Emiliano Buendía Stati

Emiliano Buendía received his early football education at Cadetes de San Martín before moving to Spain as a child to join the prestigious Real Madrid youth academy.

Emiliano Buendía began his senior professional career at Getafe CF in Spain, making his debut in La Liga as a teenager. After a productive loan spell at Cultural Leonesa, his career truly took flight when he moved to England to join Norwich City in 2018. During his time with the Canaries, he became a household name, twice helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League. He was named the EFL Championship Player of the Season for 2020-2021 after a record-breaking campaign of assists.

In the summer of 2021, Buendía moved to Aston Villa in a high-profile transfer worth approximately $45 million, making him the club's record signing at the time. He quickly integrated into the squad, showcasing his creativity and flair in the Premier League. However, his progress was severely interrupted in August 2023 when he suffered a significant ACL injury just before the start of the season. This required a long and grueling rehabilitation process that kept him out for the entire 2023-2024 campaign.

Showing immense resilience, Buendía returned to competitive action in late 2024, gradually regaining his place in the Aston Villa starting lineup under manager Unai Emery. During the 2025-2026 season, he has been a consistent performer, helping the club maintain its status as a regular contender for European spots. His vision and link-up play with teammates like Ollie Watkins have been central to Villa's attacking success. His technical quality has remained sharp despite the time away from the pitch.

On the international stage, Buendía made his senior debut for Argentina in February 2022. While he narrowly missed out on the final 2022 World Cup squad, he has remained a highly valued member of the national team pool. His ability to provide a different creative profile has seen him earn frequent call-ups during the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle. He continues to push for a prominent role in major upcoming international tournaments.

By May 2026, Buendía has surpassed 150 appearances for Aston Villa and remains a fan favorite at Villa Park. His market value has stabilized as he continues to deliver consistent performances at the highest level of English football. His career is a blueprint for technical attackers adapting to the physicality of the Premier League. He stands as a key figure in the next chapter of both his club's and country's offensive development.

Emiliano Buendía was born and raised in Mar del Plata, Argentina, and maintains a very close relationship with his family and his roots. He moved to Spain at the age of 11 to join Real Madrid, a transition that required significant maturity and independence early in life. He is known for his professional and humble personality, often credited by his coaches for his exemplary work ethic during training sessions.

He is married to his long-time partner, Claudia, and the couple has two sons named Thiago and Giovanni. His family was a primary source of support during his long recovery from his knee injury in 2023 and 2024. The family currently lives in the West Midlands region of England, where they have fully adapted to life and the local culture. Emi frequently shares glimpses of his family life and his role as a dedicated father on social media.

Off the field, Buendía is a fan of traditional Argentine customs and enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and dogs. He is also interested in music and remains a passionate follower of Argentine domestic football. He is involved in various charitable initiatives in Mar del Plata, particularly those focused on supporting local youth sports clubs. His humble nature and dedication to his craft have made him a respected figure in every club he has represented.