Valentín Carboni: the European promise Racing needed to dream big

At 20 years old, Valentín Carboni has already built a professional career that most footballers take decades to achieve. From his early days at Lanús to his stints with prestigious Italian and French clubs, the left winger has established a reputation as a different kind of talent. Today, at Racing, he seeks to regain prominence and keep alive his aspirations to represent Argentina in the next World Cup.

From Child Promise to Key Signing: Carboni’s Journey

His story begins at Lanús, where he was identified as an exceptional talent from his earliest categories. Leandro Escudero, the fitness coach at that time, recalls: “He was clearly the best youth football player I’ve seen. Made a big difference and had many qualities of a grown-up player even though he was small.” Rodrigo Acosta, another of his coaches in the youth ranks at Lanús, agrees: “He was a different player since he was a kid.”

What set Valentín Carboni apart from a young age wasn’t just his talent with the ball, but his unusual tactical maturity. His coaches remember his analytical ability and understanding of the game: “He had abstract thoughts that kids usually don’t have at a young age, like making a pass into space,” Escudero explains. This trait wasn’t accidental: it came from a family that experienced football holistically. His father, Ezequiel Kely Carboni, a former Lanús midfielder and now coach, instilled in his children a philosophy where tactical analysis was as important as execution.

The European Leap and the Search for Continuity

When Ezequiel Kely was hired to coach at Catania’s youth teams, the whole family moved to Italy. Carboni was just a teenager, but his potential had already caught the attention of major Italian clubs. Inter signed him for their Primavera team when he was 14. Simultaneously, Italy’s U-17 national team called him up for his performances, an opportunity Carboni seized to showcase his level.

However, his heart remained in Argentina. “I accepted Italy’s call-up because Argentina wasn’t calling me. I wanted to show myself, but as soon as my country called, I didn’t hesitate,” Carboni explains about his decision to represent Argentina at youth levels. After playing 11 matches with Italy’s youth team, he fully focused on the Argentine national team.

Recognition came quickly. In 2024, Lionel Scaloni included him in the Copa América squad, where Carboni was part of the two-time continental champion team. It was a significant milestone: competing in a top-level international tournament, surrounded by icons like Lionel Messi, who was one of his earliest advocates.

Challenges in Europe: Genoa and the Need for Change

Despite his talent, Carboni didn’t have the expected continuity during his loan spell at Genoa. In 15 matches, he scored only one goal and provided no assists. His playing time was significantly reduced with the arrival of coach Daniele De Rossi, who gave him just 77 minutes across five games. Previously, at Olympique Marseille, he had the chance to work under Roberto De Zerbi, whom he values as a coach who taught him “a lot in a short time,” until a ligament tear in October 2024 sidelined him from competitions.

Inter, owner of his rights until December 2028, decided it was time for Carboni to gain experience with another club. The neroazzurri’s goal is for him to get regular playing time, considering Lautaro Martínez is currently the team captain.

Racing: The Opportunity to Return Home

When the possibility of joining Racing arose, Carboni considered options in Italy but decided that the club was the right place at this point in his career. “I decided with my heart. I had other options in Italy, but I felt Racing was the place for this stage of my career,” he said during his presentation. His brothers Franco and Cristiano, also footballers, are part of his advisory circle, in a family where football is everyday language.

Gustavo Costas, who manages Racing with high ambitions for 2026, immediately trusted the winger. “I don’t want to praise him too much to avoid adding more pressure,” said the coach, showing his sense of responsibility for the young player’s development. The initial training sessions left positive impressions: “From the first ball he touched, it was clear he’s different,” his new teammates agreed.

Messi Supports, Scaloni Trusts, Lautaro Encourages

The backing of world-class figures isn’t coincidental. A few years ago, Messi already spoke highly of Carboni: “I think he has a great future. A present and a future to be proud of, and we should take advantage of it. He’s a different player.” This assessment from the Argentine star remains valid.

Scaloni also monitors his progress. The Argentina coach understands the importance of players with international potential having regular playing time. “As long as he returns to his level, he can have the chance to be with us. I’m happy with his decision; at this age, playing is important,” the strategist said after Carboni’s arrival at Racing.

Even Lautaro Martínez, Inter’s captain, supported the winger’s decision: “He told me to go for it,” Carboni recounts about the advice from the Argentine striker, who knows well the challenges of developing in Italian football.

Valentín Carboni’s World Cup Aspirations

Regarding his short-term goals, Carboni is realistic: “The World Cup is a goal, an objective every Argentine player has, but it’s not the main thing. First, I need to play, have continuity, and do well. I didn’t come to Racing just for the national team.” Still, he doesn’t hide his dream: participating in the 2026 World Cup with Argentina.

The challenge is clear: most of Scaloni’s squad for the next World Cup is already set, meaning Carboni must make an undeniable impact at Racing to earn his place. This requires not only talent but consistency in domestic competition.

A Footballer Who Learns by Watching

Beyond his technical qualities, what sets Valentín Carboni apart is his mindset. He’s a player who studies the game, analyzes matches even before becoming an elite footballer. “He started watching more Racing matches in detail since the possibility of joining arose,” he revealed during his presentation. This intellectual approach to football, inherited from his father, distinguishes him from players who rely solely on instinct.

He’s also aware of the importance of physical care. His coaches describe him as disciplined, someone who “likes to train” and understands that physical development is as crucial as technical skill. Standing 1.88 meters tall with an imposing physique combined with skill, he possesses characteristics that are rare in modern wingers.

Debut and Next Steps

His first official match with Racing took place in the Apertura Tournament, marking the beginning of a phase where he will have the chance to prove why so many Argentine national team figures trust his potential. The Cilindro de Avellaneda, with its history of connection between team and fans, could be the stage where Valentín Carboni rediscover his best form.

Step by step, his goal is to become a key player for Costas’ team and, subsequently, justify his inclusion in future Argentina national team call-ups. If he manages to regain the continuity lost in Europe and delivers a standout performance with Racing, Valentín Carboni’s World Cup dream will cease to be an illusion and become a tangible reality in 2026.