Carlos Nahuel BenavÃÂdez Protesoni (born 30 March 1998) is a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as central midfielder for La Liga club Deportivo Alavés.
Born in Montevideo, Protesoni began his career with hometown side Defensor Sporting, making his first team debut in 2016 at the age of 18. He became a regular starter in 2017, and moved to Argentine Primera División side Independiente.
On 1 July 2022, Protesoni signed a two-year contract with Spanish Segunda División team Deportivo Alavés.
Originally playing under the name Carlos BenavÃÂdez, he opted to play under his maternal surname Protesoni in August 2024 to honour his mother who raised him by herself. Through his mother, he is of Italian descent and holds dual Uruguayan-Italian citizenship.