Nelson Valdez

Nelson Valdez, commonly known as Nelson Haedo in Spanish-speaking countries, is a distinguished Paraguayan football coach and former professional player. Born on November 28, 1983, Valdez had a prolific career as a striker, representing clubs across Paraguay, Germany, Spain, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, and the United States, as well as the Paraguay national team from 2000 to 2021. Currently, he serves as an assistant coach for Werder Bremen II in Germany.

Valdez began his football journey with Atlético Tembetary, where he progressed through the youth ranks to make his first-team debut at just 16 years old in the Paraguayan División Intermedia. Over his tenure with the club, he netted eleven goals in twenty-two league appearances. His talent caught the eye of scouts, leading him to Germany's Werder Bremen II, where he scored fifteen goals in thirty appearances during his second season, eventually earning a spot on the first team.

During his time at Werder Bremen, Valdez achieved significant success, including winning the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal in the 2003–04 season. He made his UEFA Champions League debut in 2004 and scored his first two goals in a memorable match against Valencia. After leaving Werder Bremen in 2006 for Borussia Dortmund, he continued to impress, scoring sixteen goals in one hundred thirteen Bundesliga appearances and helping the team qualify for the UEFA Europa League.

Valdez's career took him to La Liga with Hércules, where he made headlines as the club's most expensive signing and scored on his debut against Barcelona. His journey continued through various clubs, including Rubin Kazan, Valencia, Al Jazira, and Olympiacos, before returning to the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt. He concluded his playing career in Major League Soccer with the Seattle Sounders FC, where he played a pivotal role in winning the MLS Cup.

On the international stage, Valdez represented Paraguay in the FIFA World Cups of 2006 and 2010, and participated in multiple Copa América tournaments, contributing to Paraguay's impressive run to the finals in 2011. With over seventy national team appearances and thirteen goals, his legacy includes a historic victory against Argentina that secured Paraguay's qualification for the 2010 World Cup.