Facundo Buonanotte: The Argentine Prodigy and Wonderkid
Facundo Buonanotte has dazzled and showcased his skill as one of the best young players in world football. After his impressive start in Argentina with Rosario Central, he has continued to impress in the Premier League with Brighton and now with Leicester.
Alongside Guillaume Reste, Damian Pizzaro, Evan Ferguson, Hugo Larrson and Diego Luna, Buonanotte has sent tongues wagging with their performances as some of the best yound players in the world. Join us as we explore the life and career of Facundo Buonanotte.
Player Profile – Facundo Buonanotte
Facundo Valentín Buonanotte is a professional footballer known for his versatility as an attacking midfielder and winger.
He began his football journey at age 10, joining the youth academy of Rosario Central, where he was regarded as the club’s most talented academy graduate since Ángel Di María.
Buonanotte made his professional debut for Rosario Central on June 17, 2022, against Godoy Cruz, entering as a 72nd-minute substitute in a 1-0 victory. His performances attracted attention from European clubs, leading to his transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023.
Player Profile Overview
| Player Name | Facundo Valentín Buonanotte |
| Date of Birth | 23 December 2004 |
| Place of Birth | Pérez, Argentina |
| Height | 1.74 m |
| Weight | 150 pounds |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Current Club | Leicester City |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Youth Career | Rosario Central Argentina U20 |
| Senior Career | Rosario Central Brighton & Hove Albion FC Leicester Argentina |
Facundo Buonanotte’s Early Life and Background
Facundo Valentín Buonanotte, born on December 23, 2004, in Pérez, Argentina, is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger.
He began his football journey with Rosario Central’s youth academy in 2014, progressing through the ranks to make his professional debut in 2022.
In January 2023, Buonanotte transferred to Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League, and in 2024, he joined Leicester City on loan.
Internationally, he has represented Argentina at the U20 level and made his senior debut in 2023. Buonanotte holds dual citizenship, being of Italian descent.
Facundo Buonanotte’s Playing Style and Strength
Buonanotte’s style of play has drawn comparisons to some of Argentina’s great attacking midfielders. With his excellent vision, deft touch, and ability to operate between the lines, he has quickly become a fan favorite at Brighton.
Looking ahead, Buonanotte’s trajectory suggests even greater success awaits. As he continues to develop under the guidance of De Zerbi and competes alongside elite teammates, the Argentine playmaker is poised to make a significant impact both in the Premier League and beyond.
Facundo Buonanotte’s Club Career
Facundo Buonanotte joined Rosario Central’s youth academy as a young boy, immersing himself in a culture of football excellence.
Here, he honed his skills, mastering close ball control, vision, and composure under pressure. His rise through the youth ranks was swift, reflecting his ability to adapt and thrive.
By the age of 17, Buonanotte had caught the attention of coaches and fans alike, earning his senior debut for Rosario Central in 2022. His inclusion in the first team was a major milestone, marking the beginning of a professional career that would quickly gather momentum.
Senior Career with Rosario Central
Buonanotte’s time with Rosario Central’s senior team was short but impactful. Despite his young age, he became a regular starter and impressed with his technical skills, creativity, and eye for goal.
During the 2022 Argentine Primera División season, he contributed several key goals and assists, solidifying his reputation as one of Argentina’s brightest prospects.
Notably, he shared the pitch with talented teammates such as Alejo Véliz, a rising striker who complemented Buonanotte’s playmaking abilities, and Gino Infantino, another gifted midfielder from Rosario Central’s youth academy. These partnerships helped establish a dynamic and promising core within the team.
Brighton & Hove Albion: A Leap to the Premier League
In January 2023, Buonanotte made a significant career move, signing with Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League.
This transfer, reported to be worth around €6 million, was a turning point in his career and an opportunity to showcase his talents on one of football’s grandest stages.
At Brighton, Buonanotte joined a vibrant squad known for its attacking philosophy under coach Roberto De Zerbi. Transitioning from Argentine football to the fast-paced intensity of the Premier League posed challenges, but Buonanotte adapted swiftly.
He made his debut for Brighton in a match against Fulham in February 2023, entering as a substitute and immediately displaying his flair and confidence.
Notable Moments and Achievements at Brighton
One of Buonanotte’s standout moments came during the 2023–24 season, when he scored his first Premier League goal in a thrilling match against Nottingham Forest. The goal, a clinical finish after a well-timed run, highlighted his growing confidence and ability to impact games.
Buonanotte also became part of a talented group of young stars at Brighton, including Evan Ferguson, a promising striker; Kaoru Mitoma, known for his dazzling dribbling; and Julio Enciso, another South American talent. Together, they formed a dynamic attacking unit that helped Brighton challenge for European qualification spots.
Facundo Buonanotte’s Loan to Leicester City: A New Chapter
Facundo Buonanotte’s promising career took another exciting turn on 10 August 2024, when he joined Leicester City on loan for the 2024–25 season.
The move provided the young Argentine with an opportunity to gain more first-team experience in the Premier League while continuing his development at a historic club known for nurturing talent.
Leicester City Debut
Buonanotte made his Leicester debut just nine days later, on 19 August 2024, in a 1-1 home draw against Tottenham Hotspur. His performance was solid, displaying the technical flair and creative instincts that have become his trademarks.
Despite the pressure of a new environment, he quickly adapted to Leicester’s playing style, earning praise from fans and teammates alike.
First Goal in Leicester Colors
Buonanotte didn’t take long to make his mark at Leicester. On 31 August 2024, he scored his first goal for the club in a tightly contested match against Aston Villa.
While Leicester fell to a 2-1 defeat, Buonanotte’s goal was a bright spot, showcasing his composure in front of goal and his knack for stepping up in crucial moments.
Facundo Buonanotte’s International Career
Buonanotte’s journey with Argentina’s national teams began with the U20 squad. In March 2022, he made his debut under coach Javier Mascherano, earning six caps and scoring one goal during his tenure with the U20 team.
In 2023, he was selected to represent Argentina at the FIFA U20 World Cup. Although the team faced challenges, Buonanotte’s participation highlighted his growing importance in the national setup.
During this period, he played alongside notable talents such as Alejandro Garnacho and Nicolás Paz, both of whom have been recognized for their contributions to Argentine football.
Senior National Team Involvement
Buonanotte’s impressive performances at the youth level led to his inclusion in the senior national team. In November 2024, he received a call-up from coach Lionel Scaloni for the World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru.
This opportunity allowed him to train alongside seasoned professionals, including Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, and Julián Álvarez, providing invaluable experience and exposure to top-tier international football.
In October 2024, Buonanotte was called up as a replacement for the injured Alejandro Garnacho for the World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia. This demonstrated the coaching staff’s confidence in his abilities to step up when needed.
Player Comparison
Facundo Buonanotte, the Argentine midfielder, has drawn comparisons to football legend Lionel Messi, particularly regarding his agility and acceleration.
Carlos Tevez, Buonanotte’s former coach at Rosario Central, remarked, “When he brakes and accelerates, he reminds me of [Lionel] Messi.”
Buonanotte, however, humbly downplayed these parallels, stating, “It would be a lack of respect towards Messi to make a direct comparison.”
He emphasized Messi’s unparalleled status in football history, expressing his aspiration to carve out his own unique path in the sport.
Such comparisons, while flattering, highlight the potential seen in Buonanotte as he continues to evolve in his professional career.
Conclusion
Facundo Buonanotte’s club career, though still in its early stages, has already been marked by memorable achievements and rapid progression.
From his humble beginnings in Rosario Central’s youth system to lighting up the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester, his story serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers worldwide.
With his immense potential and determination, Buonanotte is undoubtedly a name to watch in the years to come. Fans of the beautiful game eagerly await the next chapter in this young star’s journey.
References
Leicester City FC
