Fredy Montero
A creative Colombian striker whose elegant play and clutch goals made him a beloved, record-setting figure for the Seattle Sounders.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Colombian footballer·Birthday: July 26·Millennials
Biography
Fredy Montero arrived in Seattle as a relative unknown on loan in 2009 and immediately became the face of a fledgling MLS franchise. With a flair for the spectacular and a poacher’s instinct, he didn’t just score goals; he delivered moments that defined the Sounders' early identity. Montero was the club's offensive catalyst for four seasons, a period where Seattle established itself as a league powerhouse and cup contender. After a globe-trotting career that took him to Portugal, China, and Colombia, he authored a storybook return to Seattle in 2021. Coming full circle, he embraced a veteran role off the bench, his clever play and late-game heroics etching his name deeper into club lore. For years, he held the title of the Sounders' all-time leading scorer, a symbol of the club's journey from expansion team to perennial champion.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Fredy was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Fredy Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Fredy's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the Seattle Sounders FC all-time leading goal scorer in 2022, a record later surpassed in 2024.
- Won the MLS Cup with the Seattle Sounders in 2016, though he was on loan to Sporting CP at the time, having contributed to the team's foundation.
- Named MLS Player of the Month in his very first month in the league (April 2009).
- Helped the Seattle Sounders win three U.S. Open Cup titles (2009, 2010, 2011) during his first stint.
Did You Know?
He was originally discovered and signed by the Colombian club Deportivo Cali after they saw him playing in a local youth tournament.
His goal against the Portland Timbers in 2011, a curling effort from outside the box, was voted the MLS Goal of the Year.
He holds a green card, which allowed him to not occupy an international roster spot in MLS.
“My role is to find the space and finish the chance for the team.”
