Valentín Barco

Valentín Barco (born 23 July 2004) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a left-back or wide midfielder for club Brighton & Hove Albion and the Argentina national team. He was included in The Guardian's "Next Generation" list for 2021.

Boca Juniors
In 2021, Barco was scouted by Argentine club Boca Juniors and immediately signed his professional contract. On 16 July 2021, he made his professional debut at 16 years old in a 1–1 draw against Unión. On 29 June 2023, he scored his first goal for the club in a 4–0 win over Monagas in the Copa Libertadores. 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. He continued to fulfil his promise for Boca, when on 10 August 2023, during their game vs Club Nacional De Football in the Copa Libertadores quarter-final, 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 5th of 5 for Boca, and scored the decisive penalty to take them to the semi-finals.

In the semi-finals, Boca met Brazilian side Palmeiras. The first leg finished 0-0 at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires. During the return leg in Brazil, Barco famously 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 tie, 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.

At the age of 19, Barco had cemented his place in the starting 11 for Boca and started in the 2023 Copa Libertadores Final against Fluminense. He played 78 minutes before being substituted for fellow youth product Luca Langoni. Boca lost the final 2-1 after extra time, courtesy of goals by German Cano and [].

Brighton & Hove Albion
On 20 January 2024, Barco transferred to English Premier League side 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.

International career
On 23 March 2024, Barco debuted for the Argentine senior squad on 23 March 2024 in a friendly match against El Salvador.

Style of play
Barco has been described as one of Argentina's most exciting youth prospects. He normally plays as a marauding full-back who can make forward runs and create chances for his teammates. He has also been noted for his versatility, having played as a winger.