Diego Valeri

BIOGRAPHY

Diego Valeri was born May 1, 1986, in Lanús, Argentina. He is a midfielder in the MLS. 

He is considered as one of the greatest players of all-time in Major League Soccer and Portland Timbers history. Valeri was named the MLS Cup Most Valuable Player after he led the Timbers to win MLS Cup 2015. He was then presented as the MLS MVP following his career-setting 2017 season. Since arriving in Major League Soccer, Valeri has been selected into the MLS All-Star team four times and has been included three times in the MLS Best XI. Valeri began his career with his hometown club Lanús where he played from 2003 to 2013. In 2007, Valeri was part of the Lanús side that won the Torneo Apertura. Prior to the 2009–10 season, Valeri was loaned out to Portuguese club Porto where he won the Taça de Portugal. He was then loaned out to Spanish club Almería in 2010. In January 2013, Valeri joined the Portland Timbers on loan for the 2013 season. The deal was made permanent in August 2013. Following his first season with the Timbers, Valeri was named as the MLS Newcomer of the Year after helping his side top the Western Conference standings. In December 2015, Valeri scored the opening goal for the Timbers after 27 seconds against the Columbus Crew in MLS Cup 2015. His goal would help the Timbers win their first-ever MLS Cup. Valeri then helped lead his side back to MLS Cup in 2018. The Timbers were defeated by Atlanta United. Valeri then led the Timbers to the final of the MLS is Back Tournament in 2020, defeating Orlando City. Valeri has been a prolific goalscorer for the Portland Timbers. He is the club's all-time leading goalscorer with 84 goals during the regular season. He is the 14th all-time top scorer and is 10th all-time in assists in league history. Valeri has 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.