Diego Valeri Biography: Early Life, Career, and Achievements
Diego Valeri is a former Argentine professional footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of Major League Soccer (MLS). He is best known for his time with the Portland Timbers, where he played from 2013 to 2021. Valeri was an attacking midfielder who was known for his exceptional ball control, vision, and clinical finishing.
Valeri was born on May 1, 1986, in Lanus, Argentina. He began his professional career with Club Atlético Lanús in 2003, where he quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talents in Argentine football. After spending a decade with Lanús, Valeri moved to the United States in 2013 to join the Portland Timbers.
During his time with Portland, Valeri became a fan favorite and a club legend. He helped lead the team to its first-ever MLS Cup championship in 2015, and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player that same year. Valeri retired in 2021, having scored 85 goals and provided 96 assists in 230 appearances for the Timbers.
Key Takeaways
- Diego Valeri is a former Argentine professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder.
- He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of Major League Soccer.
- Valeri spent the majority of his career with Club Atlético Lanús in Argentina before moving to the United States to join the Portland Timbers in 2013.
Early Life
Diego Valeri was born on May 1, 1986, in Lanús, Buenos Aires, Argentina. He grew up in a football-loving family and started playing the sport at a very young age. His father, Juan Carlos Valeri, was a professional footballer who played for several clubs in Argentina and Spain.
Valeri began his youth career at the age of six with Club Atlético Lanús, a local club in his hometown. He quickly rose through the ranks and made his professional debut for the club in 2003 at the age of 17. Valeri played for Lanús for ten years and became one of the club’s most important players, helping them win the Argentine Primera División in 2007.
During his time at Lanús, Valeri also had loan spells at FC Porto in Portugal and UD Almería in Spain. He gained valuable experience playing in Europe and returned to Lanús in 2010.
Valeri’s impressive performances in Argentina caught the attention of several clubs in Major League Soccer (MLS), and in 2013, he signed with the Portland Timbers. He quickly became a fan favorite and helped the Timbers win their first MLS Cup in 2015.
Overall, Valeri’s early life was shaped by his love for football and his family’s influence. He started playing at a young age, rose through the ranks of his local club, and gained valuable experience playing in Europe before joining MLS.
Career Beginnings
Diego Valeri began his soccer career at the age of 18 with the Argentine club C.A. Lanús. He played for Lanús from 2003 to 2009 and then again from 2011 to 2013. During his time with the club, Valeri helped Lanús win the Argentine Primera División in 2007 Clausura.
In 2009, Valeri moved to Portugal to play for F.C. Porto. He spent one season with the club before moving to Spain to play for UD Almería in 2010. Valeri returned to Lanús in 2011 and played for the club until 2013.
In 2013, Valeri joined the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer (MLS). He quickly became a key player for the Timbers, helping the team win the MLS Cup in 2015 and being named the MLS Cup MVP. Valeri has since become one of the most successful and beloved players in Timbers history.
Throughout his career, Valeri has been known for his technical skill, his ability to create scoring opportunities, and his leadership on the field. He has been named to the MLS Best XI four times and has won numerous other awards and honors.
Move to Major League Soccer
Diego Valeri joined Major League Soccer (MLS) club Portland Timbers on January 10, 2013, as a Designated Player. He made his debut for the club on March 3, 2013, in a match against New York Red Bulls. He scored his first goal for the club on April 6, 2013, against Houston Dynamo.
Valeri quickly established himself as a key player for the Timbers, playing a crucial role in the club’s MLS Cup triumph in 2015. He was named the MLS Cup MVP for his performance in the final, scoring the opening goal and providing an assist for the second.
Over the course of his career with the Timbers, Valeri became one of the most successful players in MLS history. He was named the MLS MVP in 2017, becoming the first Timbers player to win the award. He was also named to the MLS Best XI in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017.
During his time with the Timbers, Valeri played in 312 regular-season matches, scoring 85 goals and providing 90 assists. He also played in 15 playoff matches, scoring 5 goals and providing 3 assists.
In January 2022, Valeri was transferred to his boyhood club, Club Atlético Lanús, in Argentina. Despite leaving the Timbers, Valeri’s legacy in MLS is secure, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the league’s history.
Achievements at Portland Timbers
Diego Valeri joined the Portland Timbers in 2013 and quickly became a fan favorite. He is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the club. During his time with the Timbers, Valeri achieved several notable accomplishments.
Major League Soccer MVP
In 2017, Valeri was named the Major League Soccer (MLS) Most Valuable Player (MVP), becoming the first Timbers player to receive the award. He had an outstanding season, scoring 21 goals and providing 11 assists in 32 games. Valeri’s performance helped the Timbers finish top of the Western Conference and reach the MLS Cup playoffs.
MLS Cup Victory
Valeri played a crucial role in the Timbers’ 2015 MLS Cup victory. He scored the opening goal in the final against the Columbus Crew, which the Timbers won 2-1. Valeri was also named the MLS Cup MVP for his performance in the final. He became the first Timbers player to win the award.
Club Records
Valeri holds several club records for the Timbers. He is the club’s all-time leading scorer with 84 goals in all competitions. Valeri also holds the record for the most assists in a single MLS season, with 16 in 2017. Additionally, he is the only Timbers player to score in five consecutive MLS games.
Valeri’s achievements at the Portland Timbers have cemented his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the club. His contributions to the team will not be forgotten anytime soon.
International Career
Diego Valeri made his international debut for Argentina in 2011. He was called up for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, but he did not make the final squad.
Valeri was also part of the Argentina squad that won the gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. He played in all six games, including the final against Nigeria, where he provided the assist for Angel Di Maria’s winning goal.
Overall, Valeri earned a total of 12 caps for the Argentina national team, scoring one goal.
During his time with the Portland Timbers, Valeri became a naturalized US citizen, making him eligible to play for the United States national team. However, he never received a call-up to the USMNT.
Despite not having a long international career, Valeri is considered one of the most talented Argentine players to have played in Major League Soccer.
Personal Life
Diego Valeri was born on May 1, 1986, in Argentina. He is married to Florencia and they have a daughter together.
Valeri is known for his charitable work, including his involvement with the Special Olympics and his support for children with cancer. He has also been involved with the Timbers’ Stand Together Week, which is a week-long initiative that brings together the team and its fans to volunteer in the community.
In his free time, Valeri enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family. He is also an avid reader and enjoys reading books on a variety of topics, including history and philosophy.
Overall, Valeri is known for being a family-oriented person who values giving back to his community.
Legacy and Impact on Soccer
Diego Valeri is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players in the history of Major League Soccer (MLS). His impact on the game and the Portland Timbers franchise is undeniable.
Valeri’s legacy as a player is built on his incredible skill and creativity on the field. He is known for his ability to score goals, create chances for his teammates, and make game-changing plays. During his time with the Timbers, Valeri scored 100 goals and provided 86 assists in 301 appearances. He was instrumental in the Timbers’ 2015 MLS Cup victory, scoring a goal and providing an assist in the final.
But Valeri’s impact on soccer in the United States goes beyond his individual achievements. He helped raise the profile of the sport in the Pacific Northwest and across the country. His performances on the field inspired a new generation of soccer players and fans.
Off the field, Valeri has been an ambassador for the sport and a role model for young players. He has been involved in various community initiatives, including the “Stand Together” campaign, which supports local nonprofits and community organizations.
Valeri’s contributions to soccer in the United States have not gone unnoticed. In 2020, he was named to the MLS’s “25 Greatest” list, which honors the league’s top players of all time. He was also inducted into the Portland Timbers’ Ring of Honor in 2023, cementing his place in the franchise’s history.
Overall, Diego Valeri’s legacy and impact on soccer in the United States will be felt for years to come. His skill, creativity, and dedication to the sport have inspired countless players and fans, and his contributions to the Portland Timbers franchise will never be forgotten.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Diego Valeri’s background?
Diego Valeri was born on May 1, 1986, in Lanús, a suburb of Buenos Aires, Argentina. His father, Luis, was a former footballer turned shoe factory owner, and his mother, Monica, was a former tennis player for the local athletic club. As a child, Valeri enjoyed playing football with his friends.
How did Diego Valeri become a professional soccer player?
Valeri began his soccer career at the age of 18, playing for Club Atlético Lanús in Argentina. He later played for several other teams, including FC Porto in Portugal and UD Almería in Spain, before joining the Portland Timbers in 2013.
What teams has Diego Valeri played for?
Valeri has played for several teams throughout his career, including Club Atlético Lanús, FC Porto, UD Almería, and the Portland Timbers.
What are Diego Valeri’s major achievements?
Valeri has achieved many accomplishments throughout his career, including winning the Argentine Primera División with Club Atlético Lanús in 2007 Clausura. He has also been named to the MLS Best XI four times and was the MLS MVP in 2017.
What is Diego Valeri’s current position with the Timbers?
As of October 30, 2023, Diego Valeri has retired from professional soccer. However, he remains involved with the Portland Timbers organization as an ambassador and mentor for the team’s younger players.
Who is the Timbers all-time leading goal scorer?
As of October 30, 2023, the Portland Timbers’ all-time leading goal scorer is Fanendo Adi, who scored 54 goals during his time with the team.