A Journey from Villa Fiorito to the Bundesliga
Facundo Medina's footballing journey began in the city of Villa Fiorito, in the southern part of the Greater Buenos Aires urban conurbation. Growing up in the same city as Diego Maradona, Medina's early life was marked by hardship. He used to work as a 'Cartonero', collecting recyclable materials to help support his family financially prior to joining River Plate's academy at the age of 12. This tough upbringing has undoubtedly shaped Medina into the player he is today.
A Breakthrough in France
Medina's first taste of senior international football came whilst on the books of Talleres, with whom he made 37 appearances in all competitions between January 2018 and July 2020. However, it was in France that he truly announced his arrival on the football scene. Joining Ligue 1 side Lens in July 2020, Medina netted an outrageous overhead kick in just his third appearance in a 3-2 victory away to Lorient. This stunning goal caught the attention of fans and pundits alike, and it wasn't long before he was handed his first senior international cap under coach Lionel Scaloni in a FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying victory over Bolivia in October 2020.
A Move to Marseille and the World Cup
After a five-year stint in Lens, Medina traded the north of France for the south, joining Marseille ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. He made 26 appearances in all competitions en route to a fifth-placed Ligue 1 finish, while his performances also earned him a spot in Argentina's 26-man squad for the World Cup 2026. Medina earned five caps in the tournament, including a 50-minute cameo in the final, as Scaloni's men finished runners-up.
A New Chapter in Germany
Medina's impressive performances in the World Cup have caught the attention of Bayer Leverkusen, who have signed him ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. The 27-year-old centre-back will be hoping to emulate the success of fellow defender Piero Hincapié, who was part of the historic undefeated, double-winning team of 2023/24. With his versatility, intelligence, and energy, Medina is sure to be a valuable addition to Die Werkself's squad.
What the Experts Say
Former Lens head coach Franck Haise has praised Medina's ability to switch seamlessly between a back four and a back three, saying: "He has the intelligence and the energy to adapt, whether he's defending wide or centrally." Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has also expressed his delight at signing Medina, saying: "He's a player who excels in one-on-one situations: assertive and aggressive. Facundo's qualities add an important element to our squad's profile."
A Bright Future Ahead
With his impressive CV and his ability to adapt to different situations, Facundo Medina is sure to be a key player for Bayer Leverkusen in the 2026/27 campaign. As he looks to make a name for himself in the Bundesliga, fans will be eagerly watching to see how he performs in his new surroundings. One thing is for sure - with his talent and determination, Medina is sure to make a lasting impact on the German football scene.