Valente

Luciano Valente (born 4 October 2003) is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Eredivisie club Feyenoord. Born to an Italian father and a Dutch mother, he currently plays for the Netherlands at the youth international level, having represented Italy at the Under-20 level in the past.

Club career Groningen 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 in the 79th minute of the Eredivisie match against Ajax, which ended in a 6–1 defeat for his side. On 8 September 2023, the midfielder extended his contract with the club until 2026, with an option for another season. Groningen eventually finished bottom of the Eredivisie that season, ending their 23-year stay in the league.

On 29 October 2023, Valente scored his first professional goal, during a 2–1 defeat to Cambuur in the Eerste Divisie. On 8 December 2023, he scored his first brace in a 2–0 league win over Telstar. Groningen promoted back to the Eredivisie that season, finishing as runners-up to Willem II. Valente scored his first Eredivisie goal on 22 September 2024, during a 2–1 derby defeat to Heerenveen. On 14 May 2025, in what turned out to be his final game for Groningen, Valente was sent off with a red card for the first time, during a 2–2 draw against Ajax.

Feyenoord On 2 July 2025, Valente signed a four-year contract at Feyenoord, which paid a reported fee of around € 7 million for him to Groningen. At Feyenoord, Valente would play with squad number 40.