Valentina Raposo is an Argentine field hockey player recognized for her defensive skills, maturity, and impact with both the national team (Las Leonas) and her club, Popeye. She is widely regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in international hockey.
Early Life and Background
-
Full Name: Valentina Raposo Ruiz de los Llanos
-
Date of Birth: January 28, 2003
-
Place of Birth: Salta, Argentina
-
Height: 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
-
Weight: 64 kg (141 lb)
-
Position: Defender
-
Club: Popeye (Salta, Argentina)
-
Nickname: “Rapi”
Career Highlights
-
National Team Debut: 2021, as the youngest player on the Argentina senior team at age 18
-
Olympic Medals:
-
Silver: Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), becoming the second-youngest Argentine Olympic medalist (after Gabriela Sabatini) and the first from Salta to win an Olympic medal
-
Bronze: Paris 2024 Olympics, after Argentina defeated Belgium in the penalty shootout for third place
-
-
Pan American Games:
-
Gold Medalist: Santiago 2023, securing Olympic qualification for Paris 2024
-
-
Junior World Cup:
-
Key player for Las Leoncitas, Argentina’s U21 team, with strong performances and multiple goals
-
-
World Cup Experience:
-
Played both junior and senior World Cups within months in 2022, scoring her first senior World Cup goal against Spain
-
Playing Profile
-
Strengths:
-
Vision, defensive composure, and physical presence
-
Potent on penalty corners and set pieces
-
Leadership and poise beyond her years
-
-
Style:
-
Modern defender: combines technical skill, tactical intelligence, and the ability to contribute offensively
-
Notable Facts
-
Scored two goals at the Tokyo Olympics, including one in her debut match and another in the quarterfinals
-
Nominated for FIH Rising Star of the Year in 2021
-
Known for her calm demeanor—her nickname “Rapi” is ironically due to her relaxed, unhurried style
FAQs About Valentina Raposo
What position does Valentina Raposo play?
Defender
Which club does she play for?
Popeye (Salta, Argentina)
How old is Valentina Raposo?
22 (born January 28, 2003; as of June 2025)
What are her main achievements?
Olympic silver and bronze medals, Pan American Games gold, key roles in junior and senior World Cups
What is her playing style?
Composed, technically skilled defender with strong vision and set-piece ability
Conclusion
Valentina Raposo is one of Argentina’s brightest hockey talents, already a double Olympic medalist and a cornerstone of the national team’s defense at just 22 years old.
