Argentine star Kishi Núñez takes indefinite break from soccer for mental health

Kishi Núñez, a prominent forward for Boca Juniors and the Argentine national team, has announced an indefinite hiatus from professional soccer. The 20-year-old player shared a personal message on Instagram, citing mental health struggles and the need to prioritize her well-being.

In her post, accompanied by photos in both her Boca Juniors and national team jerseys, Núñez described the decision as one of the most difficult of her life. "I'm not going through a good moment mentally and I feel I can no longer keep pretending to be strong," she wrote. "For a long time, I've been fighting many things in silence, but today I understood that I need to stop and prioritize my health before it's too late."

Núñez acknowledged the pain her decision causes, stating, "I leave with a broken heart, with great sadness and with tears in my eyes. It hurts me deeply because it's a huge part of my life and who I am." She expressed hope that this is merely a pause, allowing her to "heal," "find herself again," and "learn to be okay" with herself, with the ultimate goal of returning to the sport stronger.

Recognized as a significant talent in Argentine and South American women's football, Núñez's journey began in Isidro Casanova. She developed her skills in local clubs before joining Almirante Brown in 2019. Her impressive performances led her to Boca Juniors in August 2022, where she quickly became a key player. Earlier this year, FIFA highlighted her as a "huge talent," and she was the top scorer in the 2024 South American Women's U-20 Championship.

Núñez concluded her message by thanking those who have supported her career: "Thank you for the moments, the teachings, the affection, and the support." Her decision underscores the growing conversation around mental health in professional sports and the importance of athletes prioritizing their well-being.