, and how does it compare to other Real Madrid players?
Valverde’s release clause stands at €1 billion, one of the highest at Real Madrid. This matches the release clauses of fellow high-earners like Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Eduardo Camavinga, reflecting the club’s strategy to protect their most valuable young assets from potential transfer approaches.
4. When will Federico Valverde’s current contract with Real Madrid expire?
Valverde’s contract runs until June 30, 2029, providing Real Madrid with his services for the next three-and-a-half seasons from January 2026. This extension, signed in November 2023, ensures his presence during some of the club’s most important competitive phases.
5. How many international caps does Federico Valverde have for Uruguay?
Valverde has earned 50+ international appearances for Uruguay’s senior team since making his debut in August 2017. He represented Uruguay at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and has been a regular in Copa América tournaments, serving as an important midfielder for the national team’s midfield.
6. What major trophies has Federico Valverde won throughout his football career?
Valverde has won an impressive collection of trophies including 2 UEFA Champions League titles (2021-22, 2023-24), 3 La Liga titles (2019-20, 2021-22, 2023-24), 2 FIFA Club World Cups (2018, 2022), 2 UEFA Super Cups (2022, 2024), 3 Supercopa de España titles (2020, 2022, 2024), 1 Copa del Rey (2022-23), 1 FIFA Intercontinental Cup (2024), and 1 Uruguayan Primera División title with Peñarol (2015-16).
7. What was Federico Valverde’s role in Real Madrid’s 2022 Champions League Final victory?
In the 2022 UEFA Champions League Final against Liverpool at the Stade de France, Valverde delivered a crucial assist in the 59th minute. He made a run with the ball on the right flank before playing a precise low cross that found Vinícius Júnior unmarked in the penalty area, who finished to secure Real Madrid’s record-extending 14th European Cup with a 1-0 victory.
8. How much has Federico Valverde earned in total salary throughout his career?
By the end of 2025, Valverde’s total career salary earnings stand at approximately €28.6 million. His Real Madrid contract alone from 2023-2029 guarantees over €83 million in wages, demonstrating the financial investment the club has made in retaining his services.
9. What sponsorships and brand endorsements does Federico Valverde have?
Valverde’s primary sponsorship is with Nike Football, providing his football boots and apparel. He also benefits from the Uruguayan National Football Association’s Nike partnership and maintains various brand ambassadorial opportunities given his status as one of the world’s elite midfielders with a global social media presence of over 20 million Instagram followers.
10. How does Federico Valverde’s playing style compare to other elite midfielders in world football?
Valverde represents the modern box-to-box midfielder archetype, combining exceptional work rate, pace, and tactical intelligence with technical reliability. Unlike some midfielders who specialize solely in defensive coverage or creative play, Valverde excels at transitioning between defensive and offensive responsibilities. Compared to peers, his standout attributes are his stamina, positional awareness, pressing triggers, and ability to play multiple positions. While he may not have the creative flair of a Toni Kroos or the pure ball-progression skills of some specialists, his all-around contribution and versatility across the midfield make him invaluable to Real Madrid’s tactical system.