Tomás Avilés Bio
Tomás Agustín Avilés, nicknamed “Toto,” is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a centre-back. Born on 3 February 2004 in Río Gallegos, Argentina, he currently plays for Major League Soccer club CF Montréal on loan from Inter Miami. Standing at 1.86 meters tall, Avilés is a former youth international for Chile and currently represents the Argentina U20s.
Despite his young age, Avilés has already built a notable career path that has taken him from Argentine club football to one of the most high-profile teams in North America. His journey reflects a rapid rise through the youth ranks and a willingness to embrace new opportunities abroad.
Early Life and Background
Tomás Agustín Avilés was born on 3 February 2004 in Río Gallegos, a city in the southern Argentine province of Santa Cruz. He grew up in a country with a deep footballing tradition, which played a significant role in shaping his early interest in the sport. Although details about his family life remain private, his background is rooted in Argentine football culture, where the game is a central part of community life.
Of Chilean descent through his maternal grandmother, Avilés holds eligibility for both Argentina and Chile at the international level. This dual heritage would later play an important role in his early international career choices, as he initially represented Chile at the youth level before switching allegiance to Argentina.
From a young age, Avilés showed promise as a defender, developing the physical attributes and tactical awareness that would later define his playing style. His height and composure on the ball made him a natural fit for the centre-back position, and he quickly caught the attention of local clubs in his home region.
Path to Soccer
Avilés began his footballing journey with Boxing Club, a club based in Río Gallegos, where he first honed his skills as a young defender. He later moved to CAI (Comodoro Rivadavia), continuing his development in the Patagonian region of Argentina. These early experiences gave him a solid grounding in the game before he made the significant step of joining a top-flight Argentine club’s academy.
In January 2020, Avilés joined Racing Club’s youth academy, one of the most prestigious football institutions in Argentina. However, his first year at the club was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced him to spend much of his time training alone. Despite these challenging circumstances, he remained committed to his development and continued to progress through the ranks.
His dedication paid off when, on 17 February 2023, he signed his first professional contract with Racing Club, agreeing to a three-year deal. This milestone marked the transition from promising youth prospect to professional footballer and set the stage for his eventual move to Major League Soccer.
Tomás Avilés Career
Early Career (2022-2023)
Avilés made his senior and professional debut with Racing Club on 27 February 2022, coming on as a late substitute in a 2-1 Argentine Primera División victory over Lanús. This appearance, coming at just 18 years old, was a significant moment in his burgeoning career and demonstrated the trust the club had in his abilities.
During his time at Racing Club, Avilés continued to develop as a centre-back, working with experienced coaches and players who helped him refine his defensive skills. His performances in the Argentine top flight attracted attention from clubs abroad, ultimately leading to his transfer to Major League Soccer.
Inter Miami Era (2023-2025)
On 1 August 2023, Avilés signed with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami on a deal running until the end of 2026. He made his league debut on 26 August 2023, playing in a 2-0 win against New York City. In his debut MLS season, he made 11 appearances, though Inter Miami ultimately finished in the bottom half of the table that year.
The 2024 season marked a dramatic turnaround for Inter Miami, as the club finished the regular season with the most points in Major League Soccer history. Avilés made his 2024 MLS debut on 21 February in a 2-0 win against Real Salt Lake. However, despite their historic regular-season performance, Inter Miami were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Atlanta United, ending their postseason ambitions.
Avilés began the 2025 MLS season on 22 February with a 2-2 draw against New York City, a match in which he scored in the fifth minute but was also sent off later in the game. During the 2025 Leagues Cup, he was suspended for three games after throwing punches in Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders, an incident that highlighted the competitive edge he brings to the pitch.
CF Montréal Loan (2026-Present)
In 2026, Avilés was loaned to CF Montréal, where he wears the number 3 shirt. The move provides him with an opportunity to secure regular playing time and continue his development as a centre-back in Major League Soccer. Wearing the number 3, a traditional shirt for centre-backs, he looks to establish himself as a key figure in the Canadian club’s defensive setup.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the notable moments in Avilés’s career is his debut goal for Inter Miami in the 2025 MLS season opener against New York City, a strike that came in just the fifth minute of the match. His transition from Racing Club to Inter Miami also represents a significant milestone, as he joined a club featuring some of the world’s most recognizable players and competed in one of the most-watched leagues in North America.
Tomás Avilés Career Highlights
International Career
Avilés’s international career began with the Chile U20s, for whom he played at both the 2022 South American Games and the 2023 South American U-20 Championship. Born in Argentina but of Chilean descent through his maternal grandmother, he was eligible to represent either nation at the youth level.
In 2023, Avilés made the decision to switch his international allegiance to Argentina, and he was called up to play for the Argentina U20s at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. This choice reflected his connection to his birth country and marked a new chapter in his international career, aligning his national team representation with his Argentine identity.
Tomás Avilés Family
Family Background and Heritage
Tomás Agustín Avilés was born in Río Gallegos, Argentina, and is of Chilean descent through his maternal grandmother. This dual heritage has played a defining role in his international career, giving him the opportunity to represent both Chile and Argentina at the youth level before ultimately choosing to play for the Argentina U20s.
Personal Life
Details about Avilés’s personal life remain largely private, as is common for young professional athletes focused on their developing careers. At 22 years old, he continues to build his professional profile while representing one of the most visible clubs in North American football.
2025 Season Performance
Avilés’s 2025 MLS season began on 22 February with a dramatic 2-2 draw against New York City, in which he scored in the fifth minute before being sent off later in the match. The early goal demonstrated his ability to contribute offensively from the centre-back position, while the red card highlighted the intensity he brings to every fixture.
During the 2025 Leagues Cup, Avilés was involved in an incident during Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders, resulting in a three-game suspension after he threw punches during the match. The suspension served as a reminder of the discipline required at the professional level, even as he continued to feature regularly for the club.
Looking ahead, Avilés’s loan move to CF Montréal in 2026 represents a fresh opportunity to showcase his abilities and gain consistent playing time. As a young centre-back with experience at both the club and international level, he remains a player with significant potential in Major League Soccer.