Valentín Barco

Boca Juniors

In 2021, Barco signed his professional contract. On 16 July 2021, he made his professional debut at 16 years old in a 1–1 draw against Unión. He was included in The Guardian's "Next Generation" list for 2021. On 29 June 2023, Barco scored his first goal for the club in a 4–0 victory against 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 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. 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…

Barco debuted for the Argentine senior squad on 23 March 2024 in a friendly match against El Salvador. He scored his first international goal in the stoppage time of a 5–0 victory over Zambia on 1 April 2026. Barco was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During the tournament, he played against Jordan in a group stage match which Argentina won 3–1. In the Semi-final against England, which resulted in 2–1 win for Argentina, he was an unused substitute. During the match, Barco celebrated the winning goal by running from the substitutes bench, away from his teammates and towards the England players. After the match ended, he was slapped on the back of his head by England's Jude Bellingham, after supposedly insulting him behind his back.

Barco has been described as one of Argentina's most intriguing youth prospects. He has played 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, and more recently as a central midfielder.

Club

As of match played 30 August 2026

International

As of match played 27 June 2026

Argentina score listed first, score column indicates score after each Barco goal.