View source for Diego Valeri

{{Short description|Argentine footballer (born 1986)}}
{{About|the footballer|the poet|Diego Valeri (poet)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Diego Valeri
| image = PORTLAND TIMBERS VS. SPORTING KC 2 - 2 (10).jpg
| image_size = 200px
| caption = Valeri playing for the [[Portland Timbers]] in 2015
| full_name = Diego Hernán Valeri
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1986|5|1|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Lanús]], Argentina
| height = {{convert|1.77|m|order=flip}}
| position = [[Midfielder#Attacking midfielder|Attacking midfielder]]
| currentclub = 
| clubnumber = 
| youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}–2003
| youthclubs1 = [[Club Atlético Lanús|Lanús]]
| years1 = 2003–2013
| clubs1 = [[Club Atlético Lanús|Lanús]]
| caps1 = 158
| goals1 = 25
| years2 = 2009–2010
| clubs2 = → [[FC Porto|Porto]] (loan)
| caps2 = 12
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2010
| clubs3 = → [[UD Almería|Almería]] (loan)
| caps3 = 9
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2013
| clubs4 = → [[Portland Timbers]] (loan)
| caps4 = 20
| goals4 = 4
| years5 = 2013–2021
| clubs5 = [[Portland Timbers]]
| caps5 = 242
| goals5 = 82
| years6 = 2022
| clubs6 = [[Club Atlético Lanús|Lanús]]
| caps6 = 9
| goals6 = 1
| years7 = 2023
| clubs7 = [[Portland Timbers]]
| caps7 = 0
| goals7 = 0
| totalcaps = 450
| totalgoals = 112
| nationalyears1 = 2011
| nationalteam1 = [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]]
| nationalcaps1 = 3
| nationalgoals1 = 0
}}

'''Diego Hernán Valeri''' (born 1 May 1986) is an Argentine former professional [[Association football|footballer]] who played as an [[Midfielder|attacking midfielder]].

From 2013 to 2021, Valeri played for [[Major League Soccer]] club [[Portland Timbers]], and is regarded as one of the league's greatest players of all time, as well as the greatest player in [[Portland Timbers]] history.<ref name="bestmls">{{cite news |title=Timbers' Diego Valeri named to MLS's The 25 Greatest list |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2020/12/timbers-diego-valeri-named-to-mlss-the-25-greatest-list.html |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=Oregon Live |date=9 December 2020}}</ref> Valeri was named the [[MLS Cup#List of MVP award recipients|MLS Cup Most Valuable Player]] after he led the Timbers to win [[MLS Cup 2015]]. He was later presented as the [[Landon Donovan MVP Award|MLS MVP]] following his career-setting [[2017 Major League Soccer season|2017]] season. While in Major League Soccer, Valeri was selected into the [[Major League Soccer All-Star Game|MLS All-Star]] team four times and was included three times in the [[MLS Best XI]].

Valeri began his career with his boyhood club [[Club Atlético Lanús|Lanús]]. Promoted to the first team by head coach [[Miguel Ángel Brindisi]], Valeri made his [[Argentine Primera División|Primera División]] debut in September 2003 against [[Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield|Vélez Sarsfield]]. He soon broke into the starting line-up more consistently, having his breakout season in [[2007–08 Argentine Primera División|2007–08]], helping Lanús to the [[2007–08 Argentine Primera División#Torneo Apertura|Torneo Apertura]] title. In 2009, Valeri joined Portuguese club [[FC Porto|Porto]] on loan for the 2009–10 season, helping the club win the [[2009–10 Taça de Portugal|Taça de Portugal]]. The next season, Valeri was loaned out to Spanish club [[UD Almería|Almería]], where his loan was eventually ended early in December 2010.

In August 2012, Valeri and his family were victims in an armed robbery in [[Lanús]]. The incident lead to Valeri instructing his agent to pursue a move abroad more aggressively. In January 2013, Valeri joined the [[Portland Timbers]] on loan for the [[2013 Major League Soccer season|2013]] season. The deal was eventually made permanent in August 2013. In his debut season, Valeri helped the club top the [[2013 Major League Soccer season#Conference tables|Western Conference]] standings, earning him the [[MLS Newcomer of the Year Award|MLS Newcomer of the Year]] award. In December 2015, he scored the opening goal for the Timbers' after 27 seconds against the [[Columbus Crew]] in MLS Cup 2015. The fastest goal in MLS Cup history, the Timbers would go on to defeat the Crew and win their first ever championship. Two seasons later, Valeri registered his best season statistically, posting a career-high 21 goals while recording 11 assists. He helped the Timbers top the [[2017 Major League Soccer season#Western Conference|Western Conference]] standings and won the MLS Most Valuable Player award. The [[2018 Major League Soccer season|following season]], Valeri helped lead his side to [[MLS Cup 2018]] against [[Atlanta United FC]], where they were defeated 0–2. In August 2020, Valeri helped captain the Timbers to the [[MLS is Back Tournament Final|final]] of the [[MLS is Back Tournament]], defeating [[Orlando City SC]].

Valeri is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Portland Timbers with 100 goals in all competitions. He is the 14th all-time top scorer and is 10th all-time in assists in Major League Soccer history.

Valeri earned three caps for [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]], all occurring in 2011. He made his international debut for his country on 16 March against [[Venezuela national football team|Venezuela]] as Argentina won 4–1.

==Early life==
Born in the industrial city of [[Lanús]], a suburb of [[Buenos Aires Province|Buenos Aires]]<ref name="si2">{{cite news |last1=Straus |first1=Brian |title=Timbers' humble superstar Diego Valeri and Portland enjoy mutual admiration |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2016/08/12/diego-valeri-portland-timbers-mls-argentina-lanus |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=[[Sports Illustrated]] |date=12 August 2016}}</ref> on 1 May 1986, Valeri is the son of Luis, a former footballer turned shoe factory owner, and Monica, a former tennis player for the local athletic club.<ref name="earlyespn">{{cite news |last1=Pentz |first1=Matt |title=Diego Valeri's dreams, on and off the field, have come true in Portland |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/club/portland-timbers/9723/blog/post/3172257/diego-valeris-dreamson-and-off-the-fieldhave-come-true-in-portland |access-date=15 March 2021 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=4 August 2017}}</ref> As a child, Valeri would play football among his friends. When Valeri turned nine, through his mother, he participated in a trial with the local football club [[Club Atlético Lanús]].<ref name="ol2">{{cite news |last1=Goldberg |first1=Jamie |title=Diego Valeri here to stay: Portland Timbers gifted midfielder finds refuge in the Rose City |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2014/10/here_to_stay_portland_timbers.html |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=Oregon Live |date=10 January 2019}}</ref> Valeri was recruited into the club's youth team and played with the club's youth sides for five years before being promoted into the reserves.<ref name="ol2"/>

==Club career==
===Lanús===
[[File:Brindisi argentina.jpg|thumb|175px|right|Under [[Miguel Ángel Brindisi]], pictured here, Valeri was promoted to the [[Club Atlético Lanús|Lanús]] first team and made his pro debut.]]
After impressing with the reserves, Valeri was promoted into the [[Club Atlético Lanús|Lanús]] first team under head coach [[Miguel Ángel Brindisi]].<ref name="ol2"/> He made his professional debut on 27 September 2003 against [[Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield|Vélez Sarsfield]].<ref name="ol2"/> During his time at Lanús, Valeri played in 158 matches, scoring 25 goals in the [[Argentine Primera División]].<ref name="DPSign">{{cite news |title=Argentine playmaker Valeri on board as Timbers' new DP |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2013/01/10/argentine-playmaker-valeri-board-timbers-new-dp |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=[[Major League Soccer]] |date=10 January 2013}}</ref> During the [[2007–08 Argentine Primera División#Torneo Apertura|2007–08]] season, Valeri scored a season-high 8 goals in 26 matches and helped Lanús to the Apertura title.<ref name="DPSign"/>

Towards the end of his time at Lanús, Valeri was named club captain.<ref name="DPSign"/>

====Porto (loan)====
On 17 July 2009, Valeri joined Portuguese [[Primeira Liga]] club [[FC Porto]] on a two-season loan with a purchase option.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Costa |first1=Luís Octávio |title=Entra Valeri por empréstimo, sai Cissokho para o Lyon |url=https://www.publico.pt/2009/07/17/jornal/entra-valeri-por-emprestimo-sai-cissokho-para-o-lyon-17306181 |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=[[Público (Portugal)|Público]] |date=17 July 2009}}</ref> He made his debut for Porto on 23 August 2009 against [[C.D. Nacional|Nacional]], coming on as a substitute for [[Raul Meireles]] in the 75th minute of a 3–0 victory.<ref>{{cite web |title=Porto 3–0 Nacional |url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2009/08/23/portugal/portuguese-liga-/futebol-clube-do-porto/clube-desportivo-nacional/806868/ |website=Soccerway}}</ref> Valeri then made his [[UEFA Champions League]] debut on 30 September 2009 during a 2–0 victory against [[Atlético Madrid]], coming on as a stoppage time substitute.<ref>{{cite web |title=Porto 2–0 Atletico Madrid |url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2009/09/30/europe/uefa-champions-league/futebol-clube-do-porto/club-atletico-de-madrid/852354/ |website=Soccerway}}</ref>

During his loan at Porto, Valeri played four matches in the [[2009–10 Taça de Portugal|Taça de Portugal]] to help Porto earn their 15th domestic cup title.<ref name="soccerway">{{soccerway|diego-hernan-valeri/14254}}</ref> He came on as a 72nd-minute substitute for the club in the [[2010 Taça de Portugal Final|final]] against [[G.D. Chaves|Chaves]] as Porto won 2–1.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chaves 1–2 Porto |url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2010/05/16/portugal/taca-de-portugal/gd-chaves/futebol-clube-do-porto/928545/ |website=Soccerway}}</ref>

Following his first season with Porto, it was reported that Valeri did not fit into the plans for new manager [[André Villas-Boas]].<ref name="mpt">{{cite news |title=Valeri diz que há "muita exigência e pressão" no F.C. Porto |url=https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/valeri-diz-que-ha-muita-exigencia-e-pressao-no-f-c-porto |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=maisfutebol.pt |date=30 July 2010}}</ref> He also had a tough time adapting at the club, citing the pressure and demand to perform while playing outside his home country for the first time.<ref name="mpt"/>

====Almería (loan)====
On 9 July 2010, it was reported that Spanish [[La Liga]] club [[UD Almería|Almería]] were negotiating with [[FC Porto|Porto]] to sign Valeri on loan.<ref>{{cite news |title=El Almería negocia la cesión de Diego Valeri |url=https://as.com/futbol/2010/07/09/mas_futbol/1278656814_850215.html |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=[[Diario AS]] |date=9 July 2010}}</ref> On 21 July 2010, Valeri was presented as an Almería player, arriving on loan for the [[2010–11 La Liga|2010–11]] season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Almería presents the Argentine Valeri and Luque |url=https://www.superdeporte.es/futbol/2010/07/26/almeria-presenta-argentino-valeri-luque/100934.html |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=[[Super Deporte]] |date=21 July 2010}}</ref> He made his debut for the club on 13 September 2010 against [[Real Sociedad]]. He started and played 72 minutes as the match ended in a 2–2 draw.<ref>{{cite web |title=Almería 2-2 Real Sociedad |url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2010/09/13/spain/primera-division/union-deportiva-almeria/real-sociedad-de-futbol/980471/ |website=Soccerway}}</ref>

Valeri's loan with Almería was ended early on 30 December 2010, with him returning to [[Club Atlético Lanús|Lanús]].<ref>{{cite news |title=UD Almería: Valeri, a Lanús. |url=https://www.esfutbol.net/espana-1division/ud-almeria-valeri-a-lanus-55510 |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=EsFutbol.net |date=31 December 2010}}</ref>

====Portland Timbers (loan)====
On 10 January 2013, Valeri joined [[Major League Soccer]] club [[Portland Timbers]] on loan for the [[2013 Major League Soccer season|2013]] season.<ref name="DPSign"/> He was signed as one of the Timbers' [[Designated Player Rule|designated players]].<ref name="DPSign"/> Prior to moving to the United States, two other Major League Soccer clubs were in discussions to sign Valeri – the [[Chicago Fire FC|Chicago Fire]] and Timbers rival [[Seattle Sounders FC]].<ref name="trend">{{cite news |last1=Tenario |first1=Paul |title=The trendsetter: How Diego Valeri's signing paved the way for a new MLS |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1823564/2020/05/19/the-trendsetter-how-diego-valeris-signing-paved-the-way-for-a-new-mls/ |access-date=16 March 2021 |publisher=[[The Athletic]] |date=19 May 2020}}</ref> Valeri and his agent met with the Fire and their technical staff but a deal never materialized and the Sounders held the discovery rights to Valeri.<ref name="trend"/> He also spoke with former [[Club Atlético Lanús|Lanús]] teammate [[Javier Morales]], then at [[Real Salt Lake]], before signing with the Timbers.<ref name="trend"/>

Valeri made his debut for the Portland Timbers on 3 March 2013 in the season opener against the [[New York Red Bulls]]. He started and scored his first Timbers goal in the 14th minute, an equalizer to make it 1–1.<ref name="pordebut">{{cite web |title=Portland Timbers 1–1 New York Red Bulls |url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2013/03/04/united-states/mls/portland-timbers-mls/new-york-red-bulls/1433120/ |website=Soccerway}}</ref> The match would go on to end in a 3–3 draw.<ref name="pordebut"/>

===Portland Timbers===
[[File:7A4A4465 (27639733978).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Valeri playing for the [[Portland Timbers]] in 2018]]
On 6 August 2013, after he scored four goals and earned eight assists in 20 matches, the [[Portland Timbers]] exercised their purchase agreement with [[Club Atlético Lanús|Lanús]] and signed Valeri to a multi-year contract.<ref>{{cite news |title=Portland Timbers purchase contract of midfielder Diego Valeri, sign to new multiyear contract |url=https://www.timbers.com/news/portland-timbers-purchase-contract-midfielder-diego-valeri-sign-new-multiyear |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=[[Portland Timbers]] |date=6 August 2013}}</ref> A day later, on 7 August, Valeri scored a consolation goal for the Timbers in their 2–1 defeat against [[Real Salt Lake]] in the [[U.S. Open Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Real Salt Lake 2–1 Portland Timbers |url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2013/08/08/united-states/us-open-cup/real-salt-lake/portland-timbers-mls/1491558/ |website=Soccerway}}</ref> Valeri would go on to finish his first season with the Portland Timbers with 10 goals and 13 assists, being named as the league's [[MLS Newcomer of the Year Award|Newcomer of the Year]].<ref name="newcomer">{{cite news |title=Portland Timbers' Diego Valeri runs away with MLS Newcomer of the Year award |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2013/12/04/portland-timbers-diego-valeri-runs-away-mls-newcomer-year-award |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=[[Major League Soccer]] |date=4 December 2013}}</ref> He also earned a selection in that seasons [[MLS Best XI]].<ref name="newcomer"/>

The next season, on 19 July 2014, Valeri was selected to be part of the [[Major League Soccer All-Star Game|MLS All-Star]] team that would play against [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Portland Timbers Diego Valeri, Will Johnson named to 2014 AT&T MLS All-Star Game roster |url=https://www.timbers.com/news/portland-timbers-diego-valeri-will-johnson-named-2014-att-mls-all-star-game-rost |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=[[Portland Timbers]] |date=19 July 2014}}</ref> During the match on 6 August, Valeri providing the game-winning assist for [[Landon Donovan]] in the 70th minute to help the MLS All-Stars win 2–1.<ref name="nbc">{{cite news |title=Timbers Sign Diego Valeri to a Contract Extension |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/northwest/portland-timbers/timbers-sign-midfielder-diego-valeri-contract-extension |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=[[NBC Sports]] |date=10 August 2016}}</ref> At the end of the season, Valeri was selected into his second consecutive MLS Best XI.<ref>{{cite news |title=Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri named to MLS Best XI list |url=https://www.kptv.com/archives/timbers-midfielder-diego-valeri-named-to-mls-best-xi-list/article_63dd34f7-8d19-5286-8dcf-f3ed578ca3c7.html |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=[[KPTV]] |date=2 December 2014}}</ref>

{{Quote box|width=29%|align=left|quote= It was the first time in my career that someone decided to do that. I went on loan to Porto and Almería and it was the first time a club decided to buy me. I didn't play for a lot of teams, and for me it was important and I was very happy and I wanted to give back to them. That's what motivated me in this club.|source=—Valeri in regards to the [[Portland Timbers]] signing him permanently from [[Club Atlético Lanús|Lanús]].<ref name="trend"/>}}
During the Portland Timbers final regular-season match of 2014 against [[FC Dallas]], Valeri tore his ACL and was sidelined to start the [[2015 Major League Soccer season|2015]] season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Itel |first1=Dan |title=After long rehab, injured Diego Valeri and Will Johnson nearing return with Portland Timbers |url=https://www.timbers.com/news/after-long-rehab-injured-diego-valeri-and-will-johnson-nearing-return-portland |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=[[Portland Timbers]] |date=16 April 2015}}</ref> Valeri made his first appearance on 2 May 2015 against [[Vancouver Whitecaps FC]], coming on as a 52nd-minute substitute for [[Ishmael Yartey]] as the Timbers drew 0–0.<ref>{{cite web |title=Portland Timbers 0–0 Vancouver Whitecaps FC |url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2015/05/03/united-states/mls/portland-timbers-mls/vancouver-whitecaps-fc/1990806/ |website=Soccerway}}</ref> Valeri would go on to become a regular again for Portland as he helped lead the club into the [[2015 MLS Cup Playoffs|2015 MLS playoffs]] before securing the club's spot in [[MLS Cup 2015]] through a 5–3 aggregate victory over [[FC Dallas]] in the Conference Finals.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carlisle |first1=Jeff |title=Diego Valeri returning to his best after ACL injury, Portland tactical change |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/club/portland-timbers/9723/blog/post/2740180/diego-valeri-returning-to-his-best-following-acl-injury |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=4 December 2015}}</ref>

Valeri was a starter for the Portland Timbers against the [[Columbus Crew SC|Columbus Crew]] for MLS Cup 2015.<ref name="ol">{{cite news |title=Diego Valeri named MLS Cup MVP |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2015/12/diego_valeri_named_mls_cup_mvp.html |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=Oregon Live |date=9 January 2019}}</ref> He opened the scoring for the club after just 27 seconds, deflecting a clearance from Columbus goalkeeper [[Steve Clark (soccer)|Steve Clark]] to give the Timbers the very early lead. Valeri's goal was the fastest scored in MLS Cup history.<ref name="ol"/> The Portland Timbers would go on to win the match 2–1, earning their first-ever MLS Cup championship.<ref name="ol"/> Valeri would later be named as the [[MLS Cup#List of MVP award recipients|MLS Cup Most Valuable Player]] for his performance during the final.<ref name="ol"/>

Following their success, the Timbers were expected to be a contender for [[MLS Cup 2016]].<ref name="mls2016">{{cite news |last1=Itel |first1=Dan |title=Portland Timbers 2016 Team Guide |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/03/01/portland-timbers-2016-team-guide |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=[[Major League Soccer]] |date=1 March 2016}}</ref> Despite the losses of forward [[Maximiliano Urruti]], defender [[Jorge Villafaña]], and captain [[Will Johnson (soccer)|Will Johnson]], the Timbers retained main offensive starters Valeri, [[Darlington Nagbe]], and club top-scorer [[Fanendo Adi]].<ref name="mls2016"/> There were also higher expectations for forward [[Lucas Melano]], who arrived midway through the previous season as a designated player from Valeri's former club [[Club Atlético Lanús|Lanús]].<ref name="mls2016"/> During the season, Valeri had another productive campaign as he scored 14 goals and earned seven assists. His goals count being second among Timbers players and second among midfielders in MLS.<ref>{{cite news |title=Best of 2016: A look at every team's Most Valuable Player this season |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/11/17/best-2016-look-every-teams-most-valuable-player-season |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=[[Major League Soccer]] |date=17 November 2016}}</ref> On 28 July 2016, Valeri was named into his second [[2016 MLS All-Star Game|MLS All-Star]] squad. The All-Stars would take on [[Premier League]] side [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri named to 2016 AT&T MLS All-Star Inactive Roster |url=https://www.timbers.com/news/portland-timbers-midfielder-diego-valeri-named-2016-att-mls-all-star-inactive-ro |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=[[Portland Timbers]] |date=28 July 2016}}</ref> On 10 August 2016, Valeri signed a three-year contract extension with the Portland Timbers.<ref name="nbc"/>

Despite Valeri's performance during the season, as well as from Adi, the Portland Timbers failed to qualify for the [[2016 MLS Cup Playoffs|playoffs]].<ref name="2016post">{{cite news |title=MLS Post Mortem: Portland Timbers |url=https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2016/10/26/13414146/mls-post-mortem-portland-timbers |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=Stars and Stripes |date=26 October 2016}}</ref> A 4–1 defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Decision Day meant that the Timbers finished two points behind 6th-placed [[Real Salt Lake]] in the standings.<ref>{{cite news |title=Timbers eliminated from playoffs with 4-1 loss to Vancouver |url=https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20161023/sports/310239866 |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois)|Daily Herald]] |date=23 October 2016}}</ref> Throughout the season, the Timbers failed to win a single match away from home, hurting their qualification chances.<ref>{{cite web |title=2016 Portland Timbers Stats |url=https://fbref.com/en/squads/d076914e/2016/Portland-Timbers-Stats |website=[[Sports Reference]]}}</ref><ref name="2016post"/> The failure from the Portland Timbers to qualify for the playoffs, as well as from their MLS Cup 2015 opponents [[Columbus Crew SC|Columbus Crew]], meant that for the first time in league history, neither finalist from the previous season qualified for the following playoffs.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Creditor |first1=Avi |title=Defending MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers miss playoffs |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2016/10/23/portland-timbers-miss-mls-playoffs |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=[[Sports Illustrated]] |date=23 October 2016}}</ref>

During the [[2017 Major League Soccer season|2017]] season, Valeri scored 21 goals and earned 11 assists, becoming just the second player in league history to record at least 20 goals and 10 assists across an entire season.<ref name="17season">{{cite news |title=Portland Timbers' Diego Valeri wins 2017 Landon Donovan MLS MVP award |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/12/04/portland-timbers-diego-valeri-wins-2017-landon-donovan-mls-mvp-award |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=[[Major League Soccer]] |date=4 December 2017}}</ref> He also broke the league record for most consecutive games with a goal, scoring a goal in 9 straight matches between 29 July and 24 September.<ref name="17season"/> Valeri earned his third [[Major League Soccer All-Star Game|All-Star]] selection and played the second half of the match against [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]].<ref>{{cite web |title=MLS All Stars vs Real Madrid |url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2017/08/03/world/mls-all-star/mls-all-star-team/real-madrid-club-de-futbol/2447077/ |website=Soccerway}}</ref> On 12 August, Valeri became the 18th player in Major League Soccer history to score 50 goals and earn 50 assists when he scored during a 4–1 defeat against [[Toronto FC]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Higgins |first1=Timm |title=Around The Forest: Portland Timbers Diego Valeri joins the 50/50 club |url=https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2017/8/17/16162258/diego-valeri-portland-timbers-kylian-mbappe-real-madrid-psg-manchester-city-atlanta-united |access-date=15 March 2021 |publisher=Stumptown Footy |date=17 August 2017}}</ref> A little more than a week later, on 23 August, Valeri became the Timbers all-time top goalscorer; scoring the first goal in a 2–1 victory over the [[Colorado Rapids]] and breaking the record set earlier that season by teammate [[Fanendo Adi]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Video reviews twice cost LA Galaxy in Crew SC win; Valeri sets Timbers mark |url=https://abc7.com/sports/var-in-play-twice-as-columbus-sinks-la;-toronto-fc-still-unbeaten-at-home/2336608/ |access-date=15 March 2021 |publisher=[[KABC-TV]] |date=24 August 2017}}</ref>

Valeri's performances throughout the season were instrumental in securing Portland Timbers the top spot in the [[2017 Major League Soccer season#Western Conference|Western Conference]] standings and qualifying for the [[2017 MLS Cup Playoffs|playoffs]].<ref name="ol5">{{cite news |last1=Goldberg |first1=Jamie |title=Portland Timbers beat Vancouver Whitecaps to earn top seed in Western Conference: 5 takeaways |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2017/10/portland_timbers_beat_vancouve_3.html |publisher=Oregon Live |date=23 October 2017}}</ref> The Timbers playoff journey began in the Conference Semifinals against the [[Houston Dynamo FC|Houston Dynamo]]. The club were knocked-out after losing 2–1 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dynamo eliminate Timbers in MLS playoffs |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2017/11/05/dynamo-beat-timbers-2-1-to-advance-in-the-mls-playoffs/107393866/ |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=[[USA Today]] |date=5 November 2017}}</ref> Despite the early defeat, Valeri was awarded the [[Landon Donovan MVP Award]] on 4 December 2017.<ref name="17season"/>

Following his MVP season, Valeri scored 14 goals and assisted 14 during the [[2018 Major League Soccer season|2018]] campaign.<ref>{{cite news |title=MLS Cup Final 2018: Atlanta United vs Portland Timbers: Timbers perspective |url=https://totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis/mls-cup-final-2018-atlanta-united-2-0-portland-timbers-tactical-analysis |access-date=15 March 2021 |publisher=Total Football Analysis |date=11 December 2018}}</ref> That season, Valeri, alongside former [[Club Atlético Lanús|Lanús]] teammate [[Sebastián Blanco]], helped lead the Portland Timbers back into the [[2018 MLS Cup Playoffs|MLS Cup playoffs]].<ref name="espnblanco">{{cite news |last1=Pentz |first1=Matt |title=Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco grew up together; now they're MLS Cup hopefuls 6,800 miles from home |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/club/portland-timbers/9723/blog/post/3705671/diego-valeri-sebastian-blanco-grew-up-together-now-theyre-mls-cup-hopefuls-6800-miles-from-home |access-date=15 March 2021 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=27 November 2018}}</ref> During the Knockout Round match against [[FC Dallas]] on 31 October, Valeri scored a brace to give the Timbers a 2–1 victory.<ref>{{cite news |title=MLS Cup Playoffs 2018: Diego Valeri scores 2 beautiful goals to lift Portland Timbers over FC Dallas |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2018/10/portland_timbers_vs_fc_dallas_38.html |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=Oregon Live |date=1 November 2018}}</ref> In the next round, the Timbers took on rivals [[Seattle Sounders FC]] in the Conference Semifinals.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harvey |first1=Andrew |title=Timbers playoff series 'will be like a final,' Nico Lodeiro says |url=https://www.sounderatheart.com/2018/11/2/18057336/timbers-sounders-playoff-tactics |access-date=15 March 2021 |publisher=Sounder at Heart |date=2 November 2018}}</ref> Valeri assisted both goals for the Timbers as the club took a 2–1 aggregate lead after the first leg of the tie.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kennedy |first1=Paul |title=Timbers' Valeri orchestrates comeback win over Sounder |url=https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/80237/mls-playoffs-timbers-valeri-orchestrates-comebac.html |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=[[Soccer America]] |date=5 November 2018}}</ref> In the second leg, the Sounders won the match 3–2 after extra-time which lead to penalty kicks. Valeri converted his penalty as the Timbers won 4–2, advancing to the Conference Finals.<ref>{{cite news |title=Portland Timbers defeat Seattle Sounders in MLS Cup Playoffs: Video highlights, score, live updates recap |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2018/11/portland_timbers_vs_seattle_so_35.html |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=Oregon Live |date=9 November 2018}}</ref>

The Portland Timbers took on [[Sporting Kansas City]] in the Western Conference Finals.<ref name="finals2018">{{cite news |title=Portland Timbers top Sporting Kansas City 3-2 in MLS Cup Playoffs 2018, advance to championship final: Live updates recap |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2018/11/portland_timbers_vs_sporting_k_33.html |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=Oregon Live |date=30 November 2018}}</ref> After a 0–0 draw in the first leg, Valeri scored a brace in the second leg to help the Timbers win 3–2 and thus advance to [[MLS Cup 2018]].<ref name="finals2018"/> He would go on to start in MLS Cup against [[Atlanta United FC]] on 8 December 2018 but couldn't prevent his side from losing 2–0.<ref>{{cite news |title=Portland Timbers fall to Atlanta United in 2018 MLS Cup |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2018/12/portland-timbers-fall-to-atlanta-united-in-2018-mls-cup.html |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=Oregon Live |date=8 December 2018}}</ref>

The next season in [[2019 Major League Soccer season|2019]], Valeri recorded a career-best 16 assists, which also broke the club record for most assists in a single-season.<ref name="sbi">{{cite news |last1=Henry Jr. |first1=Larry |title=MLS Ticker: Timbers re-sign Valeri, Whitecaps acquire Cavallini, and more |url=https://sbisoccer.com/2019/12/mls-ticker-timbers-re-sign-valeri-whitecaps-acquire-cavallini-and-more |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=SBI Soccer |date=16 December 2019}}</ref> Valeri helped the Portland Timbers qualify for their third-straight [[2019 MLS Cup Playoffs|MLS Cup playoff]] appearance.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Asher |first1=Abe |title=Timbers Step Up, Qualify for Postseason in Style |url=https://www.portlandmercury.com/blogtown/2019/10/07/27266670/timbers-step-up-qualify-for-postseason-in-style |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=[[Portland Mercury]] |date=7 October 2019}}</ref> They were knocked-out in the first round by [[Real Salt Lake]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Goldberg |first1=Jamie |title=Portland Timbers exit 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs in first round after 2-1 loss to Real Salt Lake |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2019/10/portland-timbers-fall-2-1-to-real-salt-lake-in-first-round-of-2019-mls-cup-playoffs.html |access-date=15 March 2021 |publisher=Oregon Live |date=19 October 2019}}</ref>

Prior to the [[2020 Major League Soccer season|2020]] season, on 16 December 2019, after declining his contract option, Valeri signed another contract extension with the Portland Timbers.<ref name="pm">{{cite news |last1=Asher |first1=Ash |title=The Maestro Returns: Timbers Ink Valeri to New Contract |url=https://www.portlandmercury.com/blogtown/2019/12/16/27657374/timbers-diego-valeri |access-date=15 March 2021 |work=Portland Mercury |date=16 December 2019}}</ref> This deal would reduce Valeri from being a designated player as the Timbers used [[Allocation money|Targeted Allocation Money]] to re-sign and buy down Valeri's contract.<ref name="pm"/> Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in North America|COVID-19 pandemic]], the Portland Timbers participated in the [[MLS is Back Tournament]] held in [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], [[Florida]], with Valeri acting as club captain.<ref name="mlsback">{{cite news |last1=Bogert |first1=Tom |title=Diego Valeri becomes third player in MLS history to record 80 goals and 80 assists |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/09/03/diego-valeri-becomes-third-player-mls-history-record-80-goals-and-80-assists |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=[[Major League Soccer]] |date=3 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Greenwood |first1=Sam |title=Timbers Fell Orlando To Win MLS Restart Tournament |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/timbers-fell-orlando-to-win-mls-restart-tournament-01597202409 |access-date=16 July 2021 |work=[[Barron's (newspaper)|Barron's]] |date=11 August 2020}}</ref> On 11 August 2020, Valeri started for the Timbers during the [[MLS is Back Tournament Final|final]] against [[Orlando City SC]]. The Portland Timbers would go on to win 2–1.<ref name="mlsback"/> On 2 September 2020, Valeri became the third player in Major League Soccer history to score at least 80 goals and earn 80 assists – alongside [[Landon Donovan]] and [[Jaime Moreno (footballer, born 1974)|Jaime Moreno]].<ref name="mlsback"/> Following the [[2020 Major League Soccer season|2020]] season, Valeri was named by the league among its 25 best players of all time.<ref name="bestmls"/> He had been top scorer in four of his nine years with the club and top equal in one, his best being 21 goals in 2017.

Valeri scored 100 goals for the Timbers across all competitions during his time in Portland. He left the team as their regular season leader in goals scored, assists, and points.

===Return to Lanús===
On 20 January 2022, the Timbers and Valeri mutually agreed on his transfer back to [[Club Atlético Lanús]]. The Timbers announced a testimonial match for Valeri between them and Lanús in 2023, and upon retirement Valeri would become a Timbers ambassador.<ref>{{cite web |title=Portland Timbers transfer club legend Diego Valeri to Club Atlético Lanús |url=https://www.timbers.com/news/portland-timbers-transfer-club-legend-diego-valeri-to-club-atletico-lanus |website=[[Portland Timbers]] |access-date=21 January 2022}}</ref> On June 2, 2022, 36-year old Valeri confirmed he had decided to retire.<ref>[https://www.elgrafico.com.ar/articulo/1053/53233/diego-valeri-anuncio-su-retiro-del-futbol DIEGO VALERI ANUNCIÓ SU RETIRO DEL FÚTBOL], elgrafico.com.ar, 2 June 2022</ref>

==International career==
On 16 March 2011, Valeri made his international debut for [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]] at the [[Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario]] in a [[Exhibition game|friendly]] against [[Venezuela national football team|Venezuela]]. Argentina won 4–1.<ref>{{cite web |title=Argentina 4–1 Venezuela |url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2011/03/17/world/friendlies/argentina/venezuela/1086561/ |website=Soccerway}}</ref> Valeri would go on to make just two more appearances with Argentina, both in 2011, against [[Ecuador national football team|Ecuador]] and [[Paraguay national football team|Paraguay]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Argentina 2–2 Ecuador |url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2011/04/21/world/friendlies/argentina/ecuador/1104755/ |website=Soccerway}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Argentina 4–2 Paraguay |url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2011/05/25/world/friendlies/argentina/paraguay/1104756/ |website=Soccerway}}</ref> In June 2011, prior to [[2011 Copa América|Copa América]], Valeri was included in the provisional squad for Argentina by manager [[Sergio Batista]] but was cut from the final 23-man squad.<ref>{{cite news |title=Star duo to lead Argentina |url=https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/star-duo-to-lead-argentina |access-date=16 March 2021 |publisher=[[The World Game]]}}</ref>

==Style of play==
A technically gifted player,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2016/08/12/diego-valeri-portland-timbers-mls-argentina-lanus |title=Diego Valeri, Portland Timbers' humble superstar |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=12 August 2018 |last1=Straus |first1=Brian |access-date=27 January 2022 }}</ref> Valeri was capable of both scoring and creating goals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tsn.ca/valeri-back-in-the-fold-as-timbers-prepare-for-mls-season-1.1434687 |title=Valeri back in the fold as Timbers prepare for MLS season |publisher=TSN |date=29 January 2020 |access-date=27 January 2022 }}</ref> When he joined the [[Portland Timbers]] in 2013, he was brought in to become the creative force of the offense for coach [[Caleb Porter]].<ref name="fft">{{cite news |last1=Rifer |first1=Chris |title=Creator-turned-scorer: Valeri has made himself even more important to Portland |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/diego-valeri-analysis-portland-timbers-goal-scoring-records-mls |access-date=17 March 2021 |publisher=[[FourFourTwo]] |date=18 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107043638/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/diego-valeri-analysis-portland-timbers-goal-scoring-records-mls |archive-date=7 January 2019 }}</ref> "He will be one of the better [[playmaker]]s in the league, but more importantly Diego fits our identity and his play should boost production to help the club win games," stated Porter after Valeri signed with the Timbers.<ref name="stump">{{cite news |last1=Gibson |first1=Geoff |title=Portland Timbers Sign Diego Valeri as a Designated Player |url=https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/1/10/3861584/portland-timbers-sign-diego-valeri-as-a-designated-player |access-date=16 March 2021 |publisher=Stumptown Footy |date=10 January 2013}}</ref> Throughout his time with the Timbers, Valeri was considered the creative spark for the club.<ref name="fft"/> During his first season in Portland, Valeri adapted into the middle of Porter's [[Formation (association football)#4–3–3|4–3–3]] formation, forming a partnership with [[central midfielder]]s [[Diego Chará]] and [[Will Johnson (soccer)|Will Johnson]].<ref name="goal">{{cite news |last1=Galarcep |first1=Ives |title=Goal USA MLS Newcomer of the Year: Diego Valeri |url=https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1771/yahoo/2013/10/31/4372770/goal-usa-mls-newcomer-of-the-year-diego-valeri |access-date=16 March 2021 |publisher=[[Goal (website)|Goal.com]] |date=31 October 2013}}</ref> That partnership allowed Valeri the freedom he needed to score ten goals and provide thirteen assists in his first season with the club.<ref name="goal"/>

Valeri was known to be the creative lynchpin and key to the Portland Timbers attack.<ref name="lin">{{cite news |last1=Murray |first1=Caitlin |title=How Portland Timbers stalwart Diego Chara finally earned a spot in the MLS Best XI |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2020/11/how-portland-timbers-stalwart-diego-chara-finally-earned-a-spot-in-the-mls-best-xi.html |access-date=17 March 2021 |publisher=Oregon Live |date=20 November 2020}}</ref> Considered to be a skilled passer who was able to get the ball to his forwards in great positions,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shank |first1=Kevin |title=THE UNION'S PROBLEM WITH SHOTS AND THE WIZARDRY OF DIEGO VALERI |url=https://www.americansocceranalysis.com/home/2017/7/31/the-unions-problem-with-shots-and-the-wizardry-of-diego-valeri |access-date=17 March 2021 |publisher=American Soccer Analysis |date=2 August 2017}}</ref> Valeri was not only known for his offensive ability but also for being able to contribute defensively by dropping back and helping start a Timbers counterattack.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lowery |first1=Joseph |title=How battles between attacking and defensive midfielders could swing MLS Cup |url=https://theathletic.co.uk/698377/2018/12/06/mls-cup-timbers-atlanta-united-midfield-tactical-analysis/ |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=[[The Athletic]] |date=6 December 2018}}</ref> Prior to a match in 2014, former [[Toronto FC]] coach [[Greg Vanney]] stated that Valeri was "clever" and that "you don't really want to send your marking guy to the outside to deal with him".<ref>{{cite news |title=The Valeri Threat |url=https://www.torontofc.ca/post/2014/09/26/valeri-threat |access-date=17 March 2021 |publisher=[[Toronto FC]] |date=26 September 2014}}</ref>

When former [[Club Atlético Lanús|Lanús]] teammate [[Sebastián Blanco]] arrived at the Timbers, both he and Valeri began a partnership that would be key to the Portland offense.<ref name="ta2">{{cite news |last1=Pentz |first1=Matt |title=Years after arrival, Sebastian Blanco has evolved to be the Timbers' talisman |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1296353/2019/10/15/sebastian-blanco-timbers-2019-mls-playoffs/ |access-date=17 March 2021 |publisher=[[The Athletic]] |date=15 October 2019}}</ref> Valeri continued to play as the central attacking midfielder while Blanco would interchange between playing centrally and going out wide to the wing.<ref name="ta2"/> According to Timbers general manager, [[Gavin Wilkinson]], this partnership helped Valeri reach a career-high 21 goals during his MVP season.<ref name="ta2"/> Despite not being a full-game starter for the Timbers in [[2020 Major League Soccer season|2020]], coach [[Giovanni Savarese]] stated, "his movements are very sharp, his quality is still intact and he's taking care of himself in the best possible way."<ref>{{cite news |title=Portland Timbers' Giovanni Saverese lauds Diego Valeri as new-look offense runs wild |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/09/20/portland-timbers-giovanni-saverese-lauds-diego-valeri-new-look-offense-runs-wild |access-date=17 March 2021 |publisher=[[Major League Soccer]] |date=20 September 2020}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Valeri married his childhood sweetheart Florencia in 2007.<ref name="earlyespn"/> She is also from [[Lanús]] and was Valeri's neighbor growing up.<ref name="earlyespn"/> The couple have a daughter named Constanza who was born in 2009.<ref name="earlyespn"/> While Valeri was still playing in Argentina, Florencia would regularly attend matches for [[Club Atlético Lanús]] but after the birth of their daughter, the couple decided that it might be too dangerous to attend games.<ref name="ol2"/> In October 2012, Valeri and his family were victims of a carjacking near their home as armed robbers stole Valeri's [[BMW X1]], wallet, and cell phone.<ref name="ol2"/> According to Valeri, the carjacking was a major reason that he and his family decided to move out of Argentina.<ref name="ol2"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Straus |first=Brian |date=2015-12-05 |title=Argentine playmakers Higuaín, Valeri meet with MLS Cup on the line |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2015/12/05/diego-valeri-federico-higuain-portland-timbers-columbus-crew-mls-cup-2015 |access-date=2025-06-17 |website=SI |language=en-US}}</ref>

Prior to his move to the [[Portland Timbers]], Valeri had never heard of [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]], [[Oregon]].<ref name="ol2"/> He had only visited the United States once, in 2004, when he was part of the Lanús side that took on a Japanese club in a pre-season friendly at [[Dignity Health Sports Park]] in [[Los Angeles]].<ref name="trend"/> Not long after the move, Valeri and his family began to embrace life in Portland, which they felt was very safe.<ref name="espnblanco"/> Additionally, the family began to participate in local community service initiatives and charities, with his work off-the-pitch earning Valeri the nickname "Saint Valeri".<ref name="earlyespn"/> He has also developed a deep relationship with the supporters' groups of the Portland Timbers, regularly participating in local football events and matches.<ref name="ol3">{{cite news |last1=Goldberg |first1=Jamie |title=Diego Valeri's devotion to Portland extends well beyond the pitch |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2017/02/portland_timbers_diego_valeri_14.html |access-date=15 March 2021 |publisher=Oregon Live |date=21 February 2017}}</ref> Valeri and his family also regularly attend matches for [[National Women's Soccer League]] club [[Portland Thorns FC|Portland Thorns]], the sister club of the Timbers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Goldberg |first1=Jamie |title=Daughters in Portland Timbers family find inspiration close to home with the Portland Thorns |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/portland-thorns/2017/09/daughters_in_portland_timbers.html |access-date=15 March 2021 |publisher=Oregon Live |date=20 September 2017}}</ref> Valeri has stated that the Thorns serve as a major inspiration for his daughter and her future hopes and dreams.<ref name="earlyespn"/>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref name="soccerway"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/diego-valeri/2/|title=Diego Valeri » Club matches|website=WorldFootball.net|date=4 December 2017 |access-date=15 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Diego Valeri – Major League Soccer |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/diego-valeri |publisher=Major League Soccer}}</ref>
|-
!rowspan=2|Club
!rowspan=2|Season
!colspan=3|League
!colspan=2|National cup{{efn|Includes [[Copa Argentina]], [[Taça de Portugal]], [[Copa del Rey]], [[U.S. Open Cup]]}}
!colspan=2|League cup{{efn|Includes [[Taça da Liga]]}}
!colspan=2|Continental
!colspan=2|Other
!colspan=2|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan=10|[[Club Atlético Lanús|Lanús]]
|[[2003–04 Argentine Primera División|2003–04]]
|[[Argentine Primera División]]
|3||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||3||0
|-
|[[2004–05 Argentine Primera División|2004–05]]
|Argentine Primera División
|13||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||13||1
|-
|[[2005–06 Argentine Primera División|2005–06]]
|Argentine Primera División
|7||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||7||1
|-
|[[2006–07 Argentine Primera División|2006–07]]
|Argentine Primera División
|20||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||4{{efn|name=CopaSud|Appearance(s) in [[Copa Sudamericana]]}}||1||colspan=2|—||24||1
|-
|[[2007–08 Argentine Primera División|2007–08]]
|Argentine Primera División
|26||8||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||13{{efn|Four appearances in Copa Sudamericana, nine appearances and one goal in [[Copa Libertadores]]}}||1||colspan=2|—||39||9
|-
|[[2008–09 Argentine Primera División season|2008–09]]
|Argentine Primera División
|27||2||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||4{{efn|name=CopLib|Appearance(s) in Copa Libertadores}}||0||colspan=2|—||31||2
|-
|[[2010–11 Argentine Primera División season|2010–11]]
|Argentine Primera División
|18||8||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||1{{efn|name=CopaSud}}||0||colspan=2|—||19||8
|-
|[[2011–12 Argentine Primera División season|2011–12]]
|Argentine Primera División
|28||3||1||0||colspan=2|—||8{{efn|name=CopLib}}||1||colspan=2|—||37||4
|-
|[[2012–13 Argentine Primera División season|2012–13]]
|Argentine Primera División
|16||2||0||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||16||2
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!158||25||1||0||colspan=2|—||30||3||colspan=2|—||189||28
|-
|[[FC Porto|Porto]] (loan)
|[[2009–10 FC Porto season|2009–10]]
|[[Primeira Liga]]
|12||0||4||0||5||0||2{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in [[UEFA Champions League]]}}||0||0||0||23||0
|-
|[[UD Almería|Almería]] (loan)
|[[2010–11 UD Almería season|2010–11]]
|[[La Liga]]
|9||0||3||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||12||0
|-
|[[Portland Timbers]] (loan)
|[[2013 Portland Timbers season|2013]]
|[[Major League Soccer]]
|20||4||2||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||22||5
|-
|rowspan=10|Portland Timbers
|[[2013 Portland Timbers season|2013]]
|Major League Soccer
|11||6||1||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||4{{efn|name=MLS|Appearance(s) in [[MLS Cup Playoffs]]}}||1||16||8
|-
|[[2014 Portland Timbers season|2014]]
|Major League Soccer
|33||11||1||0||colspan=2|—||1{{efn|name=CCL|Appearance(s) in [[CONCACAF Champions League]]}}||0||colspan=2|—||35||11
|-
|[[2015 Portland Timbers season|2015]]
|Major League Soccer
|22||2||2||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||5{{efn|name=MLS}}||1||29||4
|-
|[[2016 Portland Timbers season|2016]]
|Major League Soccer
|30||14||2||0||colspan=2|—||3{{efn|name=CCL}}||2||colspan=2|—||35||16
|-
|[[2017 Portland Timbers season|2017]]
|Major League Soccer
|32||21||0||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||2{{efn|name=MLS}}||0||34||21
|-
|[[2018 Portland Timbers season|2018]]
|Major League Soccer
|32||10||1||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||6{{efn|name=MLS}}||4||39||14
|-
|[[2019 Portland Timbers season|2019]]
|Major League Soccer
|31||8||4||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||1{{efn|name=MLS}}||0||36||8
|-
|[[2020 Portland Timbers season|2020]]
|Major League Soccer
|22{{efn|Includes three appearances and one goal in [[MLS is Back Tournament]] group stage}}||8||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||5{{efn|Four appearances and one goal in MLS is Back Tournament knockout stage, one appearance in MLS Cup Playoffs}}||1||27||9
|-
|[[2021 Portland Timbers season|2021]]
|Major League Soccer
|29||2||colspan="2"|–||colspan=2|—||4{{efn|name=CCL}}||2||3{{efn|name=MLS}}||0||36||4
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!262||86||13||3||colspan="2"|–||8||4||26||7||309||100
|-
|Lanús
|[[2022 Argentine Primera División|2022]]
|Argentine Primera División
|9||1||1||0||colspan="2"|–||2{{efn|name=CopaSud}}||0||colspan=2|—||12||1
|-
!colspan=3|Career total
!450||112||22||3||5||0||42||7||26||7||545||129
|}

{{notelist}}

=== International ===
{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref name="soccerway"/>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|[[Argentina national football team|Argentina]]
|2011||3||0
|-
!colspan=2|Total||3||0
|}

==Honours==
[[File:Diego Valeri Portland Timbers vs Seattle Sounders 2016-07-17 (28344813776).jpg|thumb|upright|300px|Valeri won both the [[Landon Donovan MVP Award|MLS MVP]] and [[MLS Cup#List of MVP award recipients|MLS Cup MVP]] awards while with Portland.]]
'''Lanús'''
*[[Argentine Primera División]]: [[2007–08 Argentine Primera División|2007 Apertura]]

'''Porto'''
*[[Taça de Portugal]]: [[2009–10 Taça de Portugal|2009–10]]
*[[Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira]]: [[2009 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira|2009]]

'''Portland Timbers'''
*[[MLS Cup]]: [[MLS Cup 2015|2015]]
*[[MLS is Back Tournament]]: [[MLS is Back Tournament Final|2020]]

'''Individual'''
*[[MLS Cup#List of MVP award recipients|MLS Cup Most Valuable Player]]: [[MLS Cup 2015|2015]]
*[[Landon Donovan MVP Award|MLS MVP]]: [[2017 Major League Soccer season#End-of-season awards|2017]]
* MLS 50/50 Club<ref>{{cite web | last=Rodriguez | first=Alicia | title=Columbus Crew SC's Federico Higuain joins MLS 50-50 club | website=mlssoccer | date=25 March 2018 | url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/columbus-crew-scs-federico-higuain-joins-mls-50-50-club | access-date=24 July 2023}}</ref>
*[[MLS Newcomer of the Year Award|MLS Newcomer of the Year]]: [[2013 Major League Soccer season#End of Season Awards|2013]]
*[[MLS Best XI]]: [[2013 Major League Soccer season#MLS Best XI|2013]], [[2014 Major League Soccer season#MLS Best XI|2014]], [[2017 Major League Soccer season#MLS Best XI|2017]]<ref name="2017 MLS Best XI">{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/11/29/2017-mls-best-xi|title=2017 MLS Best XI revealed: Who was the best in 2017?|publisher=MLS Soccer|date=30 November 2017}}</ref>
*[[MLS All-Star]]: [[2014 MLS All-Star Game|2014]], [[2016 MLS All-Star Game|2016]], [[2017 MLS All-Star Game|2017]], [[2018 MLS All-Star Game|2018]]
*[[Major League Soccer|MLS]] top assist provider: [[2013 Major League Soccer season|2013]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/stats/season?season_year=2013&group=ASSISTS |title=Major League Soccer Statistics Assists}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{MLS player|diego-valeri}}
* {{NFT player|id=42539}}

{{navboxes
|title=Awards
|fg=navy
|bg=gold
|list1=
{{MLS Newcomer of the Year Award}}
{{2013 MLS Best XI}}
{{2014 MLS Best XI}}
{{2017 MLS Best XI}}
{{MLS Cup MVP}}
{{Major League Soccer MVP Award}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Valeri, Diego}}
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Argentine sportspeople of Italian descent]]
[[Category:Footballers from Lanús]]
[[Category:Argentine men's footballers]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Spain]]
[[Category:Argentina men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football midfielders]]
[[Category:Club Atlético Lanús footballers]]
[[Category:FC Porto players]]
[[Category:UD Almería players]]
[[Category:Portland Timbers players]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Portugal]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in the United States]]
[[Category:Argentine Primera División players]]
[[Category:Primeira Liga players]]
[[Category:La Liga players]]
[[Category:Designated Players (MLS)]]
[[Category:Major League Soccer players]]
[[Category:Major League Soccer All-Stars]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Portugal]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in the United States]]
[[Category:21st-century Argentine sportsmen]]