Nicolás Lodeiro
The creative heartbeat of Seattle's MLS dynasty, his visionary passing and relentless drive transformed the Sounders into a relentless trophy-winning machine.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Uruguayan footballer·Birthday: March 21·Millennials
Biography
Nicolás Lodeiro arrived in Major League Soccer not as a fading star, but as a Uruguayan international in his prime, and he immediately rewired the Seattle Sounders. With a low center of gravity and an eye for a killer pass, he became the league's premier playmaker, dictating tempo with a mix of South American guile and uncompromising work ethic. His leadership was instant and transformative; his signing in mid-2016 catalyzed a dramatic turnaround that ended with Seattle's first MLS Cup that same year. Lodeiro played with a palpable urgency, often covering more ground than any teammate, his technical quality matched by a fierce will to win. He was the architect of a sustained period of success, making Seattle a destination club and proving that a true number ten could still dominate a physical, athletic league.
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.
Nicolás was born in 1989, 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 Nicolás Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Nicolás's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
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
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led the Seattle Sounders to their first MLS Cup victory in 2016 after joining the club mid-season.
- Captained Seattle to a second MLS Cup title in 2019 and the CONCACAF Champions League crown in 2022.
- Represented Uruguay in two FIFA World Cups (2010 and 2014), earning over 60 international caps.
- Won the Copa América with Uruguay in 2011, coming off the bench in the final victory over Paraguay.
Did You Know?
He began his professional career at Club Nacional in Uruguay, the same club he returned to in 2024.
He is a devoted fan of the Beatles and has the phrase 'All You Need Is Love' tattooed on his arm.
Before joining Seattle, he had a brief stint with Corinthians in Brazil, winning the FIFA Club World Cup in 2012.
His nickname in Uruguay is 'El Pibe', a common term for a talented young player.
“From the first day, I felt something special here in Seattle. I came to make history.”
