FC Dallas Signs Uruguayan Midfielder Joaquín Valiente

24-year-old joins MLS club on multi-year deal after success in Uruguay and Ecuador

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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FC Dallas has officially signed Joaquín Valiente, a 24-year-old midfielder from Defensor Sporting Club in Uruguay. The transfer fee exceeded $1 million, with Valiente signing a contract through the 2027-2028 season, with club options for extensions. Valiente becomes the third Uruguayan player to represent FC Dallas, joining Washington Rodríguez and David Texeira.

Why it matters

The acquisition of Valiente is part of a broader trend of MLS clubs increasingly looking to South America for promising talent. Factors like the relative affordability of players, high technical skill level, and growing visibility of South American leagues are driving this trend. MLS is also seen as a viable stepping stone for players aiming to reach top European leagues.

The details

Valiente began his professional career with Defensor Sporting in Uruguay's second division in 2021, playing a key role in the club's promotion to the Liga AUF Uruguaya. He went on to win the Copa AUF Uruguay with Defensor in both 2023 and 2024. Most recently, he spent the 2025 season on loan with Barcelona Sporting Club in Ecuador, where he made 48 appearances, scoring five goals and providing six assists.

  • Valiente signed with FC Dallas in February 2026.
  • He previously played for Defensor Sporting Club in Uruguay from 2021 to 2024.
  • Valiente spent the 2025 season on loan with Barcelona Sporting Club in Ecuador.

The players

Joaquín Valiente

A 24-year-old midfielder from Colonia Valdense, Uruguay, who has signed with FC Dallas after successful stints with Defensor Sporting Club in Uruguay and Barcelona Sporting Club in Ecuador.

Washington Rodríguez

A former Uruguayan player who represented FC Dallas (formerly Dallas Burn) in 1996.

David Texeira

A former Uruguayan player who played for FC Dallas from 2014 to 2016.

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What’s next

Valiente has already joined the FC Dallas team for training and is expected to contribute immediately to the club's midfield.

The takeaway

FC Dallas' signing of Uruguayan midfielder Joaquín Valiente is a testament to the growing trend of MLS clubs tapping into the talent pool of South American players, who are seen as both affordable and technically skilled. This move also highlights MLS's increasing status as a viable stepping stone for players aiming to reach top European leagues.