Audax Italiano In the
Copa Libertadores 2007, the left-footed playmaker was the hub of
Audax Italiano. The team was not able to qualify for the knockout phase due to goal differential. Villanueva was rewarded with a call-up to Chile's
Copa América 2007 squad.
Blackburn Rovers On 17 July 2008, it was confirmed by Villanueva's agents and also former club that Villanueva would play for the
Blackburn Rovers of the
Premier League in England. He also confirmed this on 29 July, pending a work permit being issued. On 2 August, Villanueva completed his season-long loan move to Blackburn. The club had the option to make the deal permanent, at a pre-agreed fee. Villanueva also agreed terms to extend his contract for a further three years, if the option is exercised. On 27 August, Villanueva made his debut for Blackburn in a
League Cup game against
Grimsby Town, a match in which he scored his first goal for the club. He also set up a goal for striker
Matt Derbyshire in the 4–1 win. His debut was delayed by a few weeks due to the virus, chicken pox which forced him to stay away from club training facilities, so that he did not pass on the virus to other staff. On 20 September, Villanueva made his (home) debut in the Premier League as a late second-half substitute against
Fulham, his impact was immediate and substantial. Linking up well to provide a looping cross for
Roque Santa Cruz to head down for the winning goal, which was converted by Derbyshire. He made his full starting Premier League debut on 27 September, against
Newcastle United at
St. James' Park, getting an assist providing a cross for a headed goal for
Christopher Samba. On 5 January 2009, he scored a free kick against
Blyth Spartans in the
FA Cup giving his team the lead, and on 4 February he assisted two goals against
Sunderland in the FA Cup. On 11 April, he played in the Premier League for the first time since
Sam Allardyce took charge of Blackburn.
Al-Shabab On 15 May 2009,
Audax Italiano Villanueva signed for
Al Shabab, the Emirati club paid Audax about $5 million. Although he publicly stated he wished to have stayed at Blackburn and tried to established himself in one of the world's top leagues.
Universidad Católica On 4 February 2013,
Al Shabab confirms that Villanueva will play on loan at
Universidad Católica until 31 May.
Al-Ittihad On 15 July 2016, Villanueva joined
Al Ittihad, in the Saudi Professional League.
Magallanes In June 2022, Villanueva rescinded his contract with
Palestino and moved to
Primera B club
Magallanes. He ended his contract in December 2023.
Return to Audax Italiano In 2024, Villanueva rejoined Audax Italiano after fifteen years. At the end of the season, he announced his retirement. ==International career==