Alex Telles is one of those names that echo on Brazilian and European pitches, a player who combines refined technique with unyielding grit. Born in the heart of Rio Grande do Sul, he represents the dream of many young athletes: rising from the youth ranks to shine on the biggest stages of football. At 32 years old, in December 2025, Telles continues to be a key piece at Botafogo, where he has experienced a phase of redemption and achievements. His trajectory is marked by highs and lows, but always with the stamp of quality from a left-back who knows how to cross, defend, and even score decisive goals. In this article, we dive into the life and career of this warrior on the left flank, highlighting his early steps, adventures across the Old Continent, and triumphant return to Brazil.

The First Steps in Gaúcho Football It all began in Caxias do Sul, a mountainous city known for wine production and passion for football. Alex Nicolao Telles came into the world on December 15, 1992, in a humble family that encouraged sports from an early age. At seven years old, he was already kicking a ball on the streets, but it was at Esporte Clube Juventude that his professional story took shape. The blue-and-white club, an icon of Gaúcho football, spotted the talent of the skinny, fast boy who stood out for his precision in passes and game vision.

In Juventude’s youth categories, Telles evolved quickly. In 2007, at just 14 years old, he was already training with the professionals. His debut with the first team came in 2011, in a match of the Campeonato Gaúcho. Right away, he showed versatility: defending firmly and supporting the attack with pinpoint crosses. Over two seasons, he played 22 games and provided four assists—modest numbers, but enough to attract international scouts. Juventude, despite financial difficulties, served as a school for the young man, teaching him the value of resilience—a lesson he would carry throughout his career.

The turning point came in 2013, when Galatasaray from Turkey bet on him for around 600,000 euros. It was his first leap outside Brazil, a challenge that would test not only his technical skills but also his cultural adaptation. In Istanbul, Telles faced intense football and fervent crowds, earning his place gradually. Over two seasons, he played 37 matches, scored one goal, and provided assists that helped the team fight for titles in the Süper Lig. That experience shaped the player: he learned to handle pressure and communicate in a multicultural environment, traits that would set him apart later on.

Consolidation in Europe: Porto and Portuguese Brilliance Back in Europe, but now in Portugal, Alex Telles found the ideal environment to explode. In 2014, FC Porto paid 5 million euros to Galatasaray and integrated him into the first team. Under coaches like Julen Lopetegui, he became an undisputed starter at left-back. His partnership with players like Danilo and Héctor Herrera was lethal: Telles not only defended but dictated the midfield rhythm with precise launches.

Between 2014 and 2020, there were 196 games for Porto, with 11 goals and 31 assists. Impressive numbers for a left-back. He helped the Dragons win three Primeira Liga titles (2017/18, 2019/20, and another), plus two Portuguese Cups. Highlight for the 2019/20 season, when he was elected the best left-back in the Portuguese league. His ability to take free kicks and penalties became a trademark—he converted nine penalties for the club, with a success rate above 80%.

Porto was also the stage for unforgettable moments in the Champions League. In 2018, Telles scored an anthological goal against Roma in an epic comeback in the round of 16. That performance put him on the radar of English giants. His tactical evolution, combined with speed and good positioning, made him one of the most coveted left-backs in Europe. But the biggest dream was knocking: the Premier League.

Manchester United: Challenges and Loans in England The year 2020 marked Alex Telles’ arrival at Manchester United for 15 million euros. Reuniting with Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba was the pinnacle of a meteoric career. Ole Gunnar Solskjær saw in him the perfect replacement for Ashley Young. However, the adaptation wasn’t as smooth as expected. The Premier League, with its physical intensity, exposed Telles’ defensive vulnerabilities, and he struggled with injuries and competition from Luke Shaw.

In 50 games for the Red Devils, he contributed four goals and 10 assists, including a beautiful shot from outside the area against PSG in the Champions League. But stumbles in big games, like against Tottenham, generated criticism. To gain rhythm, in 2022, he was loaned to Sevilla in La Liga. There, under Julen Lopetegui again, Telles revived: in 31 matches, he provided eight assists and helped the team reach the Europa League semifinals. His connection with the Portuguese coach was key to regaining confidence.

The return to United in 2023 was brief. With his contract nearing its end, Telles sought new horizons. The Premier League tested him, but also strengthened him, teaching him to deal with the British media and the pressure of Old Trafford.

Adventure in the Middle East: Al-Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo In July 2023, came the shift to Saudi Arabia. Al-Nassr, attracted by the shine of Cristiano Ronaldo, signed Telles for around 4 million euros, with a contract until June 2025. Playing alongside CR7 was a privilege: the two, former teammates at United, formed a lethal duo on the left flank. Telles provided decisive assists for the Portuguese’s goals, helping the team fight for the Saudi Pro League title.

Over two seasons, he played 60 games, scored three goals, and distributed 12 assists. Highlights include victories over Al-Hilal and a solid campaign in the AFC Champions League. Life in Riyadh brought financial stability and less physically demanding football, allowing Telles to recover from old injuries. However, the desire to return to his roots and compete in South American competitions grew. In September 2024, with his contract expiring, he opted for an amicable termination and headed back to Brazil.

Return to Brazil: Glory with Botafogo The return home was to Botafogo, on a two-and-a-half-year deal with no transfer fee. The Black-and-White, buoyed by winning the 2024 Copa Libertadores—the first in the club’s history—saw in Telles the ideal reinforcement for left-back. Under Artur Jorge, he quickly integrated into the star-studded squad, with names like Jeffinho and Tiquinho Soares.

In the 2024 season, Telles arrived in time to participate in the final stages of the Libertadores, contributing with precise crosses in the victorious campaign. The title, won in November against Atlético-MG in Buenos Aires, was a milestone: Botafogo 3-1, with Telles playing the full 90 minutes and providing an assist. He described the moment as “the most emotional of my career” in a post-game interview.

In 2025, Telles has been a key piece in the Brasileirão. By December, in 25 Série A games, he scored four goals—including a penalty against Flamengo—and provided four assists. His crossing accuracy reached 35%, one of the best among the competition’s left-backs. In the Copa do Brasil, where Botafogo advanced to the semifinals, he scored another four goals, showing an uncommon goal-scoring instinct for the position.

Defensively, he improved: with 2.5 tackles per game and 1.2 interceptions, he helped the team have the second-best defense in the championship. Injuries sidelined him for a few weeks in May, but the return was triumphant. In October, in the 2-0 victory over Palmeiras, Telles was elected man of the match, with a free-kick goal that lifted the Alvinegra crowd at Nilton Santos.

Brazilian National Team: The Yellow Dream Telles’ international career is more modest but significant. First called up in 2019 by Tite, he debuted against Peru in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. In eight games for the Canarinho, he provided two assists, but injuries and competition from Renan Lodi and Alex Sandro limited his chances. In the 2021 Copa América, he stayed on the bench.

With Dorival Júnior in 2024, Telles was called up again, playing friendlies against England and Spain. In 2025, in the qualifiers for 2026, he played three matches, including a 2-0 victory over Argentina, where he neutralized Julián Álvarez. At 32, he dreams of the World Cup in Canada, USA, and Mexico, where his European experience could be a differential.

Personal Life: Family and Legacy Off the field, Telles is a dedicated father. Married to Carolinne Souza since 2018, the couple has two children: Luísa, five years old, and Theo, two. They live in Rio de Janeiro since returning to Botafogo, and Telles often posts on social media about family moments, like Gaúcho barbecues and trips to the Gaúcho mountains. Passionate about music, he plays guitar in his downtime and supports social causes, such as football projects for underprivileged children in Caxias do Sul.

His legacy goes beyond trophies: Telles inspires young left-backs with his persistence. From a small-town boy to Libertadores champion, he proves that talent, allied with dedication, opens doors.

Recent Updates: 2025 Season and the Future In December 2025, Botafogo is experiencing a year of consolidation. With Telles at left-back, the team is fighting for the Brazilian bicampeonato, occupying second place with two games left. His performance in the 4-1 thrashing of São Paulo last weekend included a goal and an assist, earning praise from rivals. In the 2025 Libertadores, despite elimination in the round of 16 to LDU Quito—in a controversial match decided on penalties, where Telles took his with mastery—the left-back recalled in a November interview with Band the weight of that kick: “It was like reliving the 2024 final, but with more lessons.”

For 2026, rumors link Telles to a return to Europe, perhaps to Porto, but he affirms he’s happy at Glorioso. With a contract until the end of next year, his focus is the Club World Cup in June, where Botafogo will defend the continental title. At 32, Telles isn’t thinking about retirement: “I still have breath for more achievements,” he said in a recent press conference.

Alex Telles is not just a player; he’s a storyteller in football. From Caxias to Engenhão, passing through Old Trafford and Riyadh, his journey inspires. In 2025 Brazil, he continues crossing balls into the future, proving that strong roots go far.

Darwin Núñez is one of those players who steps onto the pitch and turns the game into an unpredictable spectacle. Born on the plains of Uruguay’s interior, he carries the grit of someone who came from afar to shine on the world’s grass. With his explosive speed, powerful shots, and seemingly inexhaustible energy, the 26-year-old striker has become a reference in South American and European football. Today, in December 2025, his trajectory is taking new turns with rumors of a possible return to his roots or a fresh start in more competitive leagues. Let’s dive into the story of this talent who blends genius and controversy, always with the goal as his main objective.

Humble Origins: From Artigas to the Football Dream
Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro was born on June 24, 1999, in the small city of Artigas in northern Uruguay. Son of Bibiano Núñez, a bricklayer, and Silvia Ribeiro, who sold bottles of milk to support the family, Darwin grew up in an environment of great struggle and little abundance. “Sometimes we barely had enough to eat,” the player himself recalled in past interviews, highlighting how football was his escape valve. At 5 years old, he was already kicking a ball on dusty streets, inspired by Uruguayan idols like Luis Suárez, whom he greatly admires.

At 14, destiny knocked. Scout José Perdomo, a former Uruguayan national team player, saw him training on makeshift fields and recommended him to Peñarol, the giant from Montevideo. But the path wasn’t easy. Darwin arrived in the capital, but homesickness made him return to Artigas. A year later, he came back more determined. At 16, he suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury that kept him out for over a year and required two surgeries. His older brother, Junior, quit football to work and help at home, saying: “You’re better than me at this.” This resilience shaped Núñez’s character, emerging stronger, ready to prove his worth.

First Professional Steps: Peñarol and the Explosion in Europe
Promoted to Peñarol’s first team in 2018, Darwin debuted on the right foot. His first professional goal came in October that year, in a 2-0 victory over Fénix. In his debut season, he scored 4 goals in 22 games, showing a striker’s nose and impressive athletic ability. At 1.87m tall and 78kg, he combines physical strength with agility, traits that compare him to legends like Edinson Cavani and Suárez himself.

The leap to Europe came in 2019, when Almería from Spain’s second division paid around $4.5 million for him. At 20 years old, Núñez faced the challenge of adapting to a more tactical style of football. In his first season, he found the net 16 times in 30 matches, helping the team dream of promotion to La Liga. But it was at Benfica in 2020 that he truly exploded. Signed for 24 million euros, Darwin became a key piece under Jorge Jesus. In two seasons, he scored 48 goals in 85 games, including memorable performances in the Champions League, like a hat-trick against Paços de Ferreira. His speed on counter-attacks and long-range finishes became his trademark, earning him the nickname “Agent of Chaos” for his unpredictability on the field.

Anfield and the Highs and Lows in the Premier League
In June 2022, Liverpool took a big gamble: an initial 64 million pounds (up to 86 million with bonuses) to prise Núñez from Benfica. Jürgen Klopp saw in him the perfect replacement for Sadio Mané, a striker who pressed high and ran like lightning. The debut was promising: a goal against Fulham and an insane run against Manchester City that recalled the best moments of a modernized Red.

But adapting to the Premier League wasn’t simple. Darwin scored 15 goals in his first season, but missed chances that made fans tear their hair out. Critics pointed to his “unpredictable” finishing, but defenders highlighted his collective contribution: assists, ball recoveries, and an intensity that lifted the team. In 2023/24, he shone more, with 18 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, including a brace against Bournemouth that marked his 100th senior career goal.

Under Arne Slot, Klopp’s successor in 2024/25, things changed. The 2024/25 season had highs and lows: Darwin contributed 8 goals and 3 assists in the Premier League, but accumulated yellow cards and lost rotation spots. Still, he helped Liverpool win the English title in 2025, becoming the second Uruguayan to lift the trophy after Diego Forlán. In total, in 143 games for the Reds, he scored 40 goals—solid numbers, but below the initial investment. His departure in August 2025 to Al-Hilal for 46 million pounds was seen as a necessary restart.

Uruguayan National Team: The Celeste in His Heart
Darwin debuted for the senior national team in 2019, in a friendly against Peru, scoring right away. Since then, in 35 games up to 2025, he has 13 goals, being a fundamental piece in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. In the 2024 Copa América, he was the vice-top scorer with 4 goals, including one in the semifinal against Brazil, helping Uruguay reach the final (lost to Argentina).

His connection to the Celeste is visceral. Núñez wears the shirt with pride, honoring the tradition of Suárez and Forlán. In 2025, he scored a decisive brace in the qualifiers against Brazil, reinforcing his importance to Bielsa. Off the field, he is an ambassador for social causes in Uruguay, visiting underprivileged communities and encouraging young people from humble backgrounds.

Playing Style: Speed, Strength, and a Touch of Magic
What makes Darwin special is his versatility as a modern center-forward. He presses defenders like few others, with sprints reaching 35 km/h, and uses his body to impose himself in the box. His shots from outside the area are lethal, and he loves heading in crosses. Compared to Suárez for his goal hunger, Núñez adds creative chaos: short dribbles, quick pivots, and an tireless work ethic.

But not everything is rosy. His sometimes rushed finishes generate memes and debates. Still, coaches praise his tactical evolution. At Liverpool, Klopp said: “He runs like every game is his last.” In 2025, his stats show 118 goals in 312 club games, with 42 assists—impressive numbers for a still-young player.

Personal Life: Family, Love, and Balance
Off the four lines, Darwin is a dedicated father. Married to Lorena Manas since 2019, the couple has a son, also named Darwin, born in January 2022. Lorena, a model and influencer, is his safe harbor, accompanying him through country changes. They live in a modest mansion in Montevideo during vacations, prioritizing privacy.

Núñez is a fan of Uruguayan barbecues and folk music, but avoids excessive spotlights. His estimated fortune of 15 million euros comes from salaries (160 thousand euros weekly at Al-Hilal) and sponsorships with Adidas. He donates to NGOs in Artigas, building soccer fields for underprivileged children—a way to give back to his roots.

Recent Updates: Exit Rumors and an Uncertain Future
In August 2025, Darwin swapped Anfield for Saudi Arabia, signing a five-year deal with Al-Hilal for 46 million pounds. The club, seeking a replacement for Neymar (who returned to Santos), saw him as the ideal reinforcement for the Saudi League. In his first months, he played 11 matches, scoring important goals and adapting to Riyadh’s scorching heat. But in December 2025, winds of change are blowing.

Reports from Argentina’s Olé newspaper indicate dissatisfaction with limited playing time. With an annual salary of 24 million euros, Núñez was offered to River Plate, but negotiations stalled due to the high cost. Brazilian clubs like Flamengo and Vasco da Gama have emerged in rumors, attracted by his South American grit. On X (formerly Twitter), Flamengo fans dream of him alongside Pedro, while Vasco supporters joke about a “killer” in São Januário for the 2026 Libertadores.

Other options include returns to Europe, like Chelsea or Milan, who admire his potential. Alisson Becker, his former Liverpool teammate, lamented the departure: “Darwin made a difference with goals and fight.” At 26, Núñez is at his physical peak and seeks stability. His priority? Play more and shine again, wherever it may be.

Legacy in the Making: Why Darwin Continues to Fascinate
Darwin Núñez isn’t perfect, but he’s authentic. From a poor boy in Artigas to a global star, his journey inspires millions. He won the Premier League, shone in the Champions, and carries the Celeste on his back. With 100 senior career goals up to 2025, the Uruguayan proves that talent and determination overcome origins.

What does the future hold? A return to South America to conquer the Libertadores? Or a restart in Europe to silence critics? One thing is certain: wherever Darwin treads, the goal will tremble. And the fans, as always, will cheer with every mad run and bold finish. Because in football, as in life, Núñez’s chaos is what makes everything more alive.

Introduction: An Unforgettable Journey on the Pitch
Jamie Vardy is one of those names that echoes around stadiums like a roar of victory. Born on 11 January 1987 in Sheffield, England, this 38-year-old striker embodies the pure essence of football: grit, perseverance, and a goal-scoring instinct that seems to defy time. From humble beginnings, through non-league football all the way to shining in Europe’s elite, Vardy is not just a player — he is an inspiration for anyone who dreams of making it as a professional. Today, in December 2025, he is writing a new chapter in Italy’s Serie A, proving once again that age is just a number when you have passion for the game. Let’s dive into the story of this English football icon, exploring his early steps, epic achievements, and what the future might hold.

The First Steps: From Sheffield to the Lower Leagues
It all began in a working-class family in the Hillsborough area of Sheffield. Son of Richard Gill and Lisa Clewes, Vardy grew up without his biological father and took the surname of his stepfather, Phil Vardy. A die-hard Sheffield Wednesday fan, he idolised striker David Hirst and absorbed the fierce local rivalry with Sheffield United as a life lesson. At 16, however, came the first setback: he was released from Wednesday’s academy and suddenly found himself without a club.

Undeterred, Vardy threw himself into non-league football. In 2006 he joined Stocksbridge Park Steels, a modest club in the Northern Premier League. Over four seasons he played 88 games and scored 40 goals, helping them win the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup and earn promotion in 2008–09. His explosive pace and predatory instinct were already turning heads, but money was tight — he worked as a technician in a factory making medical splints to make ends meet.

The big break came in 2010 with FC Halifax Town. In a single season he scored 26 goals in 37 appearances and won the Northern Premier League Premier Division title. Voted Player of the Year by his peers, Vardy showed he was more than just potential. The following year he moved to Fleetwood Town, where he truly exploded: 31 league goals in 36 games, the Conference Premier title, promotion to the Football League, and the division’s Player of the Year award. At 25 years old, his career was finally taking off — but nobody could have predicted what was to come.

The Rise with Leicester City: From Miracle to Eternal Glory
In May 2012, Leicester City took a huge gamble: they paid a then-record £1 million (potentially rising to £1.7 m with add-ons) for a non-league player. Under Nigel Pearson, Vardy helped win the EFL Championship in 2013–14 with 16 goals. But the real fairy tale began in the Premier League.

The 2015–16 season is the stuff of legend. With Claudio Ranieri in charge, the Foxes defied odds of 5,000–1 to win the title. Vardy was the heartbeat of the attack: he scored in 11 consecutive Premier League games (breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record) and finished with 24 goals. Named Premier League Player of the Season and FWA Footballer of the Year, he lifted the trophy as the factory worker turned national hero.

The following years only cemented his legacy. In 2019–20, at the age of 33, he won the Premier League Golden Boot with 23 goals — the oldest player ever to do so. In 2021 came the FA Cup (Leicester’s first ever) and the Community Shield. As captain in 2023–24, he led the club back to the top flight by winning the Championship again with 18 goals. In total: 500 appearances, 200 goals for Leicester (183 in the league from 440 games). His farewell on 18 May 2025 against Ipswich Town was emotional — he scored his 200th goal in his 500th match, closing 13 glorious years. Despite the club’s reluctance after another relegation, Vardy left as an undisputed legend, with the King Power Stadium in tears.

International Career: Wearing the Three Lions
Club success was matched on the international stage. Vardy debuted for England in June 2015, scoring against the Republic of Ireland. In 26 caps he scored 7 goals, playing key roles at Euro 2016 (scoring against Wales) and the 2018 World Cup. Memorable strikes include friendlies against Germany and Italy in 2016.

He retired from international football in August 2018, saying he would only return in an injury crisis — which never happened. Still, he left his mark as proof that talent can emerge from anywhere.

Personal Life: Family, Challenges and Off-Field Legacy
Off the pitch, Vardy is a man of contrasts. Married to Rebekah Nicholson since 2016 (together since 2014), he has four biological children (three with Rebekah) and two stepchildren. Family is his anchor, though they haven’t escaped the headlines — Rebekah’s high-profile 2022 legal dispute with Coleen Rooney made global news. Vardy prefers privacy and focuses on good causes.

His youth wasn’t easy. In 2007 he was convicted of assault and wore an electronic tag. In 2015 he apologised for racist remarks in a casino. But he turned lessons into action: in 2015 he founded the V9 Academy, a programme that gives non-league youngsters scholarships and exposure. Today he is a brand ambassador and investor, yet remains remarkably grounded.

Recent Updates: A New Chapter in Italy
In April 2025, Leicester confirmed Vardy’s departure after 13 unforgettable seasons. He turned down offers from MLS and Everton, choosing instead a new European challenge. On 1 September 2025 he joined Serie A side Cremonese on a free transfer for one year (with an extension clause if they avoid relegation). At 38, he took a significant pay cut, motivated purely by the chance to conquer another league.

The impact was instant. By the end of November he had 4 goals in 9 appearances. The highlight came on 1 December 2025 against Bologna: a brilliant brace — one in each half — secured a 3–1 victory, ended Bologna’s unbeaten home record, and stopped Cremonese’s poor run. Vardy, who joked that the pouring rain in Bologna reminded him of England, now has 6 Serie A goals. Manager Davide Nicola praised his winning mentality: “He brings quality and a spirit we were missing.” Fans and pundits alike marvel at a veteran who still runs like he’s 25.

Conclusion: Sheffield’s Eternal Golden Boy
Jamie Vardy is far more than statistics — 200 goals for Leicester, unlikely titles, broken records. He is living proof that football rewards the stubborn, the ones who fall and get back up. From Stocksbridge to Cremona, his journey inspires: start small, dream big. At 38, with a contract until at least 2026 and still hungry for more, Vardy keeps writing his story. Who knows what’s next — an extension at Cremonese, a Club World Cup, or even a return to England? One thing is certain: wherever he plays, he will carry the shine of an eternal champion.