Obed Vargas Joins Atlético Madrid: A New Chapter for a Rising Star
Obed Vargas, a talented midfielder from Renton, Washington, is heading to Spain to play for Atlético Madrid. This transfer marks a significant move for both Vargas and the Seattle Sounders FC. At just 20 years old, Vargas has already made a name for himself in Major League Soccer (MLS), racking up 130 appearances, eight goals, and 16 assists since joining the Sounders Academy in 2019. He played a vital role in Seattle’s recent success, contributing to the team’s victories in the 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup and the 2025 Leagues Cup.
Vargas had a standout season in 2025, scoring six goals and providing seven assists in 41 appearances. His impressive performance earned him a place on MLS’s “22 Under 22” list and a selection for the All-Star game. Although details of the transfer deal remain private, it includes an undisclosed fee and a sell-on clause for future transfers.
Sounders FC General Manager Craig Waibel expressed pride in Vargas’s development, emphasizing the support he received from the club’s coaching staff. “Obed’s journey from our Academy to the First Team shows his dedication and the strength of our development programs,” Waibel stated.
Vargas’s path to this moment has been remarkable. He joined Straight from Cook Inlet Soccer Club at age 14 and made his professional debut in 2021, becoming one of the youngest players in MLS history. He quickly solidified his position on the team, starting in key matches, including the Concacaf Champions Cup final victory over Pumas UNAM.
Head Coach Brian Schmetzer praised Vargas’s growth, highlighting his work ethic and competitive spirit. “He’s risen to every challenge,” Schmetzer said. “This opportunity with Atlético is well-deserved.”
Vargas has expressed gratitude for his time in Seattle, acknowledging the support from teammates and fans. “It’s been an incredible journey,” he shared. This sentiment reflects a common theme in sports, where young athletes often feel a strong connection to their original teams when moving on to greater challenges.
Interestingly, this transfer is historic for the Sounders as Vargas is the first Academy product sold to a major European league since DeAndre Yedlin joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2014. Yedlin’s time in Europe spanned over 190 appearances, paving the way for future talents like Vargas.
Vargas’s international career has also begun to flourish. He has three caps with the Mexico National Team and played in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, demonstrating his potential on a global stage. His switch from representing the United States to Mexico speaks to the complexities athletes face when choosing national allegiances.
As Vargas joins Atlético Madrid, he will be stepping into one of Europe’s top leagues, known for its competitiveness and talent. This transition not only marks a personal achievement for him but also highlights the increasing visibility of MLS players in international soccer.
The soccer world is excitedly watching Vargas take this next step. His journey from the suburbs of Alaska to a storied club like Atlético demonstrates what passion, hard work, and the right environment can achieve in sports.
For more insights on how young athletes like Vargas transition into professional environments, you can refer to this article from ESPN.
Source link
Press Release,2026,Seattle Sounders FC,News,App News,Transactions,Seattle Sounders FC,Obed Vargas
