Uruguayan · Montevideo, Uruguay · Born 22 July 1998El Pajarito — Real Madrid's most complete midfielder and Uruguay's most important modern player.
Federico Santiago Valverde Dipetta was born in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1998. Real Madrid signed him from Peñarol at 17. Two developmental loan seasons preceded his senior Madrid breakthrough. His five seasons as a regular starter have produced two Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles alongside Kroos, Modrić and Bellingham. His combination of energy — covering the most ground per game of any Madrid midfielder — with technical quality, long-range shooting and the tactical intelligence to play multiple midfield roles make him the most complete midfielder in Madrid's squad. He scored the winning goal in the 2022 Supercopa de España final against Athletic Club with a volley from 30 metres — one of the finest individual goals in recent Spanish football. He represented Uruguay 65 times, appearing at the 2022 World Cup. He is Uruguay's most important player since Diego Forlán. His father Nelson Valverde also played professional football in Uruguay.
Spectacular long-range goals and all-action midfield performances
How They Played
Box-to-box midfielder with exceptional pace, stamina and shooting ability
Lasting Impact
Valverde represents the modern generation of Uruguayan footballers who have successfully transitioned from South American football to European elite clubs.
Career Honours
- Champions League 2x (2022,2024)
- La Liga 3x
- Copa del Rey 2x
- Champions League 2022
- Champions League 2024
- La Liga 2020
- La Liga 2022
- La Liga 2024
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peñarol | 2015–2016 | — | 26 | 14 | #8 |
| Real Madrid | 2018–2024 | — | 235 | 18 | — |
| Real Madrid Castilla | 2016–2018 | — | 41 | 4 | — |
| Deportivo La Coruña | 2017–2018 | €5m | 24 | 1 | — |
 Uruguay | — | — | 65 | 10 | — |
Uruguayan Athletes