Luciano Valente (footballer, born 2003)

Luciano Valente (born 4 October 2003) is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for club Groningen. Born in the Netherlands, he represents Italy at international level.

Club career
Born in Groningen, Valente started playing football at local club GVAV-Rapiditas, before joining Groningen's youth sector in 2014. He subsequently came through the club's ranks, winning a national under-17 championship in 2019 in the process. In July 2021, he signed his first professional contract with Groningen and started training with the first team.

On 14 August 2022, Valente made his professional debut for Groningen, coming in as a substitute for Laros Duarte at the 79th minute of the Eredivisie match against Ajax, which ended in a 6–1 defeat for his side. On September 8, the midfielder extended his contract with the club until 2026, with an option for another season.

On 8 December 2023, Valente scored his first brace in a 2–0 league win over Telstar.

International career
Being born from an Italian father and a Dutch mother, Valente has been able to choose to represent either countries internationally.

He went on to represent the former country at various youth international levels, having featured for the Italian under-19 and under-20 national teams.

Style of play
Valente is an attacking midfielder, who can also play in several positions through the middle. He has been praised for his strength and his positioning, as well as his ability to create chances, either for himself or his team-mates.

Personal life
His father, Roberto, is Italian and works at a local pizzeria in Haren.