It all started in Rosario, Argentina. A city engulfed by the memories and grandeur of footballing heroes past and present. It’s enough to make any young boy or girl dream about becoming a professional footballer. Facundo Buonanotte was no different.

Yet few realise that dream – and even fewer end up sharing a dressing room with their idol. Buonanotte has achieved both. Now he has joined Chelsea, the world champions, on a season-long loan. There will be new challenges ahead and new ambitions to fulfil.

‘It’s a great step in my career,' he says. 'I’m really happy to be here and ready to offer as much as I can to the team and the staff. I’m sure it will be a positive season.

‘Of course, I’ll get the opportunity to play in the Champions League for the first time, which will be a great challenge. I’m really looking forward to this season and hopefully I can help the club to achieve its goals.’

It was a little over three years ago that Facundo made his senior debut for boyhood club Rosario Central. Such has been his progression, first in Argentina and then with Brighton – and with a season on loan at Leicester City – that his career has continued to flourish when a new challenge has presented itself.

Yet it doesn't mean that Buonanotte has forgotten his roots. He's still very much a home boy.

‘Rosario is a football-first city,’ Buonanotte smiles, reminiscing on his hometown’s connections to the world’s game. ‘I’m very proud to have my roots in Rosario, and people live for football there.’

And his idol has set an example that the likes of the 20-year-old and all young footballers in Rosario have aspired to reach. He explains: ‘A lot of great footballers have come from Rosario, including the best player in the world – in my opinion – Lionel Messi.

'He is obviously my idol. He’s an inspiration for me and everyone from Rosario. I have always enjoyed watching him and even got to play with him in the national team.'

Home comforts were quickly replaced in January 2023 when Buonanotte decided to leave Rosario to chase his dream. He joined Brighton and Hove Albion, and the versatile attacker admits it was difficult to adjust at the beginning of his next chapter in the UK.

‘It was a bit of a shock when I first moved to the UK,’ Buonanotte says. ‘It was difficult moving at the start. It was a different culture, a different language and different weather.

‘I remember landing here, and at 5pm it was all dark, places were closed, and when I wanted to get a coffee after training, I had no idea where to go. It’s a very different culture here.

‘Thankfully, when I joined Brighton, there were a lot of South American players and Spanish-speaking staff, and they helped me to settle and to know what I needed to do. I’m very grateful for their help.

‘I’ve been in the UK for three years now, so I’m really happy. I like English football, I’m very happy to be here, I’m really settled and ready for this next challenge.’

There weren’t just differences off the pitch that Facundo noticed. He also felt there were plenty on the pitch, with the 20-year-old forced to get used to the signature physical nature of English football.

‘It’s very different from football in Argentina,’ he explains. ‘You have to be prepared mentally and physically, especially because the football here is very intense. It’s something I’ve had to work on a lot, but I’ve adapted and I’m progressing.’

He will continue that progression during his time at Stamford Bridge. There will be new challenges ahead, but Buonanotte has already showcased in his young career he is ready to face them head-on.