Diego Valeri

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Valeri began his career with his boyhood club Lanús. Promoted to the first team by head coach Miguel Ángel Brindisi, Valeri made his Primera División debut in September 2003 against Vélez Sarsfield. He soon broke into the starting line-up more consistently, having his breakout season in 2007–08, helping Lanús to the Torneo Apertura title. In 2009, Valeri joined Portuguese club Porto on loan for the 2009–10 season, helping the club win the Taça de Portugal. The next season, Valeri was loaned out to Spanish club Almería, where his loan was eventually ended early in December 2010. In August 2012, Valeri and his family were victims in an armed robbery in Lanús. The incident lead to Valeri instructing his agent to pursue a move abroad more aggressively. In January 2013, Valeri joined the Portland Timbers on loan for the 2013 season. The deal was eventually made permanent in August 2013. In his debut season, Valeri helped the club top the Western Conference standings, earning him the MLS Newcomer of the Year award. In December 2015, he scored the opening goal for the Timbers' after 27 seconds against the Columbus Crew in MLS Cup 2015. The fastest goal in MLS Cup history, the Timbers went on to defeat the Crew and win their first ever championship. Two seasons later, Valeri registered his best season statistically, posting a career-high 21 goals while recording 11 assists. He helped the Timbers top the Western Conference standings and won the MLS Most Valuable Player award. The following season, Valeri helped lead his side to MLS Cup 2018 against Atlanta United FC, where they were defeated 0–2. In August 2020, Valeri helped captain the Timbers to the final of the MLS is Back Tournament, defeating Orlando City SC. Valeri is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Portland Timbers with 100 goals in all competitions. He is the 14th all-time top scorer and is 10th all-time in assists in Major League Soccer history. Valeri earned three caps for Argentina, all occurring in 2011. He made his international debut for his country on 16 March against Venezuela as Argentina won 4–1.

In Their Own Story

The rain fell softly on Providence Park as the clock wound down. Diego Valeri stood over the ball, his chest heaving slightly, eyes scanning the shifting geometry of the defense. With a calm that belied the chaos around him, he received a pass, turned, and spotted a sliver of space between two defenders. A single touch to set himself, another to lift the ball perfectly into the path of a sprinting striker. The net rippled. The crowd erupted, not just for the goal, but for the sheer beauty of the assist that made it possible.

Reader's Guide

Valeri is widely considered the greatest player in Portland Timbers history and one of the best in MLS. He won MLS Cup MVP in 2015 and league MVP in 2017. He was selected to the MLS All-Star team four times and named to the MLS Best XI three times. He holds the club record for all-time goals (100) and is among MLS's all-time leaders in goals and assists.

Did You Know?

• Valeri scored the fastest goal in MLS Cup history, after 27 seconds in the 2015 final.
• He was named MLS Newcomer of the Year in his debut season with Portland Timbers.
• Valeri is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Portland Timbers with 100 goals in all competitions.
• He earned three caps for Argentina, all in 2011.