Diego Valeri

Diego Hernán Valeri (born 1 May 1986) is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder.

From 2013 to 2021, Valeri played for Major League Soccer club Portland Timbers, and is regarded as one of the league's greatest players of all time, as well as the greatest player in Portland Timbers history. Valeri was named the MLS Cup Most Valuable Player after he led the Timbers to win MLS Cup 2015. He was later presented as the MLS MVP following his career-setting 2017 season. While in Major League Soccer, Valeri was selected into the MLS All-Star team four times and was included three times in the MLS Best XI.

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.

Early life Born in the industrial city of Lanús, a suburb of Buenos Aires on 1 May 1986, Valeri is the son of Luis, a former footballer turned shoe factory owner, and Monica, a former tennis player for the local athletic club. As a child, Valeri played football among his friends. When Valeri turned nine, through his mother, he participated in a trial with the local football club Club Atlético Lanús. Valeri was recruited into the club's youth team and played with the club's youth sides for five years before being promoted into the reserves. During the 2007–08 season, Valeri scored a season-high 8 goals in 26 matches and helped Lanús to the Apertura title. He made his debut for Porto on 23 August 2009 against Nacional, coming on as a substitute for Raul Meireles in the 75th minute of a 3–0 victory. Valeri then made his UEFA Champions League debut on 30 September 2009 during a 2–0 victory against Atlético Madrid, coming on as a stoppage time substitute.

During his loan at Porto, Valeri played four matches in the Taça de Portugal to help Porto earn their 15th domestic cup title. He came on as a 72nd-minute substitute for the club in the final against Chaves as Porto won 2–1.

Following his first season with Porto, it was reported that Valeri did not fit into the plans for new manager André Villas-Boas. He also had a tough time adapting at the club, citing the pressure and demand to perform while playing outside his home country for the first time. On 21 July 2010, Valeri was presented as an Almería player, arriving on loan for the 2010–11 season. He made his debut for the club on 13 September 2010 against Real Sociedad. He started and played 72 minutes as the match ended in a 2–2 draw.

Valeri's loan with Almería was ended early on 30 December 2010, with him returning to Lanús.

Portland Timbers (loan) On 10 January 2013, Valeri joined Major League Soccer club Portland Timbers on loan for the 2013 season. Valeri and his agent met with the Fire and their technical staff but a deal never materialized and the Sounders held the discovery rights to Valeri. The match went on to end in a 3–3 draw. A day later, on 7 August, Valeri scored a consolation goal for the Timbers in their 2–1 defeat against Real Salt Lake in the U.S. Open Cup. Valeri went on to finish his first season with the Portland Timbers with 10 goals and 13 assists, being named as the league's Newcomer of the Year. He also earned a selection in that seasons MLS Best XI. During the match on 6 August, Valeri providing the game-winning assist for Landon Donovan in the 70th minute to help the MLS All-Stars win 2–1. At the end of the season, Valeri was selected into his second consecutive MLS Best XI.

MLS Cup Champion (2015–2016) quote= It was the first time in my career that someone decided to do that. I went on loan to Porto and Almería and it was the first time a club decided to buy me. I didn't play for a lot of teams, and for me it was important and I was very happy and I wanted to give back to them. That's what motivated me in this club. — —Valeri in regards to the Portland Timbers signing him permanently from Lanús. Valeri made his first appearance on 2 May 2015 against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, coming on as a 52nd-minute substitute for Ishmael Yartey as the Timbers drew 0–0. Valeri went on to become a regular again for Portland as he helped lead the club into the 2015 MLS playoffs before securing the club's spot in MLS Cup 2015 through a 5–3 aggregate victory over FC Dallas in the Conference Finals.

Valeri was a starter for the Portland Timbers against the Columbus Crew for MLS Cup 2015. He opened the scoring for the club after just 27 seconds, deflecting a clearance from Columbus goalkeeper Steve Clark to give the Timbers the very early lead. Valeri's goal was the fastest scored in MLS Cup history. Despite the losses of forward Maximiliano Urruti, defender Jorge Villafaña, and captain Will Johnson, the Timbers retained main offensive starters Valeri, Darlington Nagbe, and club top-scorer Fanendo Adi. On 28 July 2016, Valeri was named into his second MLS All-Star squad. The All-Stars took on Premier League side Arsenal. On 10 August 2016, Valeri signed a three-year contract extension with the Portland Timbers. A 4–1 defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Decision Day meant that the Timbers finished two points behind 6th-placed Real Salt Lake in the standings. Throughout the season, the Timbers failed to win a single match away from home, hurting their qualification chances.

MVP year and Second MLS Cup appearance (2017–2019) During the 2017 season, Valeri scored 21 goals and earned 11 assists, becoming just the second player in league history to record at least 20 goals and 10 assists across an entire season. He also broke the league record for most consecutive games with a goal, scoring a goal in 9 straight matches between 29 July and 24 September. On 12 August, Valeri became the 18th player in Major League Soccer history to score 50 goals and earn 50 assists when he scored during a 4–1 defeat against Toronto FC. A little more than a week later, on 23 August, Valeri became the Timbers all-time top goalscorer; scoring the first goal in a 2–1 victory over the Colorado Rapids and breaking the record set earlier that season by teammate Fanendo Adi. Valeri's performances throughout the season were instrumental in securing Portland Timbers the top spot in the Western Conference standings and qualifying for the playoffs. The Timbers playoff journey began in the Conference Semifinals against the Houston Dynamo. The club were knocked-out after losing 2–1 on aggregate. Despite the early defeat, Valeri was awarded the Landon Donovan MVP Award on 4 December 2017. That season, Valeri, alongside former Lanús teammate Sebastián Blanco, helped lead the Portland Timbers back into the MLS Cup playoffs. During the Knockout Round match against FC Dallas on 31 October, Valeri scored a brace to give the Timbers a 2–1 victory. In the next round, the Timbers took on rivals Seattle Sounders FC in the Conference Semifinals. Valeri assisted both goals for the Timbers as the club took a 2–1 aggregate lead after the first leg of the tie. In the second leg, the Sounders won the match 3–2 after extra-time which lead to penalty kicks. Valeri converted his penalty as the Timbers won 4–2, advancing to the Conference Finals. The Portland Timbers took on Sporting Kansas City in the Western Conference Finals. After a 0–0 draw in the first leg, Valeri scored a brace in the second leg to help the Timbers win 3–2 and thus advance to MLS Cup 2018.

The next season in 2019, Valeri recorded a career-best 16 assists, which also broke the club record for most assists in a single-season. Valeri helped the Portland Timbers qualify for their third-straight MLS Cup playoff appearance. They were knocked-out in the first round by Real Salt Lake.

Final years: MLS is Back champion and Third MLS Cup appearance (2020–2021) Prior to the 2020 season, on 16 December 2019, after declining his contract option, Valeri signed another contract extension with the Portland Timbers. This deal reduced Valeri from being a designated player as the Timbers used Targeted Allocation Money to re-sign and buy down Valeri's contract. On 11 August 2020, Valeri started for the Timbers during the final against Orlando City SC. The Portland Timbers went on to win 2–1. One highlight for the season included scoring his 100th goal for the Timbers, which happened against LAFC on 21 July. He made his final appearance with the Timbers at MLS Cup 2021 on 11 December 2021, which took place at home at Providence Park. Coming in as a substitute at the end of regular time, Valeri and the Timers took the match to a penalty shootout as the game ended 1–1 at the end of extra time. Valeri missed his penalty as the Timbers lost the shootout 4–2.

Valeri scored 100 goals for the Timbers across all competitions during his time in Portland. He left the team as their regular season leader in goals scored, assists, and points.

Return to Lanús and retirement with Portland Timbers On 20 January 2022, the Timbers and Valeri mutually agreed on his transfer back to Club Atlético Lanús. The Timbers announced a testimonial match for Valeri between them and Lanús in 2023, and upon retirement Valeri would become a Timbers ambassador. On 2 June 2022, 36-year old Valeri confirmed he had decided to retire. He signed a one-day contract with the Portland Timbers on 14 July 2023 to retire as a member of the organization.

International career On 16 March 2011, Valeri made his international debut for Argentina at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario in a friendly against Venezuela. Argentina won 4–1. Valeri went on to make just two more appearances with Argentina, both in 2011, against Ecuador and Paraguay. In June 2011, prior to Copa América, Valeri was included in the provisional squad for Argentina by manager Sergio Batista but was cut from the final 23-man squad.

Style of play A technically gifted player, Valeri was capable of both scoring and creating goals. When he joined the Portland Timbers in 2013, he was brought in to become the creative force of the offense for coach Caleb Porter. "He will be one of the better playmakers in the league, but more importantly Diego fits our identity and his play should boost production to help the club win games," stated Porter after Valeri signed with the Timbers. Throughout his time with the Timbers, Valeri was considered the creative spark for the club. That partnership allowed Valeri the freedom he needed to score ten goals and provide thirteen assists in his first season with the club. Considered to be a skilled passer who was able to get the ball to his forwards in great positions, Valeri was not only known for his offensive ability but also for being able to contribute defensively by dropping back and helping start a Timbers counterattack. Prior to a match in 2014, former Toronto FC coach Greg Vanney stated that Valeri was "clever" and that "you don't really want to send your marking guy to the outside to deal with him".

When former Lanús teammate Sebastián Blanco arrived at the Timbers, both he and Valeri began a partnership that would be key to the Portland offense. Valeri continued to play as the central attacking midfielder while Blanco would interchange between playing centrally and going out wide to the wing.

Personal life Valeri married his childhood sweetheart Florencia in 2007.

Prior to his move to the Portland Timbers, Valeri had never heard of Portland, Oregon. Valeri and his family also regularly attend matches for National Women's Soccer League club Portland Thorns, the sister club of the Timbers. Valeri has stated that the Thorns serve as a major inspiration for his daughter and her future hopes and dreams.

Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals

2003–04 Argentine Primera División

2004–05 Argentine Primera División

2005–06 Argentine Primera División

2006–07 Argentine Primera División

2007–08 Argentine Primera División

2008–09 Argentine Primera División

2010–11 Argentine Primera División

2011–12 Argentine Primera División

2012–13 Argentine Primera División

Porto (loan) 2009–10 Primeira Liga

Almería (loan) 2010–11 La Liga

Portland Timbers (loan) 2013 Major League Soccer

2013 Major League Soccer

2014 Major League Soccer

2015 Major League Soccer

2016 Major League Soccer

2017 Major League Soccer

2018 Major League Soccer

2019 Major League Soccer

2020 Major League Soccer

2021 Major League Soccer

Lanús 2022 Argentine Primera División

International + Appearances and goals by national team and year MLS Newcomer of the Year: 2013 MLS Best XI: 2013, 2014, 2017 MLS All-Star: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 MLS top assist provider: 2013