Darren Raekwon McIntosh-Buffonge (born 7 November 1998) is a former English professional footballer who played as a central midfielder.
Club career Manchester United Buffonge started in the youth system of Arsenal, prior to making the move across his hometown to Fulham in 2010. After five years with Fulham, Buffonge was signed by Manchester United's academy on trial ahead of the 2015–16 campaign. After impressing the likes of Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and Paul Mcguinnes, the central midfielder penned his scholarship and professional terms on 13 November 2015; despite missing several months with a groin injury. He left United on 30 June 2019 having not featured at first-team level, though did train with the senior squad on many occasions under Louis Van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and briefly Ole Gunnar Solskjaer . In the months leading up to his departure, Buffonge had trials with EFL Championship duo Derby County and Bolton Wanderers.
Spezia On 9 August 2019, Buffonge moved abroad to join Italian Serie B side Spezia; penning a one-year contract, with the option of a further year. He made his professional debut on 18 August in the Coppa Italia, replacing Delano Burgzorg after sixty-two minutes of a defeat to Sassuolo of Serie A. His first Serie B appearance arrived a week later against Cittadella.
Loan to Pergolettese On 31 January 2020, he was loaned to Serie C club Pergolettese. He made one league appearance, against Lecco on 9 February, before COVID-19 pandemic stopped that loan spell prematurely.
NAC Breda On 14 August 2020, Buffonge joined Dutch Eerste Divisie side NAC Breda. His debut arrived on 29 August against Jong AZ, having replaced Moreno Rutten after eighty-five minutes of a 6–1 victory. He scored his first senior goal whilst with the club, netting in a 4–1 win away to MVV Maastricht on 6 November.
His contract was not extended after the 2021–22 season, making him a free agent.
Telstar In January 2023, Buffonge joined Eerste Divisie side Telstar.
Emmen On 25 January 2024, Buffonge joined Emmen on an amateur basis.
International career Buffonge is eligible for England, Montserrat, Antigua & Barbuda, and Trinidad & Tobago. In February 2017, Buffonge was selected by Antigua and Barbuda for the CONCACAF U-20 Championship in Costa Rica. However, Buffonge didn't appear at the tournament after being replaced by Ajani Thomas. He was later called up to represent Montserrat for their 2026 World Cup Qualifying campaign, before pulling out of the squad due to an injury sustained in a friendly against Miami United.
Personal life Buffonge's brother, Dajour, is also a footballer who played internationally for Montserrat.
Career statistics .
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupContinentalOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsSpezia2019–20Serie B3010——0040Pergolettese (loan)2019–20Serie C1000——0010NAC Breda2020–21Eerste Divisie10110——00111Career total14120——00161
References