Hello, Football fans! If you love following the Football and admire world-class, Darwin Núñez is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Darwin Núñez has become one of the most talked-about strikers in world football, and for good reason. From his humble beginnings in Artigas, Uruguay, to becoming a key player for Liverpool and now a Saudi Pro League sensation, his journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and raw talent. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything about the “El Avión” (The Plane), exploring his personal life, career milestones, earnings, and his current status as of 2026.
Darwin Núñez’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro |
| Nickname | “El Pichón” (The Pigeon), “El Avión” (The Plane) |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1999 |
| Age | 26 years old |
| Education | Peñarol Youth Academy |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | Uruguayan |
| Height | 188 cm (6’2″) |
| Weight | 78-81 kg |
| Turned Professional | 2017 |
| Current Net Worth | $40 million |
| Annual Salary | £20.8 million |
| Relationship Status | In a committed relationship |
| Girlfriend | Lorena Mañas |
| Children | Darwin Jr., Stepdaughter: Chloe |
| Instagram Profile | @darwin_n9 |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Current Jersey Number | 7 |
Early Career
Darwin Núñez’s football journey began in Artigas, a remote town in northwestern Uruguay bordering Brazil, where he grew up in the humble working-class neighborhood known as El Pirata. His father, Bibiano Núñez, worked as a construction laborer while his mother, Silvia Ribeiro, collected and resold plastic bottles to supplement the family’s meager income. Young Darwin often went to bed hungry, but his love for football provided an escape from poverty.
At fourteen years old, he joined Peñarol’s prestigious youth academy in Montevideo, 600 kilometers from home. This decision came after local scout José Perdomo recognized his exceptional talent. However, the path wasn’t smooth—at sixteen, he suffered a devastating ACL injury requiring two surgeries that threatened to end his career prematurely. His older brother Junior, who was also progressing through Peñarol’s ranks, made the ultimate sacrifice by abandoning his own football dreams to return to Artigas and support their struggling parents, allowing Darwin to focus on recovery.
This brotherhood and familial support proved instrumental in his resilience. He made his official first-team debut on November 22, 2017, against River Plate Montevideo, and scored his first professional goal on October 13, 2018, against Fénix in a 2-0 home victory.
Professional Career
Darwin Núñez’s professional breakthrough arrived when Spanish Segunda División club Almería signed him in August 2019 for approximately $6 million ($4.5 million plus $1.5 million in variables), making him Peñarol’s most expensive sale at that time. During his sole season in Spain, he demonstrated remarkable goal-scoring prowess, finishing as the league’s joint-fourth top scorer with sixteen goals in thirty-two appearances, averaging nearly one goal every two matches.
This impressive campaign attracted the attention of Portuguese giant Benfica, who invested a club-record €24 million in September 2020, making it the most expensive signing in Portuguese football history at that time. At Benfica, Núñez transformed into a European elite striker. In the 2021-22 season, he produced astonishing numbers: forty-one goals in fifty-nine total appearances, including an astounding twenty-six goals in just twenty-eight Primeira Liga matches.
This exceptional output earned him the Bola de Prata award as the league’s top scorer, recognition as the Primeira Liga Player of the Year, and inclusion in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year. His Champions League performances, particularly against eventual Premier League rivals Liverpool in the quarter-finals, caught the attention of Reds manager Jürgen Klopp. Liverpool subsequently broke their club transfer record, signing Núñez in June 2022 for €75 million plus €25 million in add-ons (£64 million with potential add-ons reaching £85 million).
His first season at Anfield saw forty-two appearances and fifteen goals, with his second campaign yielding eighteen goals. During his final 2024-25 season, though his goal output decreased, he scored crucial stoppage-time goals including a vital brace against Brentford that helped Liverpool secure the Premier League title, becoming only the second Uruguayan to win England’s top league after Diego Forlán.
Girlfriend
Darwin Núñez has been in a devoted relationship with Lorena Mañas since their meeting during his time at Almería between 2019 and 2020. Lorena, born March 25, 1999, is a Spanish national who was previously married to Barcelona defender Aleix Vidal, with whom she shares a daughter named Chloe. Rather than allowing her previous relationship to create distance, Núñez embraced his role as stepfather and established a warm, loving bond with the young girl. The couple welcomed their biological son, Darwin Jr., in January 2022, a momentous occasion that deepened their commitment. While Lorena maintains a predominantly private Instagram presence, the family occasionally shares intimate glimpses of their life together.
Núñez has publicly demonstrated his fierce protective nature, particularly during the 2024 Copa America tournament when he shielded his girlfriend and son from confrontations with hostile Colombian fans. Reports from November 2024 suggested the couple was expecting a third child, further expanding their tight-knit family unit. Darwin frequently expresses gratitude toward Lorena for her unwavering support throughout his career transitions and challenges. The striker has attributed much of his success to the stability and motivation his family provides, often crediting them as his anchor during difficult periods of inconsistent form at Liverpool.
Darwin Núñez’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Darwin Núñez’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $40 million, representing extraordinary wealth accumulation from multiple streams. His primary income derives from professional football contracts, with his current Al-Hilal deal providing £20.8 million annually. Secondary income sources include performance bonuses tied to appearances, goals, and team achievements; substantial endorsement deals with Adidas valued at approximately £6 million; partnerships with Converse and various local Uruguayan sponsors; and digital content creation leveraging his 5+ million Instagram followers.
His net worth trajectory demonstrates exponential growth since joining Liverpool, where his annual salary was £9 million. The dramatic increase to £20.8 million annually at Al-Hilal, combined with his previous career earnings across multiple European clubs, has positioned him among football’s wealthiest players. Financial analysts project his net worth will continue appreciating throughout his three-year Al-Hilal contract (through June 2028), particularly if commercial endorsements expand given his growing global profile. This remarkable financial success represents the ultimate fulfillment of his childhood promise to his mother that he would escape poverty and provide security for his family.
Contract Details
When Darwin Núñez joined Liverpool in June 2022, he signed a six-year contract running through June 2028, with an initial base salary of £140,000 per week, equating to approximately £9 million annually before tax. The deal’s add-on structure potentially increased the overall transfer investment to £85 million based on performance milestones and achievements. During his three seasons at Anfield, this contract made him one of Liverpool’s highest earners, though not the absolute top earner given Mohamed Salah‘s superior compensation package.
However, in August 2025, Núñez accepted a remarkable offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. The Saudi transfer constituted a permanent deal worth €53 million in fixed fees plus €12 million in performance-based add-ons (potentially reaching €65 million total), matching one of the league’s largest investments. His new Al-Hilal contract dramatically elevated his compensation: £20.8 million annually, £1.73 million monthly, £400,000 weekly, £57,142.85 daily, and £2,380.95 hourly. This represents the most lucrative contract in Núñez’s career and positions him among global football’s highest-paid players, comparable to elite Saudi Pro League earners. The contract extends through June 2028, providing three years of elite compensation at the sport’s most lavish compensation level.
Career Earnings
| Club | Period | Transfer Fee | Annual Salary | Appearances | Goals | Key Achievement |
| Peñarol | 2017-2019 | Academy academy product | Minimal (~€50k) | 12 | 4 | First professional debut |
| Almería | 2019-2020 | $6 million | ~€150,000 | 32 | 16 | Joint-4th top scorer |
| Benfica | 2020-2022 | €24 million | ~€800,000 | 85 | 48 | Bola de Prata & PotY |
| Liverpool | 2022-2025 | €75m (+€25m add-ons) | £9 million | 143 | 40 | Premier League champion |
| Al-Hilal | 2025-2028 | €53m (+€12m add-ons) | £20.8 million | In progress | In progress | Elite Saudi earnings |
| Total | 1999-2026 | €152+ million | €13m+ annually | 315+ | 118+ | Multiple honors |
Endorsement
Darwin Núñez’s commercial portfolio extends considerably beyond his substantial football salary, featuring partnerships with global and regional brands:
- Adidas — The world’s leading sportswear manufacturer serves as Núñez’s primary and most lucrative endorsement partner, with the deal valued at approximately £6 million annually. He actively represents Adidas’ football-specific equipment, performance apparel, and lifestyle products across global marketing campaigns, social media platforms, and commercial appearances. This partnership commenced during his Benfica years and continues through his Al-Hilal tenure.
- Converse — The iconic American footwear brand partners with Núñez for shoe endorsements, promotional campaigns, and lifestyle content creation aimed at younger demographics.
- Local Uruguayan Sponsors — Multiple regional companies and national brands maintain commercial relationships with Núñez, particularly benefiting from his significant commercial appeal within his home country where he remains a cultural icon representing Uruguay’s football excellence.
- Liverpool FC Commercial Partnerships — During his three-year Anfield tenure, Núñez appeared in official club merchandise campaigns, training wear promotions, and partner collaborations with entities including Standard Chartered, the club’s primary commercial partner.
- Al-Hilal and Saudi Pro League — Since joining Al-Hilal, Núñez participates in Saudi Professional League marketing initiatives, club-specific commercial obligations, and regional sponsorship campaigns targeting Middle Eastern audiences.
- Social Media and Digital Content — His substantial Instagram following (5+ million followers) generates significant commercial opportunity through sponsored posts, brand collaborations, and content creation partnerships with various companies seeking exposure to his engaged global audience.
Career Records
| Achievement | Record/Details | Significance |
| Career-High Scoring Season | 41 goals in 59 appearances | 2021-22 Benfica season (all competitions) |
| Primeira Liga Single Season | 26 goals in 28 matches | 2021-22, earned Bola de Prata award |
| Primeira Liga Awards | Top scorer, Player of Year | 2021-22 season, Team of the Year selection |
| Benfica Hat-Tricks | Multiple (3+ instances) | Including back-to-back hat-tricks December 2020 |
| Back-to-Back Hat-Tricks | Unique achievement | Benfica: November 27 vs B-SAD, December 12 vs Famalicão |
| Champions League Goals | 11+ goals scored | Across Benfica and Liverpool European campaigns |
| Premier League Appearances | 95 matches | Liverpool 2022-2025, 49 goals total |
| Premier League Season Best | 14 goals (2023-24) | Strong campaign despite inconsistency criticism |
| Liverpool Trophy Wins | 2 major honors | Premier League 2024-25, EFL Cup 2024 |
| International Goals | 6+ for Uruguay | Various competitions including World Cup and Copa America |
| Historic Achievement | 2nd Uruguayan Premier League champion | Following Diego Forlán (Manchester United 2003) |
| Memorable Champions League Moment | Goal vs Real Madrid | 2022-23 Liverpool Champions League campaign |
| Crucial Match-Winner | Brace vs Brentford stoppage-time | January 2025, vital for Liverpool’s title run |
FAQs
1. What is Darwin Núñez’s Current Age and When Was He Born?
Darwin Núñez was born on June 24, 1999, making him 26 years old as of January 2026. He was born in Artigas, a small town in northwestern Uruguay, in a humble family environment where his father worked as a builder and his mother sold milk bottles.
2. Why Did Darwin Núñez Leave Liverpool for Al-Hilal?
Núñez transferred to Al-Hilal in August 2025 for several compelling reasons: the financial incentive was substantial, offering nearly triple his Liverpool salary (£400,000 per week versus £140,000), and the move came at a stage in his career where a fresh environment and peak earning opportunity aligned perfectly. Liverpool, having won the Premier League in 2024-25, were also open to reinvesting the transfer fee in other targets, making the transaction mutually beneficial.
3. How Many Children Does Darwin Núñez Have?
Núñez is a father to Darwin Jr., born in January 2022 with his partner Lorena Mañas. He is also a stepfather to Chloe, Lorena’s daughter from her previous marriage to former Barcelona player Aleix Vidal. The family dynamics appear close-knit, with Núñez actively involved in parenting both children.
4. What Is Darwin Núñez’s Height and Physical Profile?
Darwin Núñez stands 6 feet 2 inches tall (187 centimeters) and weighs 81 kilograms (178 pounds). His powerful physique, combined with explosive pace, makes him particularly effective in aerial duels, physical confrontations, and explosive sprint finishes.
5. How Much Does Darwin Núñez Earn at Al-Hilal?
At Al-Hilal, Núñez earns approximately £400,000 per week (€431,731), equating to roughly £19.3 million annually or €22.4 million per year. This represents a substantial increase from his Liverpool salary of £140,000 per week and makes him one of the highest earners in world football.
6. What Are Darwin Núñez’s Main Endorsement Deals?
Núñez’s primary endorsement partnership is with Adidas, a deal reportedly worth £6 million, which includes boots and apparel. He also holds endorsement agreements with Converse, EA Sports (for video game inclusion), and Christian Louboutin, with these partnerships collectively generating £6-8 million annually in endorsement income.
7. How Many Goals Did Darwin Núñez Score at Benfica?
During his 85 appearances for Benfica across two seasons (2020-2022), Núñez scored an impressive 48 goals with 14 assists. His most prolific season was 2021-22, when he scored 26 goals in just 28 Primeira Liga matches, winning the league’s top scorer award and Player of the Year accolades.
8. What Is Darwin Núñez’s Relationship Status?
Núñez is in a committed long-term relationship with Lorena Mañas, a Spanish national. While they are not legally married, they share a child together (Darwin Jr., born January 2022) and maintain a strong partnership that has endured since meeting at Almería in 2019-2020.
9. Which Clubs Has Darwin Núñez Played For Professionally?
Núñez’s professional club career includes Peñarol (2017-2019, Uruguay), Almería (2019-2020, Spain), Benfica (2020-2022, Portugal), Liverpool (2022-2025, England), and Al-Hilal (2025-present, Saudi Arabia). His progression through increasingly competitive leagues demonstrates his development as a footballer.
10. What Is Darwin Núñez’s Social Media Presence?
Núñez maintains a significant presence on Instagram under the handle @darwin_n9, where he has accumulated over 5 million followers. His account features professional photos, family moments, training updates, and interactions with teammates. He maintains a relatively private approach to social media despite his massive following, with Lorena keeping her own account private, reflecting their preference for privacy despite their high-profile status.