The Uruguayan national football team is a formidable force in international sports, boasting an impressive record of success over the years. Represented by the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF), La Celeste have been crowned champions of South America on 15 occasions and are two-time winners of the FIFA World Cup, with their most recent title coming in 1950. With some world class players such as Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani wearing the sky blue jersey, there’s no doubt that Uruguay will continue to be one of soccer’s giants for many years to come.
1. Luis Suárez
Forward
Career
Luis Suárez is a talented Uruguayan striker who has had an illustrious career playing for top teams in Europe. Suarez signed with Premier League club Liverpool in January 2014, and helped the team win the Champions League in 2015.
In May 2018, he was banned from international football by FIFA after biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini during a World Cup match. Suarez returned to action with Grêmio in July 2018 and scored twice against Cruzeiro on his return to competitive play.
He is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in history, and is often compared to former Liverpool teammates Ian Rush and Fernando Torres . [1] Luis Alberto Suárez Díaz was born on 24 January 1987[1]in Salto , Uruguay . At 1'82 m (6 ft 0 ins), he typically plays as a striker for clubs such as Groningen , Barcelona , Liverpool Fc., Napoli FC,[2][3][4] Ajax Amsterdam,[5], Sevilla FC[6], Atlético Madrid [7]and Manchester United.[8].
His association with these clubs spans over ten years across three continents; South America (Atletico Madrid), Europe (Liverpool) & Asia Pacific Region(Ajax Amsterdam). After making his senior debut at Nacional aged just 17 years old, Suarez went onto score 127 goals before joining English side Liverpool Football Club for £22 million ($34 million).[9][10][11]"Suarez joins Van Persie & Rooney atop all-time goal scorers list" - The Telegraph 16th August 2017 Luis Suárez is a world-renowned striker who has played for several top clubs, most notably Liverpool and Barcelona.
He is well known for his explosive pace and powerful shot, which has earned him numerous accolades over the years. In 2011 he was banned from football by FIFA after biting an opponent during a match in Italy; however, this ban was later overturned on appeal. Suárez recently announced he will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season to join Barcelona in a move that is sure to cause controversy again. His outstanding skills have made him one of the most popular players in world football, and he remains one of Uruguay's most iconic exports
2. Edinson Cavani
Forward
Career
- 2000–2005: Danubio
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 2005–2007: Danubio: 25: (9)
- 2007–2011: Palermo: 109: (34)
- 2010–2011: → Napoli (loan): 35: (26)
- 2011–2013: Napoli: 69: (52)
- 2013–2020: Paris Saint-Germain: 200: (138)
- 2020–2022: Manchester United: 41: (12)
- 2022–: Valencia: 9: (5)
- 2006–2007: Uruguay U20: 15: (11)
- 2012: Uruguay Olympic (O.P.): 5: (3)
- 2008–: Uruguay: 136: (58)
Cavani is a prolific goalscorer, having scored over 100 goals in his career. Cavani has played for several clubs across Europe and South America, including Danubio, Palermo and Valencia.
Cavani helped Uruguay to win the Copa América in 2015. Cavani is currently playing for Valencia in Spain's La Liga after joining the club in 2017. Cavani is set to join Paris Saint-Germain reportedly worth £167 million ($222 million) at the end of the season Edinson Cavani is a prolific goalscorer, who has played for clubs such as Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain.
He represented Uruguay at international level, before winning Copa América with Argentina in 2011. Cavani is expected to join Valencia in the coming season. His place of birth means he's eligible for both France and Uruguay, but he chose to represent Les Bleus on numerous occasions. At 32 years old, Cavani still has plenty of football left in him - which bodes well for the teams that sign him.
3. Federico Valverde
Midfielder
Career
- 2001–2008: Estudiantes de la Unión
- 2008–2015: Peñarol
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 2015–2016: Peñarol: 12: (0)
- 2016–2017: Real Madrid B: 30: (3)
- 2017–: Real Madrid: 120: (11)
- 2017–2018: → Deportivo La Coruña (loan): 24: (0)
- 2012–2013: Uruguay U15: 25: (7)
- 2014–2015: Uruguay U17: 24: (11)
- 2015: Uruguay U18: 7: (3)
- 2015–2017: Uruguay U20: 15: (2)
- 2017–: Uruguay: 47: (4)
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19:19, 7 January 2023 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 17:30, 2 December 2022 (UTC)
Valverde is a 24-year old central midfielder and right winger who currently plays for Real Madrid. Valverde began his career with Uruguayan club, Estudiantes de la Unión in 2001.
He made over 100 appearances for the club before moving to Spain to join Real Madrid in 2017. In total, Valverde has made 101 appearances for Uruguay national team and was part of their squad that reached the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Cup where they were eliminated by France.
In addition to playing football professionally, Valverde also studies law at Universidad Católica de San Antonio Abad del Este in Montevideo, Uruguay.[3] Federico is known as one of the most consistent players in La Liga and he has been awarded with numerous accolades including being named runner up for UEFA Europa League Player of the Year award (2017) and winner of La Liga Best Midfielder Award (2018).
As well as representing his country internationally, Valverde has also appeared on various global stage such as appearing in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers matches against Bosnia & Herzegovina (2016), Gibraltar (2017), Poland (2018) and Estonia (2020).[4][5] With 121 caps under his belt,[6], it’s safe to say that Federico will be an essential player on Portugal’s 2019 World Cup campaign which kicks off against Sweden on 18 June.
4. José María Giménez
Defender
Career
- : Danubio
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 2012–2013: Danubio: 16: (0)
- 2013–: Atlético Madrid: 185: (4)
- 2013: Uruguay U20: 13: (0)
- 2013–: Uruguay: 81: (8)
José María Giménez is a centre back for Atlético Madrid and Uruguay. He was born on 20 January 1995 in Toledo, Uruguay. He made his professional debut with Danubio in 2014 at the age of 18.
In 2018, he played for Uruguay at the World Cup where they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Brazil. José María Giménez has also represented Colombia U20s, and was part of their squad that won the 2017 South American Youth Championship.[3] José María Giménez is contracted to Atlético Madrid until 2021.[1] His favourite player is Vincent Kompany[4].
José María Giménez started his professional football career at Danubio where he played for two years. In 2013, Giménez signed with Atlético Madrid and went on to make 185 appearances during his three-year spell at the club. He made his international debut in 2013 when Uruguay took part in the U20 World Cup and helped them reach the final where they were narrowly beaten by Turkey.
After leaving Atlético Madrid, Giménez joined Uruguayan side Penarol before returning to Spain to play for Rayo Vallecano FC in 2019.
5. Diego Godín
Defender
Career
- : Estudiantes El Colla
- 2000–2003: Defensor
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 2003–2006: Cerro: 63: (6)
- 2006–2007: Nacional: 26: (0)
- 2007–2010: Villarreal: 91: (4)
- 2010–2019: Atlético Madrid: 277: (17)
- 2019–2020: Inter Milan: 23: (1)
- 2020–2022: Cagliari: 39: (1)
- 2022: Atlético Mineiro: 5: (1)
- 2022–: Vélez Sarsfield: 6: (1)
- 2004–2005: Uruguay U20: 14: (0)
- 2005–: Uruguay: 161: (8)
Diego Godín is a Uruguayan international centre-back who currently plays for Vélez Sarsfield. Diego Godín began his career at Estudiantes El Colla before moving to Defensor in 2003.
After three years with Defensor, Diego Godín joined Cerro in 2006 and helped the club win the Liga Sudamericana title that season. Diego Godín made his international debut for Uruguay in 2007 and has since accumulated over 60 caps, scoring four goals.
In 2018, Diego Godín played at the World Cup where Uruguay reached the semi-finals before being defeated by France on penalties following a 1–1 draw after 120 minutes of playing time.[5] Outside of football, DiegoGodin is married and has two children.[6] Diego Godín is a world-renowned defender who has played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe and South America.
Diego Godín started his career at Nacional, before moving to Villarreal in Spain. He was then signed by Atlético Madrid, where he spent nine seasons before joining Inter Milan. Diego Godín has made over 270 appearances for Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan combined, winning La Liga twice (with Atlético) and the Champions League once with Inter Milan. After leaving Italy, Diego Godín joined Cagliari on a one-year deal during the summer of 2020; however after just six appearances he moved back to Atlético Madrid on a permanent basis later that year.
At international level, Diego Godin has represented Uruguay at Copa América tournaments on three occasions (winning in 2011), as well as playing at World Cups 2014 and 2018..
6. Fernando Muslera
Goalkeeper
Career
- 2001–2004: Montevideo Wanderers
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 2004–2007: Montevideo Wanderers: 44: (0)
- 2006–2007: → Nacional (loan): 5: (0)
- 2007–2011: Lazio: 96: (0)
- 2011–: Galatasaray: 354: (1)
- 2003: Uruguay U17: 1: (0)
- 2004–2005: Uruguay U20: 13: (0)
- 2009–: Uruguay: 133: (0)
Muslera is a goalkeeper who has played for Montevideo Wanderers and Galatasaray in his career. He was born in 1986, making him 36 years old as of 2019. Muslera is 1.90 m (6 ft 3 inches) tall and plays for Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig.[4] He made his professional debut with Montevideo Wanderers in 2004, at the age of 16.[5] In 2007, he moved toGalatasarayand has since made over 200 appearances for them,[6] including 51 during the 2018–19 season[7].
Muslera was part of Argentina's squad that competed at the 2010 World Cup,[8][9][10] and also played at UEFA Euro 2016.[11][12][13] On 30 October 2019,Muslera celebrated 10 years with Galatasaray after signing a new contract until 2023 which will keep him at club till 35 yo Muslera is a Uruguayan footballer who plays for Turkish club Galatasaray. He has represented his country internationally on several occasions and won the Copa América in 2011 with Argentina.
Muslera started his career at hometown side Nacional, making over 100 appearances before joining Lazio in 2007. After two years he moved to Turkish side Galatasaray where he has since made 354 appearances, winning one title (the Süper Lig) along the way. Muslera is known for being an excellent sweeper-keeper and possesses great reflexes which have helped him keep many clean sheets throughout his career; this was especially evident during the 2011 Copa América where he kept seven consecutive clean sheets en route to victory for Argentina.
Despite being primarily a goalkeeper, Muslera has also been used as a defensive midfielder on occasion; most notably during Uruguay's run to the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup Qualifying tournament, playing alongside Diego Godin and Éver Banega in central defence. In addition to footballing duties, Muslera works as a television presenter for Uruguayan network Tele13; hosting programmes such as "El show de Fernando" and "Futbolmania".
7. Darwin Núñez
Career
- : La Luz
- : San Miguel de Artigas
- : Peñarol
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 2017–2019: Peñarol: 14: (4)
- 2019–2020: Almería: 30: (16)
- 2020–2022: Benfica: 57: (32)
- 2022–: Liverpool: 13: (5)
- 2018–2019: Uruguay U20: 14: (4)
- 2019: Uruguay U22: 4: (1)
- 2019–: Uruguay: 16: (3)
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:58, 2 January 2023 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 17:30, 2 December 2022 (UTC)
Darwin Núñez is a Uruguayan striker who currently plays for Liverpool. He was born on 24 June 1999 in Artigas, Uruguay and has played for La Luz youth team.
In March 2018, he made his senior debut for Liverpool in the Premier League against Cardiff City and scored two goals in a 3-1 victory. At international level, Núñez has represented Uruguay at various age levels from U17 to U20 before making his full national team debut in November 2017 against Chile.
Darwin is known as an effective forward with good dribbling skills and fast acceleration; he is also capable of scoring decisive goals at important moments of matches Darwin Núñez is a Uruguayan footballer who plays as a striker for Peñarol. He has played professionally in Spain, Portugal and England, winning several titles along the way.
In 2018 he helped Uruguay win the Copa América Centenario, scoring four goals including one in the final against Argentina. After his impressive performance at the tournament Darwin was signed by Liverpool FC where he will be hoping to help them challenge for honours in Europe next season..
8. Lucas Torreira
Midfielder
Career
- 2010–2013: 18 de Julio
- 2013: Montevideo Wanderers
- 2013–2014: Pescara
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 2014–2015: Pescara: 34: (4)
- 2015–2018: Sampdoria: 71: (4)
- 2015–2016: → Pescara (loan): 29: (4)
- 2018–2022: Arsenal: 63: (3)
- 2020–2021: → Atlético Madrid (loan): 19: (1)
- 2021–2022: → Fiorentina (loan): 31: (5)
- 2022–: Galatasaray: 13: (0)
- 2018–: Uruguay: 40: (0)
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20:27, 25 December 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23 September 2022
Lucas Torreira is a 26-year-old Argentine midfielder who currently plays for Turkish club Galatasaray. Lucas was born in Uruguay but played his youth football with 18 de Julio, before moving to Europe to join Arsenal in 2013.
He made his debut for the Gunners against Southampton in April of that year and went on to make over 100 appearances for the club, winning 2 Premier League titles and 3 FA Cups during that time. In 2018, Lucas signed with Galatasaray as part of a big-money move worth £32 million ($38 million).
On international duty, he has represented both Argentina (U21s) and Uruguay (U20s), scoring 5 goals in 24 appearances between the two teams Lucas Torreira is a versatile midfielder who can play in both central and defensive midfield positions. He joined Sampdoria from Pescara in 2015 and has since made 71 appearances for the club, scoring four goals.
Lucas Torreira has also represented Uruguay at international level, playing 40 times and scoring zero goals. The 24-year-old will return to Sampdoria this season after joining Galatasaray on a short-term loan deal in 2022.
9. Sebastián Coates
Defender
Career
- 2001–2009: Nacional
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 2009–2011: Nacional: 59: (3)
- 2011–2015: Liverpool: 13: (1)
- 2014: → Nacional (loan): 6: (0)
- 2014–2015: → Sunderland (loan): 10: (0)
- 2015–2017: Sunderland: 16: (0)
- 2016–2017: → Sporting CP (loan): 46: (3)
- 2017–: Sporting CP: 169: (14)
- 2007: Uruguay U17: 4: (0)
- 2008–2009: Uruguay U20: 17: (2)
- 2012: Uruguay U23: 5: (0)
- 2011–: Uruguay: 49: (1)
Sebastián Coates is a Uruguayan footballer who currently plays for Sporting CP. He started his career with Nacional before moving to Liverpool in 2009. After spending time on loan at Nacional, he joined the club permanently in 2014.
He has made 59 appearances for Nacional and 13 for Liverpool overall. Coates is known as a strong centre back who can also score goals from midfield or defence, making him an important player for both teams he has played for so far in his career Sebastián Coates is a Uruguayan international footballer who plays as a left back for English club Sunderland and the Uruguay national team.
He made his professional debut with Sunderland in 2014, before transferring to Sporting CP in 2017. He has represented Uruguay at Copa América twice, winning the tournament in 2011. Coates also played for Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen on loan spells before moving to Sunderland permanently in 2018. In 2019 he was named Player of the Year by A Bola magazine after helping Sunderland secure their first ever top-flight league title since 1973-74 season.
With 112 appearances and 14 goals for Sporting CP, Sebastián Coates holds second place all-time on their list of appearance makers behind only Rui Costa (148). At 29 years old he is still young enough to achieve many more things both domestically and internationally.
10. Diego Forlán
Forward
Career
- 1990–1991: Peñarol
- 1991–1994: Danubio
- 1994–1997: Independiente
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1997–2002: Independiente: 80: (37)
- 2002–2004: Manchester United: 63: (10)
- 2004–2007: Villarreal: 106: (54)
- 2007–2011: Atlético Madrid: 134: (74)
- 2011–2012: Inter Milan: 18: (2)
- 2012–2014: Internacional: 34: (10)
- 2014–2015: Cerezo Osaka: 42: (17)
- 2015–2016: Peñarol: 30: (8)
- 2016: Mumbai City: 11: (5)
- 2018: Kitchee: 7: (5)
- Total: : 525: (222)
- 2002–2014: Uruguay: 112: (36)
- 2020: Peñarol
- 2021: Atenas
Diego Forlán is a Uruguayan-born forward who has played for Manchester United, Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan. He made his debut for Independiente in 1997 and went on to score 74 goals in 106 appearances for the club.
Forlán joined Manchester United in 2002 and helped them win the Premier League title that season as well as the UEFA Champions League two years later. He left Old Trafford after four seasons to join Villarreal where he enjoyed more success, scoring 134 goals in 174 appearances over six seasons with the Yellow Submarine.
In 2011, he moved to Atlético Madrid where he won two La Liga titles before joining Inter Milan in 2012; however, he only featured 18 times during three years at San Siro due to various injuries sustained while playing football professionally.. Diego Forlán is a striker who has played for Uruguay and Cerezo Osaka in international football.
Diego Forlán was born on October 10, 1988 in the city of Montevideo. Diego Forlán started his professional career with Uruguayan side Cerro Largo before moving to Japanese outfit Cerezo Osaka in 2002. After spells at Atlético Madrid and Manchester United, Diego Forlán signed for Indian Super League club Mumbai City ahead of the 2018 season.
In total, he has made 525 appearances in International Football (202 for Uruguay and 336 for Cerezo Osaka). He also represented Uruguay at Copa America 2011 where they won the tournament title. Currently, Diego Forlán is contracted to Chinese Super League side Kitchee FC until 2021
11. Rodrigo Bentancur
Midfielder
Career
- 2009–2015: Boca Juniors
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 2015–2017: Boca Juniors: 51: (1)
- 2017–2022: Juventus: 133: (2)
- 2022–: Tottenham Hotspur: 31: (5)
- 2017: Uruguay U20: 14: (1)
- 2017–: Uruguay: 54: (1)
Rodrigo Bentancur was born on 25 June 1997 in Nueva Helvecia, Uruguay. He started his career with Boca Juniors before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in 2017.
Bentancur is a midfielder and has played for Uruguay at youth level. He made his professional debut for Spurs in the EFL Cup against Mansfield Town on 27 October 2017 and scored the winning goal.[4] Bentancur is considered one of Tottenham's most exciting prospects due to his speed, technical ability, and goalscoring potential.[5] He signed a new five-year contract with Tottenham in December 2018[6].
Rodrigo Bentancur is a versatile midfielder who can play in either of the midfield positions. He has been a regular starter for Juventus since joining them in 2017, and has scored 133 goals in total for the club. Rodrigo Bentancur was part of Uruguay's U20 team that won the South American Championship in 2017. He started his career with Boca Juniors before moving to Juventus and playing an important role for them over the past few years.
12. Martín Cáceres
Defender
Career
- : Defensor
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 2006–2007: Defensor: 26: (4)
- 2007–2008: Villarreal: 0: (0)
- 2007–2008: → Recreativo (loan): 34: (2)
- 2008–2011: Barcelona: 13: (0)
- 2009–2010: → Juventus (loan): 15: (1)
- 2010–2011: → Sevilla (loan): 25: (1)
- 2011–2012: Sevilla: 14: (1)
- 2012: → Juventus (loan): 11: (1)
- 2012–2016: Juventus: 51: (2)
- 2017: Southampton: 1: (0)
- 2017–2018: Hellas Verona: 14: (3)
- 2018–2019: Lazio: 10: (1)
- 2019: → Juventus (loan): 9: (0)
- 2019–2021: Fiorentina: 56: (3)
- 2021–2022: Cagliari: 14: (1)
- 2022: Levante: 10: (0)
- 2022–: LA Galaxy: 6: (0)
- 2006–2007: Uruguay U20: 16: (1)
- 2007–: Uruguay: 116: (4)
Cáceres began his professional career at Defensor in 2006 where he played 26 games and made four appearances. He then moved to Villarreal in 2007 but didn't make an appearance for the La Liga side.
Cáceres joined Barcelona on a loan deal in 2008, making 13 appearances before returning to Villarreal later that year. In 2011, he signed with LA Galaxy and has since been a key member of their defense helping them win two MLS Cups (2013, 2015).
Martín Cáceres started his career with Uruguayan club Peñarol. He joined Juventus in 2009, and went on to make over 100 appearances for the club before joining Sevilla in 2011. In 2012, he moved to Spain's neighbours Juve again on a season-long loan deal.
After returning to Turin, Cáceres helped Juventus win their fourth consecutive Serie A title and two Italian Cups during the 2013-14 campaign. On 29 July 2014, it was announced that he had signed for English side Southampton on a four-year contract worth £10 million (€12 million).
At the end of the 2017–18 season, Martín Caceres left Southampton after one year at the club due to reported differences with then manager Mauricio Pellegrino The following January 2019 he agreed terms with newly promoted Serie A side Hellas Verona and made his debut against Benevento on 28 January 2019 scoring once within three minutes of play On 6 February 2019 it was announced that Martín Caperes had signed a new long term contract extension until 2023 with Hellas Verona which will keep him at the club until June 2021 9 Finally ,on 1 December 2018he came off bench as part of an 88th minute substitution as Lazio defeated Fiorentina 3–1
13. Maximiliano Gómez González
Forward
Career
- : Litoral
- 2013–2015: Defensor Sporting
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 2015–2017: Defensor Sporting: 47: (28)
- 2017–2019: Celta: 71: (30)
- 2019–2022: Valencia: 96: (22)
- 2022–: Trabzonspor: 11: (3)
- 2017–: Uruguay: 29: (4)
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 5 January 2023, ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 2 December 2022
Maxi Gómez is a 26-year old Uruguayan striker who currently plays for Turkish side Trabzonspor. Gómez made his professional debut with River Plate in 2015 and was part of the squad that won the Copa Libertadores in 2016.
In 2018, he joined Valencia on a season long loan deal but struggled to make an impact at La Liga side Valencia, scoring just one goal in 18 appearances. On 30 January 2020, it was announced that Gómez had completed a move to Trabzonspor from Valencia for an undisclosed fee believed to be around €5 million (£4m).[3] Maxi has represented Uruguay at U20 level as well as making three appearances for the full national team.[1] Known as "El Toro" (The Bull),[4] Maxi is regarded as one of Uruguay's most promising young strikers and is tipped to have a successful career ahead of him
14. Matías Viña
Career
- 2015–2017: Nacional
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 2017–2020: Nacional: 39: (5)
- 2020–2021: Palmeiras: 44: (2)
- 2021–: Roma: 29: (0)
- 2016–2017: Uruguay U20: 27: (4)
- 2019–: Uruguay: 28: (0)
Matías Viña was born on 9 November 1997 in Empalme Olmos, Uruguay. He is a left-back and currently plays for Roma in Serie A. Viña made his debut for Nacional at the age of 17 during the 2015–16 season, starting all 27 games he played that year.
In 2017 he helped Uruguay win their first ever U20 World Cup title with four appearances from the bench including one final appearance as they beat Colombia 3-0 to win gold medals.[1] Matías Viña is a Uruguayan footballer who plays for Palmeiras as a midfielder.
He has played for the Uruguay U20 team and was part of their success at the South American U-20 Championship in 2017. Matías Viña made his debut for Palmeiras in the 2018 season, starting all their league games so far this year.
15. Matías Vecino
Midfielder
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 2010–2011: Central Español: 32: (2)
- 2011–2013: Nacional: 18: (4)
- 2013–2017: Fiorentina: 67: (5)
- 2014: → Cagliari (loan): 9: (2)
- 2014–2015: → Empoli (loan): 36: (2)
- 2017–2022: Inter Milan: 104: (10)
- 2022–: Lazio: 15: (1)
- 2010–2011: Uruguay U20: 35: (4)
- 2016–: Uruguay: 65: (4)
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:51, 4 January 2023 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 2 December 2022
Vecino is a midfielder for Lazio and was part of the Uruguay squad that competed in the 2017 Copa America. Vecino made his Serie A debut with Lazio in 2012 and has since gone on to make over 100 appearances for the club.
Vecino played briefly for Valencia before returning to Lazio in 2014. In 2015, Vecino helped Lazio win their first Scudetto title in 44 years and he also featured at UEFA Europa League semi-final stages later that year where they were defeated by Atlético Madrid after penalties.
In 2016, Vecino again helped Lazio clinch another Scudetto title as well as qualify for the Champions League group stage where they lost 2–1 against Juventus . With Uruguay, Vecino won back-to-back Copa América tournaments (2017 & 2018) and reached the final of the 2019 edition which they eventually lost to Chile .
He has been capped 52 times by Uruguay scoring 4 goals.[3] On 23 May 2019, FC Barcelona announced that it had signed Vecino from Italian side Fiorentina on a five-year contract.[4]
16. Ronald Araújo
Career
- 2012–2015: Huracán de Rivera
- 2015–2016: Rentistas
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 2016–2017: Rentistas: 17: (7)
- 2017–2018: Boston River: 27: (0)
- 2018–2020: Barcelona B: 42: (6)
- 2019–: Barcelona: 67: (6)
- 2017–2018: Uruguay U18: 6: (1)
- 2018–2019: Uruguay U20: 12: (2)
- 2020–: Uruguay: 12: (0)
Ronald Araújo is a 23-year old centre-back who currently plays for Barcelona. Araújo started his career with Huracán de Rivera before moving to Rentistas in 2015.
In 2016, he made his senior debut for Uruguay and has since played for Barça B and the first team. Ronald Araújo is an attacking full-back who can also play as a central defender if needed.
Ronald Araújo is an Uruguayan footballer who currently plays for Barcelona B in the Spanish Segunda Division. He has represented Uruguay at youth level, but he has yet to make his senior international debut.
Ronald Araújo made his professional debut with Barcelona B in 2017–18 and quickly became a key player for the club. In 2018–19, he helped Barcelona win their first ever La Liga title and was also named runner-up for the Ballon d'Or award as Europe's best player that season.
The following season saw Ronald Araújo help Barcelona reach the Champions League final where they were narrowly beaten by Liverpool on penalties after a thrilling match which went to extra time and then penalties again. Ronald Araújo score six goals in 42 appearances for Barça B - including two against Atlético Madrid which earned him Europa League Player of the Week honours – so far this season.
17. Giorgian de Arrascaeta
Midfielder
Career
- 2007–2012: Defensor Sporting
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 2012–2014: Defensor Sporting: 53: (16)
- 2015–2018: Cruzeiro: 136: (38)
- 2019–: Flamengo: 129: (37)
- 2012–2013: Uruguay U20: 23: (4)
- 2014–: Uruguay: 42: (10)
Giorgian de Arrascaeta is an attacking midfielder who currently plays for Flamengo. De Arrascaeta first emerged as a goal-scoring threat with Defensor Sporting in Uruguay before moving to Brazil and then to Flamengo in 2016.
De Arrascaeta has been capped at international level by Uruguay, making his debut in 2015 and playing at the 2017 Copa America. Despite being relatively young, De Arrascaeta has played a significant role for both club and country over the past two seasons.
Giorgian de Arrascaeta is a versatile midfielder who has played for both club and country. De Arrascaeta started his career at Uruguayan side Defensor Sporting before moving to Brazilian side Cruzeiro in 2012. He made 38 appearances for Cruzeiro over the course of two seasons, scoring 10 goals along the way before joining Flamengo in 2019.
The versatile midfielder has represented Uruguay at youth international level, winning medals at both the South American U-20 Championship and FIFA U-20 World Cup tournaments. With Flamengo, he's competed in Brazil’s top flight league – Serie A – where he has made nine appearances so far this season as they sit third in the table standings
18. Nicolás de la Cruz
Career
- 2009–2015: Liverpool Montevideo
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 2015–2017: Liverpool Montevideo: 35: (8)
- 2017–: River Plate: 109: (17)
- 2012: Uruguay U17: 4: (1)
- 2015: Uruguay U18: 6: (0)
- 2015–2017: Uruguay U20: 26: (5)
- 2020–: Uruguay: 19: (2)
Diego Nicolás de la Cruz Arcosa was born on 1 June 1997 in Montevideo, Uruguay. De la Cruz is a midfielder for River Plate and has made over 100 appearances for the club since joining as an underage player in 2009.
He played at youth level for Liverpool Montevideo before making his senior debut with the team in 2015. Diego Nicolís de la Cruz won the Copa Libertadores with River Plate in 2017 and was also runners-up in the Recopa Sudamericana that same year.
The 25-year old midfielder is currently contracted to River Plate until 2021 Nicolás de la Cruz is a Uruguayan footballer who currently plays for River Plate in Argentina. He has represented Uruguay at various youth levels, including the Under-17 and U18 teams.
He made his senior international debut in 2015, and has since played 26 times for the nation, scoring five goals. De la Cruz was signed by Liverpool Montevideo in 2015 but left to join River Plate in 2017.
19. Maxi Pereira
Defender
Career
- 2002: Defensor
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 2002–2007: Defensor: 125: (25)
- 2007–2015: Benfica: 212: (13)
- 2015–2019: Porto: 89: (3)
- 2021: Peñarol: 20: (1)
- 2022–: River Plate (UY): 34: (0)
- 2005–2018: Uruguay: 125: (3)
Maxi Pereira is a Uruguay international and current River Plate player. He started his career at Defensor before moving to Porto in Portugal in 2007. Maxi Pereira returned to Uruguay with River Plate in 2016 after stints with Monaco, AC Milan, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.
The 38-year-old defender has made over 200 appearances for club and country throughout his career so far and is considered one of the best right backs in world football Maxi Pereira is a versatile defender who can play at both left and right back. He started his career with Defensor before joining Benfica in 2007.
Maxi has represented Uruguay at international level since 2005, winning Copa América in 2011. In 2019 he joined Portuguese side Porto, where he currently plays. Maxi is often linked with moves to top clubs around Europe, but so far no club has been able to sign him up permanently
20. Mathías Olivera
Career
- : Nacional
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 2016–2017: Nacional: 2: (0)
- 2017: Atenas: 0: (0)
- 2017–2022: Getafe: 105: (2)
- 2018–2019: → Albacete (loan): 15: (1)
- 2022–: Napoli: 12: (1)
- 2015: Uruguay U18: 3: (0)
- 2015–2017: Uruguay U20: 28: (3)
- 2022–: Uruguay: 11: (0)
Mathías Olivera was born on October 31, 1997 in Montevideo, Uruguay. He is a left back and currently plays for Napoli in Serie A. Mathías made his senior debut with Nacional in 2016/17 season and has played 2 games so far.
In 2017 he helped Uruguay U20 to win the South American Under-20 Championship title and qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup Russia 2018 which they reached the Semi Final of before being knocked out by Argentina 3-1 on aggregate following a 1-0 home defeat during their first leg fixture on June 14th 2018.[2] Mathías Olivera was born in Atenas, Argentina on the 25th of March 1995.
Mathías Olivera started his footballing career with local side Atlético de Tucumán before moving to Spain to join Getafe in 2013. In 2017, at just 21 years old, Mathías Olivera helped lead Atenas to their first ever professional league championship title as captain of the side. On loan from Getafe during the 2018-19 season, he starred for Albacete helping them reach promotion to La Liga ahead of Napoli who were also vying for promotion.
Signed by Naples permanently following his spell with Albacete, Mathias is now looking forward to representing Uruguay at international level and helping them qualify for the World Cup Finals 2019 in Russia.
Altogether, Mathias has made 105 appearances (77 starts) across all competitions for Getafe and Napoli since making his debut back in 2013; scoring 15 goals along the way.
Mathias currently resides in Naples with his wife and two young children.
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