Valentino Yuel

Valentino Kuach Yuel (born 12 October 1994) is a professional footballer who plays as a winger. Born in Kenya and raised in Australia, he plays for the South Sudan national team.

Early life Valentino Kuach Yuel was born on 12 October 1994 in Kakuma, Kenya, the son of South Sudanese refugees. His early years were spent in refugee camps, before his parents were able to migrate to Australia, where they settled in Adelaide, South Australia, along with his six siblings. Yuel was 10 years old upon arrival in Adelaide, and was unable to speak English at first, but started attending school in Adelaide and soon became fluent.

He first played for a local community club, the Plympton Bulldogs, in the southern Adelaide suburb of Plympton Park. He left the club at the end of the 2019–20 season.

Newcastle Jets Following 2.5 months without a club, including a trial period, Yuel joined Newcastle Jets on a two-year contract.

After not scoring for Western United in 9 appearances for the club, Yuel looked to prove himself in the A-League with Newcastle Jets. Yuel started strong, scoring 3 goals in 3 matches, however Yuel was kept to 1 goal in 8 matches as the Newcastle Jets set a club record, equalling 6 consecutive losses.

Aluminium Arak On 7 August 2022, Yuel announced on his Instagram page that he had signed for Aluminium Arak, who play in the Persian Gulf League. He made his debut on 31 January 2022, scoring the only goal in a 2–1 loss to Jordan.

Career statistics International goals Scores and results list South Sudan's goal tally first.

No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 31 January 2022 The Sevens Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 1–1 1–2 Friendly 2. 14 June 2023 Suez Canal Stadium, Ismailia, Egypt 1–1 2–3 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification 3. 10 September 2024 Juba Stadium, Juba, South Sudan 2–2 2–3 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification

Personal life Yuel is planning to marry his fiancée, Jacki, who lives in Melbourne, in 2026.