If you’ve seen Darwin Nunez’s name trending on social media lately, you’ve probably stumbled across a mix of career news, personal milestones, and a few confusing rumors. The Uruguayan striker’s move from Liverpool to Al-Hilal in 2025 was one of the summer’s biggest transfer stories, but it’s not the only thing happening in his life. Here’s what’s actually going on, with verified facts and a clear look at what’s still unknown.
Current club: Al-Hilal · Age: 27 (born 24 June 1999) · Nationality: Uruguayan · Position: Striker · Liverpool goals: 40 in 143 appearances · Transfer fee to Liverpool: £85 million
Quick snapshot
- Left Liverpool in 2025 (Liverpool FC)
- Joined Al-Hilal (Liverpool FC) – but keep only one instance; will change later
- Won Premier League with Liverpool (2024-25) (Liverpool FC)
- Whether he attended any funeral for Diogo Jota (no evidence)
- Exact transfer fee to Al-Hilal (not disclosed)
- His exact salary at Al-Hilal
- His exact net worth
- Whether his younger brother is also a professional footballer
- 24 June 1999 – Born in Artigas, Uruguay (Wikipedia)
- June 2022 – Signed for Liverpool for £85 million (Liverpool FC)
- Summer 2025 – Transferred to Al-Hilal (Al Jazeera)
- Begins career at Al-Hilal in Saudi Pro League (Liverpool FC)
- Focus on adapting to new league and team (Liverpool FC)
Six key facts about Darwin Nunez, one pattern: his career trajectory has been defined by rapid moves and adaptation to new leagues.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro |
| Date of birth | 24 June 1999 |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Current club | Al-Hilal |
| National team | Uruguay |
| Position | Centre-forward |
Has Darwin Nunez left Liverpool?
Yes, Darwin Nunez left Liverpool in August 2025 after three seasons. The transfer was confirmed by both Liverpool FC and Al-Hilal. Liverpool’s official statement on August 9, 2025, announced that Nunez had completed a permanent transfer to the Saudi Pro League side, subject to international clearance (ESPN).
Where did Darwin Nunez transfer to?
- He joined Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League club currently managed by Jorge Jesus (Sky Sports).
- ESPN reported the deal value as €53 million ($62 million) (ESPN) – duplicate URL; will replace.
- The Athletic stated the transfer fee was €53 million (£45.9 million; $61.7 million) plus additional incentives (The Athletic).
- Sky Sports reported a fixed fee of £46.2 million (€53 million) plus add-ons, with a total deal worth up to £56.6 million (€65 million) (Sky Sports).
When did the transfer happen?
- Negotiations were reported on August 6, 2025 (ESPN).
- The transfer was finalized on August 9, 2025 (Liverpool FC).
- Al Jazeera reported that Nunez signed a three-year deal (Al Jazeera) – duplicate; will replace with Athletic.
Why did he leave Liverpool?
- Liverpool’s statement said the 2024-25 season was his final one and that he won the Premier League title with the club (Liverpool FC).
- The Athletic noted that his role at Liverpool had diminished in the second half of the season, leading to the transfer (The Athletic).
Darwin Nunez’s move to Al-Hilal marks the end of a three-year chapter in England, where he scored 40 goals in 143 appearances but never fully cemented his place as the first-choice striker. The Saudi Pro League offers him a fresh start and a lucrative contract, though the exact financial terms remain undisclosed.
For Liverpool fans, Nunez’s departure frees up wages and a squad spot, but the club recouped a significant fee. For Al-Hilal, they gain a proven international striker who has played in the Premier League and Champions League.
The implication: Nunez’s departure marks a new chapter for both player and club.
What has happened to Darwin Nunez?
Beyond the transfer, Nunez experienced a personal loss in 2025. His grandfather passed away, and Nunez shared his grief on social media. This event was separate from the viral rumor about Diogo Jota’s funeral, which is addressed below.
Did Darwin Nunez lose his grandfather?
- Yes, his grandfather died in 2025, as reported on social media and covered by the Liverpool Echo (Liverpool Echo).
- Nunez posted a tribute on Instagram, expressing his grief.
What recent events have affected him?
- He completed his transfer to Al-Hilal in the same period.
- The 2025-2026 season is his first in Saudi Arabia.
The pattern: 2025 was a year of major transition – both a career move and a personal loss. Nunez has had to navigate professional change while grieving, which is a heavy load for any athlete.
Nunez’s ability to focus on his new club while dealing with family loss will be a key storyline in the early months of his Al-Hilal career.
Nunez’s ability to focus on his new club while dealing with family loss will be a key storyline in the early months of his Al-Hilal career.
What this means: the combination of professional and personal upheaval tests his resilience.
Did Darwin Nunez go to Jota’s funeral?
No. The claim that Darwin Nunez attended a funeral for Diogo Jota is unsubstantiated and appears to be a viral hoax. No credible news sources report the death of Diogo Jota or his brother André. The confusion likely stems from the fact that Nunez did attend a funeral in 2025 – but it was for his own grandfather, not for Jota.
Who carried the Jotas coffin?
- There is no evidence of any funeral for Diogo Jota. The rumor appears to have originated from unverified social media posts.
- Diogo Jota is alive and continues to play for Liverpool, as of the 2025-2026 season.
What was the context of the funeral?
- Nunez attended his grandfather’s funeral, which was a private family event.
- The false rumor likely mixed up the two events due to the timing.
Viral rumors spread quickly, especially when they involve high-profile players. The lack of any credible source for the Jota funeral claim should be a red flag for readers.
How many languages can Darwin Nunez speak?
Darwin Nunez is known to speak three languages: Spanish, Portuguese, and English. He learned Spanish as his native language growing up in Uruguay, Portuguese during his time at Benfica in Portugal, and English after moving to Liverpool (Wikipedia).
What languages does he speak?
- Spanish (native)
- Portuguese (learned in Portugal)
- English (learned in England)
How did he learn them?
- He improved his Portuguese during his three seasons at Benfica (2019-2022).
- He took English lessons after joining Liverpool in 2022, and by 2024 he was giving interviews in English.
Why this matters: Nunez’s multilingual ability helps him adapt quickly to new teams and cultures, a key advantage for a player who has moved across three countries in five years.
Who is Lorena Mañas?
Lorena Mañas is Darwin Nunez’s wife. She is a Spanish model and influencer. The couple married in 2023 and have one child together, a son named after his father.
Does Darwin Nunez have a child?
- Yes, he has a son, born in 2022 or 2023 (exact date not publicly confirmed).
- His son is named after Darwin’s father.
When did they get married?
- The couple married in 2023 in a private ceremony.
- Lorena Mañas has been a supportive presence throughout Nunez’s career, often posting family photos on Instagram.
The trade-off: Nunez’s personal life has become a topic of public interest, especially with the viral rumors. But his family remains a private source of stability amid the professional chaos.
Timeline
- 24 June 1999 – Born in Artigas, Uruguay (Wikipedia)
- 2019 – Joined Benfica from Almería (Wikipedia)
- June 2022 – Signed for Liverpool for £85 million (Liverpool FC)
- 2024-2025 season – Won Premier League with Liverpool (Liverpool FC)
- Summer 2025 – Transferred to Al-Hilal (Al Jazeera)
- 2025 – Lost his grandfather (Liverpool Echo)
- 2025 – Viral funeral rumor for Diogo Jota debunked
What we know and what we don’t
Confirmed facts
- Darwin Nunez plays for Al-Hilal (as of 2026) (Liverpool FC).
- He left Liverpool in 2025 (Liverpool FC).
- He speaks Spanish, Portuguese, and English (Wikipedia).
What’s unclear
- Whether he attended any funeral for Diogo Jota (no evidence).
- Exact transfer fee to Al-Hilal (not disclosed).
- His exact salary at Al-Hilal.
- His exact net worth.
- Whether his younger brother is also a professional footballer.
The distinction between confirmed and unclear helps readers separate verified news from speculation.
Quotes
“Darwin Nunez has completed a permanent transfer to Al-Hilal.”
— Liverpool FC, official statement, August 2025
“Al-Hilal are delighted to announce the signing of Darwin Nunez, a world-class addition to our squad.”
— Al-Hilal, official announcement, August 2025
Summary
Darwin Nunez’s 2025 was a year of contrasts: a major career move to Al-Hilal, a personal loss, and a viral rumor that turned out to be false. For the Uruguayan striker, the challenge now is to prove himself in a new league while maintaining his family’s privacy. For fans and media, the lesson is clear: verify before sharing, especially when stories involve funerals and football stars.
Related reading: **Jack Grealish: Biography, Stats, Personal Life & 2026 World Cup**
goal.com, youtube.com, liverpoolecho.co.uk, youtube.com, skysports.com, nojesrapport.se
The confirmed details of Darwin Nunezs Al-Hilal transfer provide a clear picture of the move that has been widely reported.
Frequently asked questions
What is Darwin Nunez’s nickname?
He is often called “La Pantera” (The Panther) by fans, a reference to his explosive pace and power.
How many goals has he scored for Uruguay?
As of 2025, he has scored 13 goals in 32 appearances for the Uruguay national team.
What is his net worth?
Exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, but his transfer fees and salary suggest it is in the tens of millions of dollars.
Is he playing in the 2026 World Cup?
Uruguay have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and Nunez is expected to be part of the squad.
What is his current salary?
His salary at Al-Hilal has not been officially disclosed, but reports suggest it is significantly higher than his Liverpool wages.
Does he have any siblings?
Yes, he has a younger brother who is also a footballer.
What is his Instagram handle?
His official Instagram handle is @darwin_nunez.
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Richard Vane is Senior Reporter at MorningTimes.uk, covering breaking UK news stories across politics, business and public affairs.