Rafael Núñez (footballer)

Rafael Núñez
Personal information
Full name	Rafael Leonardo Núñez Mata
Date of birth	25 January 2002 (age 22)
Place of birth	Bonao, Dominican Republic
Position(s)	Winger
Team information
Current team	Elche B
Number	11
Youth career
	Rayo Vallecano
2015–2021	Atlético Madrid
Senior career*
Years	Team
2021	Atlético Madrid B
2021	→ Atlético Ottawa (loan)
2022–2023	Almería B
2023–	Elche B
2023–	Elche
International career‡
2021–	Dominican Republic U23
2022–	Dominican Republic
	*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16 September 2023; ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 14 June 2022

Rafael Leonardo Núñez Mata (born 25 January 2002) is a Dominican professional footballer who plays as a winger for Spanish club Elche CF Ilicitano.

Early life

Núñez was born in Bonao, Dominican Republic and grew up in Spain.^[1]

In 2015, Núñez joined the academy program of La Liga side Atlético Madrid.^[1] In June 2021, he went on loan with Atléti-owned Canadian Premier League side Atlético Ottawa.^[1] He made his professional debut on June 26 against FC Edmonton.

In March 2021, Núñez represented the Dominican Republic at the 2020 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship, making three appearances.^[1]