BIOGRAPHY
Lucas Manuel Zelarayán was born on June 20,1992 in Córdoba, Argentina. He is an attacking midfielder in Major League Soccer.
The Cordobés Zelarayán was a Belgrano youth graduate. He made his senior debut on April 25, 2012, coming on as a second-half substitute for Lucas Parodi in a 2–1 away loss against Rosario Central, for the season's Copa Argentina.
Zelarayán made his Primera División debut on March 1, 2013, replacing Jorge Velázquez in a 2–0 away loss against Newell's Old Boys. His first professional goal came on April 7th of the following year, as he scored the winner in a 2–1 home defeat of River Plate.
On December 5, 2014, after becoming a regular starter, Zelarayán extended his contract until 2018.
On December 21, 2015, Zelarayán agreed to a contract with Liga MX side Tigres UANL. He debuted for the club the following January 10, replacing Rafael Sóbis in a 1–0 loss at Toluca. Zelarayán scored his first goal abroad on February 6, 2016, netting the last in a 3–1 win at Chiapas. On January 22, 2017, he scored a brace in a 4–2 home win against América.
On December 20, 2019, Zelarayán moved to Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew. Zelarayán made his debut against New York City FC, scoring the match-winning goal in the 56th minute.[6] He was named the league's Newcomer of the Year at the end of the 2020 regular season.
In the 2020 MLS Cup final, Zelarayán scored two goals and assisted on another in Columbus' 3–0 win over Seattle Sounders FC to help them win their second ever MLS Cup title. Zelarayán was named the MLS Cup Most Valuable Player after his performance. Despite missing substantial time due to injury, Zelarayán finished the season making 21 appearances and scoring eight goals for the Columbus.
During the 2021 MLS season, Zelarayán scored a total of five free kick goals, with two of them coming in one game vs New York City FC. Both free kick goals turned out to be crucial for the Crew, as they ended up winning 2-1, with the game winning free kick coming in the 90'+5 minute, earning Zelarayán recognition as Week 6 MLS Player of the Week. Zelarayán was also named MLS Player of the Week for week 34 of the 2021 season after scoring 2 goals against DC United. Zelarayán finished the year leading the club in both goals and assists with twelve and seven respectively.
On 2 December 2021, it was announced that Zelarayán had signed a contract extension with the Crew, keeping him with Columbus through the 2024 Major League Soccer season with an option for 2025.
On 30 March 2022, Zelarayán was voted MLS Player of the Month.
Columbus Crew
