Obed Vargas Leads Seattle Sounders in 22 Under 22 Ranking
Obed Vargas, a prominent player for Seattle Sounders FC, has made headlines by leading the 22 Under 22 ranking on MLSsoccer.com. This achievement emphasizes his remarkable journey from Anchorage, Alaska, to the forefront of Major League Soccer (MLS). At just 20 years old, Vargas is recognized not only as an MLS All-Star but also as a future star on the international stage.
Background and Early Life
Vargas hails from Anchorage, a city known for its passionate soccer community despite its geographical isolation. The community size is significantly smaller compared to larger cities like Seattle, with only about four to five teams throughout the state. Vargas reflects, “Growing up playing soccer in Alaska is definitely unique,” highlighting the challenges of limited competition.
His family’s football legacy greatly influenced his journey. Vargas’s father, Obed Sr., was a youth player at Monarcas Morelia in Mexico. After facing challenges in his career, he relocated to Alaska, ensuring that his children continued to embrace soccer’s cultural importance. Vargas noted that everything in their household had a connection to soccer, instilling in him a deep passion for the game.
Path to Professional Soccer
Vargas’s potential caught the attention of Seattle Sounders at 14. This led him to leave his family in Alaska and join a host family in Seattle, nearly 2,000 miles away. He entered the Sounders Academy, where he quickly progressed to Tacoma Defiance, the team’s second squad.
His professional debut occurred at the young age of 15 years and 351 days, making him the third-youngest player in MLS history. In his inaugural season, he won significant acclaim, contributing to the team’s victory in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Statistics and Achievements
- Debut Age: 15 years and 351 days
- First-team minutes logged: Over 9,500 across competitions
- Achievements: MLS All-Star selection, Leagues Cup winner
- Notable performances: Key role in Seattle’s win against Inter Miami CF
International Aspirations
Vargas’s performance has not gone unnoticed at the international level. He made a strategic switch to represent Mexico’s national team, enhancing his prospects for inclusion in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. His experience in top-level competition lends him a critical advantage, as noted by Mexico’s youth national team director, Andres Lillini.
Future Prospects
While Vargas continues to thrive in MLS with the Sounders, there is also speculation about a potential transfer to a European club. His skills and growing reputation suggest that he could soon command significant attention from major leagues. However, before any career moves, Vargas is committed to driving the Sounders toward another MLS Cup victory.
Obed Vargas represents a compelling story of dedication and talent, with an exciting future ahead in professional soccer, both in MLS and beyond.
