Nicolás Lodeiro
{{short description|Uruguayan footballer (born 1989)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{family name hatnote|Lodeiro|Benítez|lang=Spanish}}{{Infobox football biography
| name = Nicolás Lodeiro
| image = Urug tren (3).jpg
| caption = Lodeiro with Uruguay in 2015
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|3|21|df=y}}
| birth_place = Paysandú, Uruguay
| position = Attacking midfielder
| currentclub = Houston Dynamo
| clubnumber = 20
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = Barrio Obrero
| youthyears2 = 2003–2007
| youthclubs2 = Nacional
| years1 = 2007–2010
| clubs1 = Nacional
| caps1 = 43
| goals1 = 9
| years2 = 2010–2012
| clubs2 = Ajax
| caps2 = 21
| goals2 = 2
| years3 = 2012–2014
| clubs3 = Botafogo
| caps3 = 47
| goals3 = 7
| years4 = 2014–2015
| clubs4 = Corinthians
| caps4 = 7
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2015–2016
| clubs5 = Boca Juniors
| caps5 = 30
| goals5 = 6
| years6 = 2016–2023
| clubs6 = Seattle Sounders
| caps6 = 191
| goals6 = 41
| years7 = 2024–2025
| clubs7 = Orlando City
| caps7 = 34
| goals7 = 1
| years8 = 2025–
| clubs8 = Houston Dynamo
| caps8 = 9
| goals8 = 1
| nationalyears1 = 2008–2009
| nationalteam1 = Uruguay U20
| nationalcaps1 = 11
| nationalgoals1 = 5
| nationalyears2 = 2012
| nationalteam2 = Uruguay Olympic
| nationalcaps2 = 3
| nationalgoals2 = 1
| nationalyears3 = 2009–2019
| nationalteam3 = Uruguay
| nationalcaps3 = 60
| nationalgoals3 = 5
| medaltemplates = {{MedalCountry|{{fb|URU}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|Copa América}}
{{Medal|Winner|2011 Argentina|Team}}
| club-update = 19 April 2025
| nationalteam-update = 25 June 2019
}}
Marcelo Nicolás Lodeiro Benítez ({{IPA|es|nikoˈlas loˈðejɾo}}; born 21 March 1989), commonly known as Nicolás Lodeiro, is a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Major League Soccer club Houston Dynamo.
Lodeiro has played professionally in Uruguay, the Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina, and the United States, winning the Eredivisie in both of his seasons at Ajax, and winning the domestic double in 2015 with Boca Juniors. He also won titles with Nacional and Botafogo, as well as the 2016 and 2019 MLS Cup with Seattle Sounders.
A full international since 2009, Lodeiro has earned 60 caps for Uruguay. He has taken part in two FIFA World Cups with the national side, as well as four editions of the Copa América, the 2012 Summer Olympics, and the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, in which Uruguay finished fourth. He was also part of the teams which placed fourth in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and won the 2011 Copa América.
Club career
=Early career=
Lodeiro was born in 1989 in Paysandú, which borders Argentina. It was here that he made his first steps as a footballer in the youth sides of local club Barrio Obrero. It wasn't too long before his talent was recognised by a local scout called Daniel López who nurtured him to play for the youth team at Nacional Montevideo aged only 14 years old.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1784/south-american-u-20/2009/01/21/1071530/south-american-under-20-profile-player-of-the-second-day-nicol%C3%A1s-|title=South American Under-20 Profile: Player Of The Second Day: Nicolás Lodeiro (Uruguay)|website=goal.com|access-date=28 February 2018}}
=Nacional=
Four years later, at the age of 18, Lodeiro made his debut for the Nacional first team against Fénix on 19 August 2007. Later on in the year he also scored his first senior goal and it was clear to see that in Lodeiro, there was a new star in the making.
A year later, Lodeiro continued to make progress, securing more playing time and even scored against River Plate in the Pre-Libertadores playoff. But 2009 was the year that Lodeiro really began to make progress. His three goals and several assists in the Copa Libertadores helped Nacional to reach the semi-finals of the tournament. In April 2009 he was named 58th highest scorer in the world by the IFFHS following his performance in the Copa Libertadores{{cite news|url= http://www.larepublica.com.uy/deportes/360769-nicolas-lodeiro-entre-los-mejores-del-mundo|title=Nicolás Lodeiro, entre los mejores del mundo |publisher=Larepublica.com |date=20 April 2009 |access-date=30 January 2010}}
Lodeiro played a vital role for Nacional in the 2008–09 Copa Libertadores, which saw Nacional reach the semi-finals. From then on, Lodeiro has been considered one of the best youth players in the country.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/news/y=2009/m=7/news=lodeiro-leading-nacional-charge-1078305.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301164454/http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/news/y=2009/m=7/news=lodeiro-leading-nacional-charge-1078305.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 March 2018|title=Lodeiro leading Nacional charge|website=fifa.com|publisher=FIFA|date=1 July 2009|access-date=28 February 2018}}
=Ajax=
In January 2010, Lodeiro signed a contract with Ajax until June 2012 with option of 2 more years.{{cite news|url=http://www.ajax.nl/Nieuws/Nieuwsarchief/Nieuws-artikel/Ajax-contracteert-Nicolas-Lodeiro.htm|title=Ajax contracteert Nicolás Lodeiro|date=23 January 2010|access-date=7 February 2010|publisher=AFC Ajax|language=nl|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100126072620/http://www.ajax.nl/Nieuws/Nieuwsarchief/Nieuws-artikel/Ajax-contracteert-Nicolas-Lodeiro.htm|archive-date=26 January 2010}} He joined his fellow Uruguayans Bruno Silva and his friend Luis Suárez at Ajax. His first appearance for Ajax was as a substitute in the match against FC Twente on 7 February 2010. He marked his first goal against Go Ahead Eagles with Ajax on 25 March in the KNVB Beker. Because of an injury he sustained during the World Cup he didn't play a single match for Ajax in the 2010/2011 Eredivisie season. He did however make 19 appearances for Ajax the following season, scoring twice in the regular season, and once against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, all while helping Ajax to win their 31st league title.
=Botafogo=
On 20 July 2012 it was announced that Botafogo had signed Lodeiro to a four-year contract, taking the young midfielder over to Rio de Janeiro from Ajax for an undisclosed fee.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/69/transfer-zone/2012/07/20/3254908/official-botafogo-signs-nicolas-lodeiro-from-ajax|title=Official: Botafogo signs Nicolás Lodeiro from Ajax|date=20 July 2012|access-date=23 June 2013|publisher=Goal.com}} He was a key part of the squad that won the Campeonato Carioca in 2013 and qualified Botafogo for the 2014 Copa Libertadores after 18 years absence of the tournament. During his time with Botafogo, Lodeiro was part of Uruguay's 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2014 FIFA World Cup squad.
=Corinthians=
On 29 May 2014, Lodeiro signed a four-year deal with Corinthians, for a R$4.5 million fee.[http://esporte.uol.com.br/futebol/campeonatos/brasileiro/serie-a/ultimas-noticias/2014/05/29/no-uruguai-lodeiro-assina-contrato-e-defendera-corinthians-por-quatro-anos.htm No Uruguai, Lodeiro assina contrato e defenderá Corinthians por quatro anos In Uruguay, Lodeiro signs contract and will defend Corinthians for four years)]; UOL Esporte, 29 May 2014 {{in lang|pt}}
=Boca Juniors=
In 2015, Lodeiro signed with Argentinian club Boca Juniors. In September 2015, Lodeiro scored against River Plate in the Superclásico.{{cite web|url=http://www.cadena3.com/contenido/2015/09/13/Con-gol-de-Lodeiro-Boca-le-gano-a-River-y-es-el-unico-lider-151469.asp|title=Revancha Monumental: Boca ganó y volvió a ser único líder|website=cadena3.com|publisher=Cadena|language=es|date=14 September 2015|access-date=28 February 2018}} On 4 November 2015, Lodeiro scored a penalty in the 2015 Copa Argentina Final helping Boca defeat Rosario Central 2–0, and secure their domestic double.{{cite web|title=Match Report|url=http://www.copaargentina.org/es/partido/2788_Rosario-Central-vs-Boca.html|access-date=5 November 2015|date=5 November 2015}}
=Seattle Sounders=
In the summer of 2016, Lodeiro was widely rumored to be moving to Major League Soccer club Seattle Sounders.{{cite tweet|user=La12tuittera|author=La12tuittera ⑫|number=757682183096111104|date=25 July 2016|title=#Lodeiro "Nunca voy a olvidar el cariño de la gente, de jugar en #LaBombonera y que coreen mi nombre" @Doble5TyC}}/photo/1 Lodeiro began discussing a transfer with Sounders general manager Garth Lagerwey during the Copa America Centenario, using teammate Luis Suarez as a translator.{{cite news |last=Stejskal |first=Sam |date=7 December 2016 |title=How Luis Suarez helped the Seattle Sounders sign Nicolas Lodeiro |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/07/how-luis-suarez-helped-seattle-sounders-sign-nicolas-lodeiro |work=MLSSoccer.com |access-date=7 September 2019}} Lodeiro bid farewell to the Boca Juniors fans in late July amid reports that he would join the Sounders pending his physical. He officially signed with the Sounders on 27 July 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.soundersfc.com/post/2016/07/27/seattle-sounders-sign-uruguayan-international-nicolas-lodeiro-multi-year-designated|title=Seattle Sounders sign Uruguayan international Nicolás Lodeiro to multi-year Designated Player deal|website=soundersfc.com|publisher=MLS|date=27 July 2016|access-date=28 February 2018}}
Lodeiro made his club debut on 31 July 2016, starting in the midfield and playing the full 90 minutes of a 1–1 home draw against LA Galaxy.{{cite web|url=http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2016-07-31-seattle-sounders-fc-vs-la-galaxy/recap|title=Seattle Sounders 1, LA Galaxy 1 2016 MLS Match Recap|website=mlssoccer.com|publisher=MLS|date=31 July 2016|access-date=28 February 2018}} In his first match, Lodeiro recorded 124 total touches, the fourth-highest total of the 2016 season for the Sounders, and 94 passes, the most for Seattle.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/08/01/instant-impact-how-nicolas-lodeiro-performed-his-first-mls-start|title=Instant Impact: How Nicolas Lodeiro performed in his first MLS start|website=mlssoccer.com|publisher=MLS|date=1 August 2016|access-date=28 February 2018}} He scored his first goal for the Sounders on 14 August 2016, at home against Real Salt Lake in the 24th minute of a 2–1 win at Century Link Field.{{cite web|url=http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2016-08-14-seattle-sounders-fc-vs-real-salt-lake/recap|title=Seattle Sounders 2, Real Salt Lake 1 2016 MLS Match Recap|website=mlssoccer.com|publisher=MLS|date=14 August 2016|access-date=28 February 2018}}
Lodeiro was also instrumental to the team's MLS Cup run in 2016 under caretaker manager Brian Schmetzer. He scored four goals and provided eight assists in 13 games in the regular season to help Seattle qualify for the playoffs; in the post-season, he scored four more goals in six play-off games as he led the team to the championship. In the MLS Cup Final against Toronto FC at BMO Field on 10 December, following a 0–0 draw after extra time, Lodeiro notched a penalty kick in the resulting shoot-out to keep the Sounders hopes alive; Justin Morrow then missed Toronto's next spot kick, which allowed Román Torres to win the first MLS Cup for the Sounders after netting his kick. When Lodeiro arrived, the Sounders were at the bottom of the league, but because of his ability to create and make others around him better, the Sounders were able to turn their season around.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/14/seattle-gerrard-2016-mls-season-review|title=Seattle's triumph, and good riddance to Gerrard: the 2016 MLS season in review|work=The Guardian|date=14 December 2016|access-date=28 February 2018}} For his performances, he was named the 2016 MLS Newcomer of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/11/21/sounders-midfielder-nicolas-lodeiro-named-2016-mls-newcomer-year|title=Sounders midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro named 2016 MLS Newcomer of the Year|work=MLSSoccer|access-date=21 November 2016}}
Image:Nicolás Lodeiro 2017.jpg
On 9 December 2017, Lodeiro started in the 2017 MLS Cup Final, which was once again held at BMO Field against Toronto FC; on this occasion, however, Seattle lost 2–0, failing to defend their title.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/42282192 |title=MLS Cup final – Toronto defeat Seattle 2–0 - Live |work=BBC Sport |last=Whalley |first=Mike |date=9 December 2017 |access-date=14 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212060455/http://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/42282192 |archive-date=12 December 2017 |url-status=live}}
On 10 November 2019, Lodeiro assisted Víctor Rodríguez's goal in a 3–1 home win over Toronto FC in the MLS Cup Final.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2019/nov/10/mls-cup-final-seattle-sounders-v-toronto-fc-live |title=MLS Cup final: Seattle Sounders 3-1 Toronto FC – as it happened |work=The Guardian |last1=Dure |first1=Beau |date=10 November 2019 |access-date=11 November 2019 }}
In the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League Final, he scored two penalties in the first leg in a 2–2 draw against UNAM,{{cite web |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/recap-pumas-unam-2-seattle-sounders-fc-2 |title=Seattle Sounders earn dramatic 2-2 draw at Pumas in CCL Final Leg 1 |website=MLS Soccer |date=28 April 2022 }} then another goal in a 3–0 win in the second leg, in which his club secured their first title in the competition by winning 5–2 on aggregate.{{cite magazine |last=Creditor |first=Avi |date=May 4, 2022 |title=Seattle Ends MLS's CCL Futility, Routs Pumas to Win Concacaf's Title |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/05/05/seattle-sounders-pumas-unam-ccl-final-video-highlights |magazine=Sports Illustrated |accessdate=May 4, 2022}}
On 21 October 2023, in an interview, Lodeiro announced he would not be returning to the Sounders once his contract expired at the end of the season.{{cite news |last=Moreno |first=Niko
|date=October 22, 2023 |title=Nico Lodeiro says this is his last Sounders season
|url=https://www.sounderatheart.com/2023/10/nico-lodeiro-leaving-sounders/|work=Sounder at Heart|accessdate=November 4, 2023}} His departure was confirmed on 12 December.{{cite news |last=Liljenwall |first=Ari |date=12 December 2023 |title=Nicolas Lodeiro bids farewell to Seattle Sounders: "A true club legend" |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/nicolas-lodeiro-bids-farewell-to-seattle-sounders-a-true-club-legend |work=MLSsoccer.com |accessdate=12 December 2023}}
=Orlando City=
On 4 January 2024, Lodeiro signed as a free agent with Orlando City on a one-year contract with an option for a further year.{{cite web |title=Orlando City SC signs two-time MLS Cup Champion and Concacaf Champions League winner Nico Lodeiro |url=https://www.orlandocitysc.com/news/orlando-city-sc-signs-nico-lodeiro |website=www.orlandocitysc.com |date=4 January 2024}} On 27 February, Lodeiro scored his first goal for the club in the second leg of their tie against Cavalry FC in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, helping to secure a 3–1 win.{{Cite news |last=David |first=Austin |date=2024-02-27 |title=Rapid Reactions: Orlando advances to Round of 16 in Concacaf Champions Cup |url=https://www.orlandocitysc.com/news/rapid-reactions-orlando-advances-to-round-of-16-in-concacaf-champions-cup |access-date=2024-02-27 |work=Orlando City SC}} Later on 23 March, Lodeiro scored his first regular season goal for the Lions in a 2–0 win over Austin FC.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-23 |title=Match report: Orlando City SC Defeats Austin FC 2-0 for First Win of the Season |url=https://www.orlandocitysc.com/news/match-report-orlando-city-sc-defeats-austin-fc-2-0-for-first-win-of-the-season |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=Orlando City SC}} On 11 May, Lodeiro would get a hat-trick of assists by assisting in Duncan McGuire's opening strike and Luis Muriel's brace in a 3–2 win over Philadelphia Union.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-11 |title=Match report: Luis Muriel scores first MLS brace as Lions down Philadelphia Union |url=https://www.orlandocitysc.com/news/match-report-luis-muriel-scores-first-mls-brace-as-lions-down-philadelphia-union |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=Orlando City SC}} Lodeiro finished the season with two goals and thirteen assists across 46 appearances in all competitions, tying him with Martín Ojeda for the most assists for the club.{{Cite web |title=Uruguay - N. Lodeiro |url=https://us.soccerway.com/players/nicolas-lodeiro/23398/ |access-date=1 December 2024 |website=Soccerway}}
On 18 February 2025, Orlando City and Lodeiro mutually agreed to terminate his contract with the club.{{Cite web |date=18 February 2025 |title=Orlando City SC and midfielder Nico Lodeiro agree on mutual contract termination |url=https://www.orlandocitysc.com/news/orlando-city-sc-and-midfielder-nico-lodeiro-agree-on-mutual-contract-termination |access-date=18 February 2025 |website=Orlando City SC}}
= Houston Dynamo =
A day after Lodeiro's contract was terminated with Orlando City, fellow Major League Soccer club Houston Dynamo signed Lodeiro to a one-year contract with a club option for 2026.{{Cite web |title=Houston Dynamo FC sign MLS legend Nico Lodeiro |url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/houston-dynamo-fc-sign-mls-legend-nico-lodeiro |access-date=19 February 2025 |website=Houston Dynamo}} Three days after signing with Houston Dynamo, Lodeiro made his debut in the opening match of the season, coming on as a 62nd-minute substitute for Ibrahim Aliyu in a 1–2 loss to rivals FC Dallas.{{Cite web |date=22 February 2025 |title=Houston Dynamo FC fall 2-1 to FC Dallas in season-opening Texas Derby |url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/houston-dynamo-fc-fall-2-1-to-fc-dallas-in-season-opening-texas-derby |access-date=23 February 2025 |website=Houston Dynamo}}{{Cite web |title=Houston Dynamo vs. Dallas |url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/02/23/united-states/mls/houston-dynamo/football-club-dallas/4579231/ |access-date=23 February 2025 |website=Soccerway}} On 2 March, Lodeiro scored his first goal for the Dynamo, the fifth goal of a 1–4 loss to Inter Miami.{{Cite web |title=Houston Dynamo FC fall 4-1 to Inter Miami CF |url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/houston-dynamo-fc-fall-4-1-to-inter-miami-cf |access-date=2 March 2025 |website=Houston Dynamo}}
International career
=Youth=
During 2009, Lodeiro also progressed on the international scene with good performances for the Uruguay under-20 national team. This included outstanding performances at a South American under-20 tournament in Venezuela where he scored three goals and led Uruguay to third place. He also contributed impressively at the FIFA under-20 tournament in Egypt,{{cite news | title = 10 Best Young Players at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup 2009 | publisher = Just-Football.com | date = 21 October 2009 | url = http://www.just-football.com/2009/10/10-best-young-players-under-20-world/ | access-date =21 October 2009}} scoring two goals in four matches.
=Senior=
Lodeiro's senior international debut for Uruguay came against Costa Rica, in the CONCACAF-CONMEBOL 2010 World Cup Play-Off. He played both legs of the play-off and, in the second leg at home, was named player of the match for Uruguay.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/match/42602/uruguay-vs-costa-rica/lineup-stats |title=Uruguay vs Costa Rica |publisher=Goal.com |date=19 November 2009 |access-date=23 January 2010}}
Lodeiro played for Uruguay in the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals and, in Uruguay's opening match against France, was the first player to receive a red card at the tournament.{{cite news | title = Uruguay's Lodeiro gets World Cup's first red card | newspaper = The Times of India | date = 12 June 2010 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/events-tournaments/fifa-world-cup/top-stories/Uruguays-Lodeiro-gets-World-Cups-first-red-card/articleshow/6039275.cms | access-date =12 June 2010}}
Lodeiro scored his first international goal on 23 June 2011, in a 3–0 friendly home win over Estonia.{{cite web|url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/cronica?id=317586|title=Uruguay goleó a Estonia, a poco del comienzo de la Copa América|trans-title=Uruguay routed Estonia, shortly after start of Copa América|publisher=ESPN Deportes|language=es|date=23 June 2011|access-date=22 February 2014}} He was a member of the Uruguay national team that won the 2011 Copa América in Argentina.{{cite news|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/932236/minnows-impress-as-the-copa-america-gets-underway?cc=5901|title=Minnows impress as the Copa América gets underway|date=5 July 2011|publisher=ESPN|access-date=24 October 2011|archive-date=13 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413072905/http://www.espnfc.com/story/932236/minnows-impress-as-the-copa-america-gets-underway|url-status=dead}}
Lodeiro was part of Uruguay's team at the 2012 Summer Olympics.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/lo/nicolas-lodeiro-1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418061158/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/lo/nicolas-lodeiro-1.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 April 2020|title=Nicolás Lodeiro Bio, Stats, and Results|website=Olympics at Sports-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=9 January 2018}}
Lodeiro took part at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, where Uruguay finished in fourth place.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/round=255209/match=300222463/summary.html|title=Buffon stars as Italy win shootout & bronze|publisher=FIFA|date=30 June 2013|access-date=30 June 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709035458/http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/round%3D255209/match%3D300222463/summary.html|archive-date=9 July 2014}} During the tournament, he scored in an 8–0 win over Tahiti on 23 June, in Uruguay's final group match.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/22924993 |title=Confederations Cup: Uruguay 8–0 Tahiti |work=BBC Sport |last1=Chase |first1=Graham |date=23 June 2013 |access-date=17 June 2019 }}
Lodeiro was a member of the Uruguay national team that participated in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/uruguay-world-cup-squad-profile-2018-fixtures-group-team-news-schedule-dates-times-odds-tv-channel-a8381781.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220620/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/uruguay-world-cup-squad-profile-2018-fixtures-group-team-news-schedule-dates-times-odds-tv-channel-a8381781.html |archive-date=20 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Uruguay World Cup squad guide: Full fixtures, group, ones to watch, odds and more |work=The Independent |last1=Watson |first1=Jack |date=4 June 2018 |access-date=17 June 2019 }} He started two matches and came in as a substitute in a third.
File:U14 Nicolás Lodeiro 3515.jpg
In May 2015, Lodeiro was included by manager Oscar Tabárez in the final 23-man Uruguay squad for the upcoming Copa América.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurosport.com/football/copa-america/2015/injury-keeps-martin-caceres-out-of-uruguay-s-copa-america-squad_sto4724113/story.shtml|title=Injury keeps Martin Caceres out of Uruguay's Copa America squad|publisher=Eurosport|date=11 May 2015|access-date=12 May 2015}}
Lodeiro was a member of the Uruguay national team that participated in the 2016 Copa América Centenario in the United States. Lodeiro started two matches and came in as a substitute in a third, acquiring one assist in total.
In May 2018, he was named in Uruguay's provisional 26-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia;{{cite web| url = https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/revealed-every-world-cup-2018-squad-23-man-preliminary-lists/oa0atsduflsv1nsf6oqk576rb| title = Revealed: Every World Cup 2018 squad - Final 23-man lists {{!}} Goal.com}} he missed out on the final 23-man squad for the tournament, however.{{cite web|url=http://www.worldsoccer.com/world-cup/uruguay-world-cup-fixtures-399702|title=Uruguay World Cup fixtures, squad, group, guide|publisher=World Soccer|last=Tremlett|first=Sam|date=15 June 2018|access-date=15 June 2018}}
In March 2019, Lodeiro was included in the final 23-man Uruguay squad for the 2019 Copa América in Brazil.{{cite news |url=https://copaamerica2019.live/uruguay-team-squads/ |title=Uruguay Team Squads Copa America 2019 |work=copaamerica2019.live |date=7 March 2019 |access-date=13 June 2019 |archive-date=16 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416112817/https://copaamerica2019.live/uruguay-team-squads/ |url-status=dead }} On 16 June, he scored the first goal in a 4–0 win over Ecuador in the team's opening group match of the tournament;{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48655964 |title=Uruguay 4–0 Ecuador |work=BBC Sport |date=17 June 2019 |access-date=17 June 2019 }} this was Uruguay's 400th goal in the competition.{{cite web |url=https://en.as.com/en/2019/06/17/football/1560728265_508311.html |title=Nicolás Lodeiro scores Uruguay's 400th goal in the Copa América |publisher=en.as.com |author1=Rodrigo Huerta |date=17 June 2019 |access-date=17 June 2019 }} Uruguay were eliminated by Peru in the quarter-finals of the tournament on 29 June, as a result of a 5–4 penalty shoot-out defeat, following a 0–0 draw after regulation time; Lodeiro did not appear during the match, however, and remained on the bench.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48777158 |title=Uruguay 0–0 Peru |work=BBC Sport |date=29 June 2019 |access-date=30 June 2019 }}
Style of play
A diminutive, dynamic, talented, and technically gifted midfielder, with a stocky build, Lodeiro was regarded as a promising prospect as a youngster. He is known for his ability to get past defenders due to his speed, close control, and dribbling skills, which earned him comparisons with compatriot Enzo Francescoli in his youth, as well as the nickname "the Uruguayan Messi."{{cite news |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/soccer-world-uruguay-penpix/soccer-world-penpix-of-uruguays-squad-for-world-cup-finals-idUKL1N0O91QM20140606 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617145641/https://uk.reuters.com/article/soccer-world-uruguay-penpix/soccer-world-penpix-of-uruguays-squad-for-world-cup-finals-idUKL1N0O91QM20140606 |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 June 2019 |title=Soccer-World-Penpix of Uruguay's squad for World Cup finals |work=uk.reuters.com |date=6 June 2014 |access-date=17 June 2019 }} He also possesses good vision, creativity, and passing ability, which enables him to link-up with other players, create chances for teammates, and be involved in the build-up of his team's attacking plays. A versatile playmaker, Lodeiro likes to function in a free role in the centre of the pitch, and usually plays in the number 10 role as an attacking midfielder; in this position, he is given licence to drop deep and come towards a teammate in order to receive the ball and subsequently dictate play with his passing in midfield. However, he also likes to move wide towards the wings in order to overload flanks, and can often be found operating on either side of the pitch as well as in the middle during the course of the same match; as such, he is also capable of playing in several other positions, and has even been deployed as a winger on occasion, or even as a central midfielder, or also as a second striker.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/nicolas-lodeiro |title=Nicolás Lodeiro |publisher=MLSSoccer.com |access-date=17 June 2019 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.soundersfc.com/post/2019/03/29/nico-lodeiro-and-roaming-no-10 |title=Nico Lodeiro and the Roaming No. 10 |publisher=www.soundersfc.com |author1=Joseph Mondello |date=29 March 2019 |access-date=17 June 2019 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/06/23/baer-why-nicolas-lodeiro-has-struggled-replicate-his-2016-form |title=Baer: Why Nicolas Lodeiro has struggled to replicate his 2016 form |publisher=www.mlssoccer.com |author1=Benjamin Baer |date=23 June 2017 |access-date=17 June 2019 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.thenational.ae/sport/forlan-ready-to-fire-1.557317 |title=Forlan ready to fire |publisher=The National |author1=Andy Mitten |date=6 June 2010 |access-date=17 June 2019 }} Moreover, he is a very energetic player, known for his defensive work-rate off the ball, longevity, tactical intelligence, and ability to mark opponents; his fitness, coupled with his excellent movement across the field enables him to press opposing players, create space by dragging opponents out of position, or make attacking runs from behind into the opposing penalty area.{{cite web |url=https://www.soundersfc.com/post/2019/05/29/replacing-suspended-nicolas-lodeiro-saturday-against-fc-dallas |title=Replacing the suspended Nicolas Lodeiro on Saturday against FC Dallas |publisher=www.soundersfc.com |author1=Joseph Mondello |date=29 May 2019 |access-date=17 June 2019 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.soundersfc.com/post/2019/03/27/defending-front-analyzing-defensive-workrate-seattles-attacking-players |title=Defending from the front: Analyzing the defensive work rate of Seattle's attacking players |publisher=www.soundersfc.com |author1=Joseph Mondello |date=27 March 2019 |access-date=17 June 2019 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/04/18/relentless-work-rate-makes-seattles-nico-lodeiro-special |title=Relentless work rate makes Seattle's Nico Lodeiro special |publisher=www.mlssoccer.com |author1=Ari Liljenwall |date=18 April 2019 |access-date=17 June 2019 }}{{cite news |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-left-frustrated-with-1-1-draw-despite-optimistic-start/ |title=Sounders left frustrated with 1-1 draw despite optimistic start |work=The Seattle Times |last1=Pentz |first1=Matt |date=31 July 2016 |access-date=17 June 2019 }} Lodeiro is naturally left footed, and is known for his powerful and accurate striking ability with his stronger foot, which also enables him to score goals, in addition to creating them;{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2886/africa/2010/01/13/1742789/world-cup-2010-know-your-rivals-group-a-youth-in-the |title=World Cup 2010 Know Your Rivals: Group A - Youth in the national team |publisher=Goal.com |author1=Karina Xicotencatl |access-date=17 June 2019 }}{{cite news |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/were-very-very-dangerous-sounders-ponder-an-onslaught-of-goals-and-how-to-keep-them-coming/ |title='We're very, very dangerous': Sounders ponder an onslaught of goals — and how to keep them coming |work=The Seattle Times |last1=Baker |first1=Geoff |date=18 March 2019 |access-date=17 June 2019 }} however, he is capable of playing off of either foot. Furthermore, he is a dangerous free kick taker, and is also known for his delivery from set pieces.{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/2785/know-your-rivals/2010/03/04/1818450/world-cup-2010-know-your-rivals-uruguay-look-sharp-in |title=World Cup 2010: Know Your Rivals – Uruguay Look Sharp In Victory Over Switzerland |publisher=Goal.com |access-date=17 June 2019 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/pereira-you-have-to-know-how-to-use-aerial-play-2755554 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617145641/https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/pereira-you-have-to-know-how-to-use-aerial-play-2755554 |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 June 2019 |title=Pereira: You have to know how to use aerial play |publisher=FIFA.com |date=15 January 2016 |access-date=17 June 2019 }}
Personal life
In February 2018, Lodeiro earned a U.S. green card which qualifies him as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes.{{cite web|url=https://www.soundersfc.com/post/2018/02/02/sounders-fc-roster-update-preseason-camp-tucson|title=Sounders FC roster update from preseason camp in Tucson|website=soundersfc.com|publisher=MLS|date=2 February 2018|access-date=28 February 2018}}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|match played 19 April 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.soundersfc.com/players/93/nicolas-lodeiro |title=Nicolás Lodeiro |publisher=Seattle Sounders FC |access-date=30 November 2020 }}{{Soccerway|nicolas-lodeiro/23398}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="4"|Nacional
| rowspan="3" |Uruguayan Primera División |15 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 15 | 0 | |||
| 2008–09
|20 | 2 | colspan="2"|– | 10{{efn|Appearance(s) in Copa Libertadores|name=Lib}} | 4 | colspan="2"|– | 30 | 6 | |||
| 2009–10
|8 | 7 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 8 | 7 | ||||
| colspan="2"|Total
!43||9||colspan="2"|–||10||4||colspan="2"|–||53||13 | ||||||||||
| rowspan="4"|Ajax
| rowspan="3" |Eredivisie |8 | 0 | 2 | 1 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 10 | 1 | |||
| 2010–11
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2011–12
|13 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5{{efn|One appearance in UEFA Europa League, four appearances and one goal in UEFA Champions League}} | 1 | colspan="2"|– | 19 | 3 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!21||2||3||1||5||1||0||0||29||4 | ||||||||||
| rowspan="4"|Botafogo
|2012 | rowspan="3" |Série A |18 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1{{efn|Appearance(s) in Copa Sudamericana|name=Sud}} | 1 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 3 | |
| 2013
|26 | 5 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 16{{efn|Appearance(s) in Campeonato Carioca|name=Cari}} | 8 | 50 | 14 | |
| 2014
|3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8{{efn|name=Lib}} | 0 | 5{{efn|name=Cari}} | 0 | 16 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!47||7||8||1||9||1||21||8||85||17 | ||||||||||
| Corinthians
|2014 |Série A |7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | |
| rowspan="3"|Boca Juniors
|2015 | rowspan="2" |Argentine Primera División |21 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 5{{efn|name=Lib}} | 1 | colspan="2"|– | 31 | 6 | ||
| 2016
|9 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9{{efn|name=Lib}} | 2 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 5 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!30||6||5||2||14||3||0||0||49||11 | ||||||||||
| rowspan="9"|Seattle Sounders
|2016 | rowspan="8" |Major League Soccer |13 | 4 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 6{{efn|Appearance(s) in MLS Cup playoffs|name=Play}} | 4 | 19 | 8 | ||
| 2017
|33 | 7 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 5{{efn|name=Play}} | 0 | 38 | 7 | ||
| 2018
|27 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 3{{efn|Appearance(s) in CONCACAF Champions League/Cup|name=CCL}} | 2 | 2{{efn|name=Play}} | 1 | 32 | 11 | |
| 2019
|28 | 7 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 4{{efn|name=Play}} | 2 | 32 | 9 | ||
| 2020
|20{{efn|Includes three appearances and one goal in MLS is Back Tournament group stage}} | 7 | colspan="2"|– | 0 | 0 | 5{{efn|One appearance in MLS is Back Tournament knockout stage, four appearances and one goal in MLS Cup playoffs}} | 1 | 25 | 8 | ||
| 2021
|9 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 2{{efn|One appearance and one goal in Leagues Cup, one appearance in MLS Cup playoffs}} | 1 | 11 | 1 | |||
| 2022
|28 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 6{{efn|name=CCL}} | 5 | colspan="2"|– | 34 | 12 | ||
| 2023
|33 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6{{efn|One appearance in FIFA Club World Cup, one appearance and one goal in Leagues Cup, four appearances in MLS Cup playoffs}} | 1 | 40 | 2 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!191||41||1||0||9||7||30||10||231||58 | ||||||||||
| Orlando City
|2024 |Major League Soccer |34 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4{{efn|name=CCL}} | 1 | 8{{efn|Three appearances in Leagues Cup, five appearances in MLS Cup playoffs}} | 0 | 46 | 2 | |
| Houston Dynamo
|2025 |Major League Soccer |9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 | ||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!262||67||18||4||51||17||59||18||509||106 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
{{updated|match played 24 June 2019}}{{NFT player|34582|access-date=}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="11"|Uruguay
|2009 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2010 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2011 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2012 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 10 | 2 | |
| 2014 | 11 | 0 | |
| 2015 | 9 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2017 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2018 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 6 | 1 | |
| colspan="2"|Total | 60 | 5 |
:Scores and results list Uruguay Olympic team goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Lodeiro goal.
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Nicolás Lodeiro | ||||||
| scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date !scope="col"|Venue !scope="col"|Opponent !scope="col"|Score !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Competition | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| align="center"|1 | 26 July 2012 | Old Trafford, Manchester, England | {{fb|UAE}} | align="center"|2–1 | align="center"|2–1 | 2012 Olympic Games |
:Scores and results list Uruguay's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Lodeiro goal.{{cite web|url=http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/34582/Nicolas_Lodeiro.html|title=Lodeiro, Nicolás|publisher=National Football Teams|access-date=20 February 2018}}
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Nicolás Lodeiro | ||||||
| scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date !scope="col"|Venue !scope="col"|Opponent !scope="col"|Score !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Competition | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| align="center"|1 | 23 June 2011 | Estadio Atilio Paiva Olivera, Rivera, Uruguay | {{fb|EST}} | align="center"|3–0 | align="center"|3–0 | Friendly |
| align="center"|2 | 23 June 2013 | Itaipava Arena Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil | {{fb|TAH}} | align="center"|5–0 | align="center"|8–0 | 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup |
| align="center"|3 | 13 November 2013 | Amman International Stadium, Amman, Jordan | {{fb|JOR}} | align="center"|3–0 | align="center"|5–0 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| align="center"|4 | 6 October 2016 | Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay | {{fb|VEN}} | align="center"|1–0 | align="center"|3–0 | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| align="center"|5 | 16 June 2019 | Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte, Brazil | {{fb|ECU}} | align="center"|1–0 | align="center"|4–0 | 2019 Copa América |
Honours
Nacional
- Primera División: 2008–09
- Torneo Apertura: 2008, 2009
- Liguilla: 2008
Ajax
Botafogo
Boca Juniors
Seattle Sounders FC
Uruguay
Individual
- MLS Newcomer of the Year: 2016
- CONCACAF Champions League Best XI: 2018,{{cite web|title=2018 SCCL - Best XI|url=https://www.concacafchampionsleague.com/en/article/2018-sccl-best-xi|publisher=CONCACAF|access-date=26 April 2017|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140446/https://www.concacafchampionsleague.com/en/article/2018-sccl-best-xi|url-status=dead}} 2022{{cite news|date=6 May 2022|title=Lodeiro, Dinenno headline 2022 SCCL Best XI|url=https://www.concacaf.com/en/champions-league/news/lodeiro-dinenno-headline-2022-sccl-best-xi/|access-date=6 May 2022|publisher=CONCACAF}}
- MLS All-Star: 2019{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/all-star/2019/rosters/mls-all-star-team|title=2019 MLS All-Star Roster|website=MLS.com|access-date=26 June 2019|archive-date=15 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715014938/https://www.mlssoccer.com/all-star/2019/rosters/mls-all-star-team|url-status=dead}}
- MLS Best XI: 2020{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/20/2020-mls-best-xi|title=2020 MLS Best XI presented by The Home Depot|website=MLS.com|date=20 November 2020|access-date=20 November 2020}}
- MLS top assist provider: 2020{{cite web |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/stats/season?year=2020&group=assists |title=Major League Soccer – Statistics – Assists |publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=September 18, 2020}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Official website|url=http://www.nicolaslodeiro.com}}
- {{sports links}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20091105083910/http://www.tenfieldigital.com.uy/servlet/hprfchju?0,1,1%2F,1,9639 Player profile] {{in lang|es}}
- [http://www.goal.com/es-la/news/1720/sudamericano-sub-20/2009/01/21/1070872/sudamericano-sub-20-la-figura-de-la-2-jornada-nicolas-lodeiro-ur Detailed Player Profile] {{in lang|es}}
- {{MLS player|nicolas-lodeiro}}
{{Houston Dynamo FC squad}}
{{Navboxes
|bg=gold
|fg=navy
|title= Awards
|list1=
{{2009 South American Team of the Year}}
{{2020 MLS Best XI}}
{{MLS Newcomer of the Year Award}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title=Uruguay squads
|bg = #87cefa
|fg = black
|bordercolor= gold
|list1=
{{Uruguay squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Uruguay squad 2011 Copa América}}
{{Uruguay men's football squad 2012 Summer Olympics}}
{{Uruguay squad 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup}}
{{Uruguay squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Uruguay squad 2015 Copa América}}
{{Uruguay squad Copa América Centenario}}
{{Uruguay squad 2019 Copa América}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lodeiro, Nicolas}}
Category:Footballers from Paysandú
Category:Uruguayan people of Galician descent
Category:Uruguayan people of Spanish descent
Category:Uruguayan men's footballers
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Uruguayan Primera División players
Category:Club Nacional de Football players
Category:Campeonato Brasileiro Série A players
Category:Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas players
Category:Sport Club Corinthians Paulista players
Category:Argentine Primera División players
Category:Boca Juniors footballers
Category:Major League Soccer players
Category:Seattle Sounders FC players
Category:Orlando City SC players
Category:Designated Players (MLS)
Category:Uruguayan expatriate men's footballers
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in the Netherlands
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Brazil
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Argentina
Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in the United States
Category:Uruguayan expatriate sportspeople in the Netherlands
Category:Uruguayan expatriate sportspeople in Brazil
Category:Uruguayan expatriate sportspeople in Argentina
Category:Uruguayan expatriate sportspeople in the United States
Category:Uruguay men's under-20 international footballers
Category:Olympic footballers for Uruguay
Category:Footballers at the 2012 Summer Olympics
Category:Uruguay men's international footballers
Category:2010 FIFA World Cup players
Category:2011 Copa América players
Category:2013 FIFA Confederations Cup players
Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players
Category:2015 Copa América players
Category:Copa América Centenario players
Category:2019 Copa América players
Category:Copa América–winning players