Rafael Núñez (footballer)

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Núñez and the second or maternal family name is Mata.

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

Rafael Núñez

Personal information
Full name	Rafael Leonardo Núñez Mata[1]
Date of birth	(2002-01-25) 25 January 2002 (age 23)[1]
Place of birth	Bonao, Dominican Republic
Height	1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)[1]
Position(s)	Winger
Team information
Current team	Elche
Youth career
	Rayo Vallecano
2015–2021	Atlético Madrid
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2021	Atlético Madrid B	0	(0)
2021	→ Atlético Ottawa (loan)	25	(0)
2022–2023	Almería B	43	(5)
2023–2024	Elche B	23	(6)
2023–	Elche	14	(1)
2025	→ Cartagena (loan)	14	(1)
International career‡
2021–	Dominican Republic U23	3	(0)
2024	Dominican Republic Olympic	3	(1)
2022–	Dominican Republic	14	(3)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 26 May 2025 ‡ National team caps and goals as of 21 June 2025

Early life

Núñez was born in Bonao, Dominican Republic and grew up in Spain.^[2]

Club career

Atlético Madrid

In 2015, Núñez joined the academy program of La Liga side Atlético Madrid.^[2] In June 2021, he went on loan with Atléti-owned Canadian Premier League side Atlético Ottawa.^[2] He made his professional debut on June 26 against FC Edmonton.

Elche

Loan to Cartagena

On 3 February 2025, Núñez moved on loan to Cartagena until the end of the second-tier season.^[3]

International career

In March 2021, Núñez represented the Dominican Republic at the 2020 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship, making three appearances.^[2]