But in 42 fabulous first-half minutes, he celebrated a first career hat-trick as Real took a 3-0 first-leg lead.
It was a sensational display by Valverde, who captained Real on the night and led by example in a crucial game for the 15-time European champions.
The reactions of team-mates Jude Bellingham and Mbappe - both out injured and watching from the stands - to the goals said it all.
England midfielder Bellingham stood open mouthed when Valverde scored his brilliant third, lifting the ball over City defender Marc Guehi before lashing a volley past keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Mbappe jumped out of his seat to applaud a finish the prolific France striker would have been proud of.
"It was a similar [reaction] from me on the pitch," Real full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold said on TNT Sports.
"I've said even as a Liverpool player I have admired him. He is undoubtedly the most underrated footballer on the planet.
"When you play with him you understand how much he gives to the team. He covers every blade of grass, he gives his all. As a player, the best attribute you can have is that your team-mates can always count on you.“
This may have been a headline-grabbing display by Valverde, but he has been a key player for Real Madrid for some time now, having joined them back in 2017, but spent the first year on loan at Deportivo La Coruna.
He grew up in Montevideo and credits his tough upbringing to shaping the player he is today.
"I always talk about sacrifice. My dad instilled this in me," Valverde said in an interview with Uefa last year.
"I could see it in my mum and dad when they went to work. Sometimes they wouldn't eat so I could instead.
"I always try to imitate what I saw when I was a child. Now it allows me to sacrifice myself for the team."
Valverde has played on some of the best pitches in the world, but it was not always like that when he was a child.
"In general they were pretty rubbish, dirt pitches," he recalled. "Even animals would graze upon them."
Those humble beginnings have created a character who is passionate, energetic and provides effort, desire and commitment - all of which were evident in that stunning display against City.
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha felt Valverde was the difference between the two sides.
"Valverde has been incredible in attack and defence," he said. "He has been ruthless in attack and superbly disciplined in helping Trent Alexander-Arnold in defence."
Ex-Real Madrid winger Steve McManaman added on TNT Sports: "He led by example. Incredible hat-trick on a night like this."
