Nicolás Lodeiro Bio
Marcelo Nicolás Lodeiro Benítez, commonly known as Nicolás Lodeiro, is a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Uruguayan Primera División club Nacional. He has played professionally in various countries, winning the Eredivisie with Ajax and the domestic double with Boca Juniors, among others. Additionally, Lodeiro has represented Uruguay at multiple international competitions, including two World Cups and the Copa América, where he was part of the winning squad in 2011.
Early Life and Background
Nicolás Lodeiro was born on 21 March 1989 in Paysandú, Uruguay. He began his football journey in the youth teams of local club Barrio Obrero. His talent was recognized early on, and at the age of 14, he joined the youth team at Nacional Montevideo, where he continued to develop his skills. Lodeiro’s early exposure to competitive football laid the foundation for his future success on the field.
Path to Soccer
Lodeiro made his first-team debut for Nacional on 19 August 2007 against Fénix. He quickly made an impact, scoring his first senior goal later that year. His performances in the Copa Libertadores helped Nacional reach the semi-finals, establishing him as one of the top young talents in Uruguay. His success at Nacional caught the attention of international clubs, leading to his transfer to Ajax in 2010.
Nicolás Lodeiro Career
Early Career (2007–2010)
Lodeiro’s professional career began with Nacional, where he played from 2007 to 2010. During this time, he gained recognition for his skill and potential, culminating in a move to Ajax. At Ajax, Lodeiro won the Eredivisie in both of his seasons, marking a significant achievement in his early career.
Breakthrough (2010–2016)
Lodeiro’s breakthrough came during his time at Ajax, where he made his debut in 2010. He scored his first goal for the club in the KNVB Beker against Go Ahead Eagles. However, an injury during the World Cup limited his appearances in the 2010-2011 season. He returned to form in the following season, contributing to Ajax’s league title win. After Ajax, Lodeiro continued his career in Brazil with Botafogo, where he won the Campeonato Carioca in 2013, and later joined Corinthians and Boca Juniors, achieving further success including a domestic double with Boca Juniors in 2015.
Notable Works and Milestones
Lodeiro’s time in Major League Soccer with the Seattle Sounders from 2016 to 2023 was marked by significant achievements, including winning the MLS Cup in 2016 and 2019. His contributions to the team were pivotal, earning him the MLS Newcomer of the Year award in 2016.
Nicolás Lodeiro Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Nicolás Lodeiro has received various nominations for his performances both at the club and international levels, showcasing his talent and impact in the sport.
Nicolás Lodeiro Awards Won
Lodeiro has won multiple awards during his career, including league titles in Uruguay, the Netherlands, Brazil, and the United States. His contributions to the national team also led to a Copa América victory in 2011.
Nicolás Lodeiro Family
Information regarding Nicolás Lodeiro’s family is not publicly available, as he tends to keep his personal life private.
Personal Life
In February 2018, Lodeiro earned a U.S. green card, qualifying him as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes. He has expressed intentions to contribute to Nacional in a different capacity after his playing career ends.