Valentín Barco

Boca Juniors

In 2021, Barco was scouted by Argentine club Boca Juniors and immediately signed his professional contract.^[4] On 16 July 2021, he made his professional debut at 16 years old in a 1–1 draw against Unión.^{[5][6][better source needed]} He was included in The Guardian's "Next Generation" list for 2021.^[7]

On 29 June 2023, Barco scored his first goal for the club in a 4–0 victory against Monagas in the Copa Libertadores.^{[8][better source needed]} Less than one month later on 24 July, he scored his first league goal in a 2–1 victory against Newell's Old Boys after converting a cross from Pol Fernández.^{[9][better source needed]} He continued to fulfil his promise for Boca, when on 10 August 2023, during their game against Nacional Montevideo in the Copa Libertadores round of 16, produced a dominant display for the blue and gold, displaying creativity key to both Boca goals. Boca were pegged back twice during the 90 minutes of regulation play and with the game at 2–2 on the night and on aggregate, it went to penalties. Barco stepped up fifth of five for Boca and scored the decisive penalty to take them to the semi-finals.^{[citation needed]}

In the semi-finals, Boca faced Brazilian club Palmeiras. The first leg finished goalless at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires. During the return leg in Brazil, Barco stood on the ball with both feet whilst in possession, a move that at his young age in a Copa Libertadores semi-final, stunned the Palmeiras players, fans and South American critics alike. It was a move that garnered many headlines, despite a counter-attacking goal by Edinson Cavani and a red card being shown to Marcos Rojo. The draw, once again for Boca – with a 1–1 aggregate score – went to a penalty shootout. They won the shootout 4–2, courtesy of a heroic display by goalkeeper Sergio Romero.^{[citation needed]}

At the age of 19, Barco played as a starter for Boca in the 2023 Copa Libertadores final against Fluminense.^{[citation needed]} He played 78 minutes before being replaced by fellow youth product Luca Langoni.^{[citation needed]} Boca lost the final 2–1 after extra time, courtesy of goals by German Cano and John Kennedy.^{[citation needed]}

Playing abroad

On 20 January 2024, Barco transferred to English Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee – reported to be around $10 million (€9.1 million) – signing a four-and-a-half year contract until 30 June 2028.^[10][11] On 23 August 2024, Barco moved to La Liga club Sevilla on loan for the 2024–25 season without buy option.^[12]

On 2 February 2025, Barco moved on another loan, this time to Ligue 1 club Strasbourg.^[13] On 2 July 2025, he moved to Strasbourg permanently for a fee of £7.87 million.^[14]

Club

As of match played 19 March 2026^[19]

International

As of match played 22 March 2024