Diego Fagúndez facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Diego Fagúndez

Fagúndez in 2012
Personal information
Full name	Diego Santiago Fagúndez Pepe
Date of birth	(1995-02-14) February 14, 1995 (age 30)
Place of birth	Montevideo, Uruguay
Height	1.73 m
Playing position	Attacking midfielder, forward
Club information
Current club	LA Galaxy
Number	7
Youth career
2000–2007	Leominster Youth Soccer
2007–2009	Greater Boston Bolts
2009–2010	New England Revolution
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2011–2020	New England Revolution	261	(53)
2021–2023	Austin FC	89	(15)
2023–	LA Galaxy	34	(4)
National team
2012–2015	Uruguay U20	8	(0)
Honours Men's football Representing  Uruguay South American U-20 Championship Third 2015 Uruguay
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 24 November 2024. † Appearances (Goals).

Diego Santiago Fagúndez Pepe (born February 14, 1995) is a professional soccer player from Uruguay. He plays as an attacking midfielder or forward for the Major League Soccer team LA Galaxy.

Diego's Early Soccer Journey

Diego was born in Montevideo, Uruguay. When he was five years old, his family moved to Leominster, Massachusetts in the United States. This is where he started his soccer career, playing for Leominster Youth Soccer.

He later played for other youth teams like FC United and FC Greater Boston Bolts. In 2009, he joined the New England Revolution's youth academy. He won State Cups with his youth teams and was a captain for the Massachusetts Olympic Development Program. He was even named an All-Star!

In his first year with the Revolution's U-16 team, he helped them finish first in their division. He scored 20 goals in 30 games, showing off his talent early on. By 2011, a top soccer website called him the number one ranked player in his age group across the country.

Diego's Club Career Highlights

Playing for the New England Revolution

Fagúndez playing for the Revolution against Chicago Fire FC in 2013.

On November 15, 2010, Diego made a big step in his career. He signed a contract with the New England Revolution. This made him the first "homegrown player" for the Revolution, meaning he came from their own youth academy. Even though he was on the main team, he kept training with the youth squad.

Diego played his first professional game on April 26, 2011. It was a cup match where the Revolution won 3-2. He made his first league appearance on August 6, 2011. In that game, he helped his team get a penalty kick and then scored his very first goal for New England!

In 2013, Diego became a regular starter for the Revolution. He had a fantastic season, scoring 13 goals and helping with 7 others. He quickly became known as one of the best young players in MLS. He even won "Player of the Week" honors. In October 2013, he got his U.S. green card, which helped him play more easily in MLS.

Milestones with the Revolution

Diego achieved some amazing things with the Revolution. In 2015, he became the youngest player in MLS history to play 100 games for one club. This shows how much he played and how important he was to the team at a young age.

In 2017, fans voted him "Man of the Year." Then, in 2018, he scored his 50th career MLS goal. This made him the youngest player in MLS history to reach 50 goals! He continued to be a key player, tying for the fourth-most appearances for the Revolution in 2020.

After the 2020 season, Diego decided to leave the Revolution. He had been with the team for a long time and felt it was time for a new challenge.

Moving to Austin FC

On January 5, 2021, Diego joined a new team, Austin FC. He signed a one-year deal. On April 24, 2021, he made history by scoring the very first goal for Austin FC in their first-ever win! He scored again the next week, helping Austin win another game.

Diego quickly became a favorite among Austin FC fans. In 2022, he continued to play well, scoring important goals and providing many assists. He became the club's all-time leader in assists, showing how good he was at setting up goals for his teammates. In February 2023, he signed a new long-term contract with Austin FC.

Joining the LA Galaxy

On August 1, 2023, Diego was traded to the LA Galaxy. This was a big move for him. He scored his first goal for the Galaxy on September 21, 2023, which was a game-winning goal in a thrilling 4-3 victory.

On April 13, 2024, Diego scored his first goal of the 2024 season. This goal was special because it made him one of only ten players in MLS history to have at least 70 goals and 70 assists in regular-season games. He also reached 366 regular-season games played, tying for 20th all-time in MLS history. In October 2024, he played his 400th career MLS game, including both regular season and playoff matches.

Diego's International Career

Diego has played for Uruguay's national youth teams. He made his debut for the Uruguay U20 team in October 2012. He played in several games for them against Peru.

In 2013, he mentioned he was open to playing for either Uruguay or the United States in the U-20 World Cup. However, he wasn't called up by Uruguay, and he wasn't eligible to play for the U.S. at that time because he wasn't a citizen. He continued to play for Uruguay's U20 team in 2014 and 2015, including in the South American Youth Championship.

Diego's Personal Life

Diego comes from a soccer family! His father, Washington Fagúndez, was also a professional soccer player in Uruguay. He played as a goalkeeper.

Diego is named after his godfather, Diego Dorta, who was also a famous Uruguayan soccer player.

In October 2013, Diego received his U.S. green card. This allowed him to be considered a "domestic player" in MLS. On March 13, 2024, Diego announced that he officially became a U.S. citizen!

Career statistics

Honours

LA Galaxy

• MLS Cup: 2024

See also

In Spanish: Diego Fagúndez para niños