Diego Valeri

Diego Valeri, born on May 1, 1986, is an Argentine former professional footballer renowned for his exceptional skills as an attacking midfielder. His illustrious career spanned from 2013 to 2021, during which he became a pivotal figure for Major League Soccer's Portland Timbers. Valeri is celebrated not only as one of the league's greatest players but also as the finest player in the history of the Timbers.

Valeri's journey began with his boyhood club, Lanús, where he made his Primera División debut in September 2003. Under the guidance of head coach Miguel Ángel Brindisi, he quickly established himself in the starting lineup, achieving significant success during the 2007–08 season by helping Lanús secure the Torneo Apertura title. His talent soon took him abroad, with loan spells at Portuguese club Porto and Spanish club Almería, where he continued to hone his craft.

In January 2013, following a traumatic armed robbery incident, Valeri made the decision to pursue opportunities outside Argentina, leading to his loan move to the Portland Timbers. His impact was immediate, earning him the MLS Newcomer of the Year award in his debut season. Valeri's remarkable performance culminated in a historic moment during the MLS Cup 2015, where he scored the fastest goal in the tournament's history, propelling the Timbers to their first championship.

Throughout his tenure in MLS, Valeri achieved numerous accolades, including being named the MLS Most Valuable Player after a record-setting season in 2017. He was selected for the MLS All-Star team four times and featured in the MLS Best XI on three occasions. Valeri's legacy is cemented as the all-time leading goalscorer for the Portland Timbers, with one hundred goals across all competitions, and he ranks among the top scorers and assist providers in MLS history.

On the international stage, Valeri earned three caps for Argentina in 2011, making his debut against Venezuela. His contributions to both club and country have solidified his status as a footballing icon.