Javier Morales

Argentine playmaker who became a Real Salt Lake legend and later an MLS coach.

Javier Morales (born 10 January 1980) is an Argentine professional football coach and former player who is currently assistant manager of Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.

Quick Facts

Full name: Javier Damián Morales
Born: 10 January 1980
Birthplace: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Position: Attacking midfielder
Current club: Inter Miami CF (assistant manager)
Total caps: 478
Total goals: 71

Lore & Background

Morales played in Argentina from 1998 to 2006 for Lanús, Arsenal de Sarandí, and Instituto. He spent the 2006–07 season with Vecindario in Spain. In August 2007, he moved to the United States to play for Real Salt Lake. He became a star in 2008, setting a club record with 15 assists. He suffered a fracture-dislocation in his left ankle on May 7, 2011, and returned on September 28, 2011. He left Real Salt Lake on November 3, 2016, and signed as a free agent with FC Dallas on December 27, 2016. He retired on April 12, 2018. After retirement, he coached the FC Dallas Under-13 academy team, then became Academy Coach at Inter Miami on February 19, 2019. On June 1, 2023, he was appointed interim head coach of Inter Miami.

Reader's Guide

Morales played as an attacking midfielder. He was known for his vision and passing, leading Real Salt Lake in assists. He earned MLS All-Star selections in 2009 and 2010, and was named to the MLS Best XI in 2010. He won the MLS Cup with Real Salt Lake in 2009.

Did You Know?

Morales tallied an assist 40 seconds into his MLS debut on August 29, 2007.
His first MLS goal came on September 19, 2007, against the LA Galaxy.
He shattered Real Salt Lake's single-season assist record in 2008 with 15.
Morales holds a U.S. green card, qualifying him as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes.