Facundo Buonanotte

Argentine footballer.

Buonanotte's football journey began in his hometown of Pérez, Argentina. He joined the Rosario Central youth academy at the age of 10, where he quickly stood out as an exceptional talent. Considered one of the club's most promising academy graduates since Ángel Di María, Buonanotte progressed through various youth levels, honing his skills and developing his tactical understanding of the game. His performances in Rosario Central's youth teams caught the attention of both domestic and international scouts. On May 13, 2022, Buonanotte made his professional debut for Rosario Central in a Copa Argentina match against Sol de Mayo, marking the beginning of his senior career.

Early life & youth football

Professional career

Buonanotte has quickly emerged as one of the most promising young talents in world football. His career, though still in its early stages, has been marked by rapid progression and impressive performances at both club and international levels. Buonanotte's journey in football began at the age of 10 when he joined the youth academy of Rosario Central, one of Argentina's most prestigious clubs. Known for producing talents like Ángel Di María, Rosario Central recognized Buonanotte's potential early on.

He progressed through various youth levels, honing his skills and developing his tactical understanding of the game. The young Argentine's professional debut came on February 11, 2022, when he came on as a substitute for Rosario Central against Arsenal de Sarandí in the Argentine Primera División. This marked the beginning of his senior career, and he quickly made an impact. On May 13, 2022, Buonanotte showcased his composure under pressure by scoring the winning penalty in a Copa Argentina shootout victory over Sol de Mayo.

Recognizing his potential, Rosario Central moved swiftly to secure Buonanotte's future. On May 14, 2022, just a day after his heroics in the Copa Argentina, he signed his first professional contract with the club. This decision would prove to be a wise one, as Buonanotte continued to impress in the following months. A significant milestone in Buonanotte's career came on July 8, 2022, when he scored his first senior goal in a 1-0 Argentine Primera División win over Sarmiento.

This goal not only demonstrated his ability to perform at the senior level but also hinted at his potential to become a key player for Rosario Central. Throughout the 2022 season, Buonanotte made a total of 34 appearances for Rosario Central across all competitions, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists. His performances in the Argentine Primera División and Copa de la Liga caught the attention of several European clubs, setting the stage for the next chapter in his career. On January 1, 2023, Buonanotte made a significant move in his career, joining Premier League club Brighton for an estimated fee of £5.

3 million, with an additional £5.3 million dependent on performance-related add-ons. This transfer marked his transition from South American to European football, presenting new challenges and opportunities for the young midfielder. Buonanotte's adaptation to English football was impressive.

Despite the significant step up in competition, he quickly established himself as a valuable member of Brighton's squad. In the 2023-24 Premier League season, Buonanotte made 27 appearances, including 10 starts, scoring 3 goals. His ability to impact games, whether starting or coming off the bench, demonstrated his versatility and importance to the team. Beyond the Premier League, Buonanotte also gained valuable experience in European competition.

He made 5 appearances in the Europa League, helping Brighton navigate their European campaign. This exposure to continental football at such a young age has undoubtedly contributed to his rapid development. Buonanotte's performances in domestic cup competitions further highlighted his potential. He scored a goal in 4 FA Cup appearances, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure knockout matches.

His contributions across all competitions totaled 40 appearances, 4 goals, and 2 assists for Brighton in the 2023-24 season.

National team

Internationally, Buonanotte has represented Argentina at youth and senior levels. He was called up to the Argentina U20 team for the 2022 Maurice Revello Tournament and the 2023 South American Championship. His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the senior national team in March 2023. Buonanotte made his senior debut on June 19, 2023, in a friendly match against Indonesia, showcasing his potential on the international stage and hinting at a promising future for Argentina's national team.

Player’s style

Buonanotte's style of play is characterized by his technical ability, creativity, and versatility. As an attacking midfielder or winger, he excels in tight spaces, using his low center of gravity, agility, and quick changes of direction to evade defenders. His excellent ball control and dribbling skills allow him to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. Buonanotte possesses a good passing range and vision, often providing key passes and through balls in the final third.

Despite his small stature, he shows tenacity in defensive contributions and pressing. His left foot is his strongest, but he's working on improving his weaker right foot. Buonanotte's intelligent movement off the ball and ability to find space make him a constant threat in attacking positions. His style has drawn comparisons to Argentine legend Andrés D'Alessandro, highlighting his potential to become a top-class playmaker.