Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Luis Suárez

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Luis Suárez made an impact.

Luis Suárez is a highly acclaimed Uruguayan professional footballer, currently playing as a striker for Inter Miami. Considered one of Uruguay's greatest footballers and one of the best strikers of his generation, he's nicknamed "El Pistolero". Suárez boasts an impressive record, including two European Golden Shoes, an Eredivisie Golden Boot, a Premier League Golden Boot, and a Pichichi Trophy. He ranks fourth among all-time South American top goalscorers in international football with 69 goals. Throughout his career, he has scored over 600 goals and provided over 300 assists for both club and country.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1970: Uruguay Qualifies for Quarter-Finals

Uruguay reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 1970.

1986: Ian Rush Scores 30 League Goals for Liverpool

In 1986, Ian Rush achieved a remarkable feat by scoring 30 league goals for Liverpool, marking a significant milestone in his career and setting a high standard for future Liverpool players.

May 2005: Suárez made first-team debut for Nacional

In May 2005, at age 18, Luis Suárez made his first-team debut for Nacional against Atlético Junior in the Copa Libertadores.

September 2005: Suárez scored his first goal for Nacional

In September 2005, Luis Suárez scored his first goal for Nacional.

2005: Suárez began his senior career at Nacional

In 2005, Luis Suárez began his senior club career at Uruguayan club Nacional.

September 2006: Suárez made European debut

On 14 September 2006, Suárez made his European debut in a 4–2 loss to Serbian club Partizan.

February 2007: Senior Debut for Uruguay

On February 8, 2007, Suárez made his senior debut for Uruguay in a 3–1 win against Colombia. He was sent off in the 85th minute after receiving a second yellow card for dissent.

August 2007: Ajax increased their offer to Groningen

On 9 August 2007, Ajax increased their offer to Groningen to €7.5 million and Groningen accepted the offer for Suárez.

August 2007: Suárez signed with Ajax

On 9 August 2007, Suárez signed a five-year contract with Ajax for a transfer fee of €7.5 million, and made his club debut in a UEFA Champions League qualifier against Slavia Prague.

2007: Suárez transferred to Ajax

In 2007, Luis Suárez transferred to Ajax, where he later won the KNVB Cup and the Eredivisie.

2007: U-20 World Cup Tournament

In 2007, Suárez played in the U-20 World Cup Tournament finals and scored two goals in four appearances for Uruguay.

2009: Suárez named team captain for Ajax

Before the 2009 season, Martin Jol replaced Van Basten as head coach. After the departure of Ajax captain Thomas Vermaelen to Arsenal, Jol named Suárez team captain.

2009: Suárez Breaks Messi and Ronaldo's Domination

In 2016, on the final day of the 2015-16 La Liga season, Suárez's hat-trick secured the Spanish championship for Barcelona, leading to him winning the Pichichi Trophy and a second European Golden Shoe. He became the first player since 2009 other than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to win both titles. He also led La Liga in both goals and assists.

2009: Liverpool Defeats Manchester United at Old Trafford

In March 2014, during a match where Suárez made his 100th Premier League appearance, Liverpool defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford for the first time since 2009, winning by a convincing three-goal margin. In the same match, Suárez scored his 25th league goal of the season. He later scored his sixth Premier League hat-trick against Cardiff City, and broke Robbie Fowler's club record of 28 goals in a Premier League season. Suárez then became the first Liverpool player since Ian Rush in 1986-87 to score 30 league goals in a season.

June 2010: 2010 World Cup Squad

In June 2010, Suárez was named to Uruguay's 23-man World Cup squad. He drew a penalty and assisted a goal in a 3-0 win over South Africa, and scored the winning goal against Mexico during the group stage. Uruguay won Group A and advanced to the knockout stage.

2010: Handball against Ghana in World Cup

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Ghana, Suárez blocked a goal-bound header with his hands in extra time. He was sent off, and Ghana was awarded a penalty. Had the penalty been converted, Ghana would have advanced to the semi-finals.

2010: Suárez at the World Cup

In 2010, Luis Suárez was named in the World Cup All-Star Team.

2010: World Cup Strike

In 2010, Suarez scored the opening goal of the competition.

2010: 2010 World Cup Qualifying

In 2010, Suárez played in 19 of 20 games in the World Cup qualifying and inter-confederation play-offs, scoring five goals for Uruguay.

2010: Suárez finishes the season

Suárez finished the 2010–11 season with four goals in 13 games for Liverpool.

2010: Suárez part of the Eredivisie championship winning team

Suárez received a winner's medal for his 7 goals in 13 appearances as Ajax ended the 2010–11 season as Eredivisie champions.

January 2011: Liverpool bid for Suárez

On 28 January 2011, Ajax accepted a €26.5 million offer for Suárez from Premier League club Liverpool, despite Suárez being under suspension.

January 2011: Suárez signed with Liverpool

On 31 January 2011, Luis Suárez signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with Liverpool until 2016, becoming the club's most expensive signing until Andy Carroll arrived a few hours later. Suárez requested the number seven shirt, worn by Liverpool legends.

2011: Suárez signed for Liverpool

In 2011, Luis Suárez signed for Premier League club Liverpool, where he won the League Cup in his first full season.

2011: Suárez won the Copa América

In 2011, Luis Suárez won the Copa América and was awarded Best Player.

2011: 2011 Copa América Champion

In 2011, Suárez scored in Uruguay's opening game, a 1–1 draw with Peru. Uruguay won the shootout against Argentina 5–4. Suárez scored both goals in Uruguay's 2–0 semi-final win over Peru and was named Man of the Match. In the final, Suárez scored the opening goal as Uruguay defeated Paraguay 3–0 for their record 15th Copa América title. He was also named MVP of the Tournament.

2011: Liverpool won the League Cup

In 2011-2012 Suárez had a disappointing season, however on 26 February, Liverpool won the League Cup, defeating Cardiff City in a penalty shootout. Suárez finished sixth for the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or.

July 2012: Selection for Olympics and Hat-trick Against Chile

In July 2012, Suárez was selected for the Uruguay Olympic football team. In a warm-up game against Chile on July 11, Suárez scored a hat-trick for Uruguay as they came from 0–2 down to win 6–4.

August 2012: Suárez signed contract with Liverpool

On 7 August 2012, Suárez signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool.

September 2012: Suárez scored hat-trick against Norwich City

On 29 September 2012, Suárez scored a hat-trick in Liverpool's Premier League fixture away at Norwich City for the second consecutive season.

2012: Suárez at the Summer Olympics

In 2012, Luis Suárez represented Uruguay at the Summer Olympics.

April 2013: Suárez bites Branislav Ivanović during Chelsea match

In April 2013, during a Premier League match against Chelsea, Luis Suárez bit Branislav Ivanović, marking the second time he had bitten an opponent. The incident, missed by officials, led to a ten-game ban from the FA after UK Prime Minister David Cameron called for action. The FA charged him with violent conduct and he was fined an undisclosed sum by his club. He scored an equalizer in injury time. An independent panel criticized Suárez for not appreciating the seriousness of the incident and emphasized the role model status of players.

May 2013: Suárez Seeks Exit from Liverpool

In May 2013, Luis Suárez expressed his desire to leave Liverpool, citing excessive media attention on his family as the primary reason. This decision came after Liverpool rejected a £40,000,001 bid from Arsenal. Suárez claimed Liverpool had promised him a transfer if they failed to qualify for the 2013–14 UEFA Champions League, a claim Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers refuted, accusing Suárez of "total disrespect" towards the club.

November 2013: World Cup Qualification

In November 2013, Uruguay defeated Jordan 5–0 on aggregate in an intercontinental play-off, qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.

2013: Suárez at the FIFA Confederations Cup

In 2013, Luis Suárez represented Uruguay at the FIFA Confederations Cup.

2013: Suárez's Return to Liverpool Team and Premier League Success

In 2013, Luis Suárez reversed his decision to leave Liverpool, expressing his desire to stay and potentially sign a contract extension, citing support from the club's fans. He returned to first-team training and made his first appearance of the 2013-14 season in a League Cup match against Manchester United in September. Later that month, he made his first Premier League appearance, scoring twice against Sunderland, and in October, he achieved his fourth Premier League hat-trick in a match against West Bromwich Albion.

2013: 2013 Confederations Cup

In 2013, Suárez played for Uruguay in the Confederations Cup. He scored against Spain in their opening match on June 16 and then twice against Tahiti. Uruguay were eliminated in the semi-finals, losing to Brazil.

2013: Suárez Scores Four Against Norwich, Captains Liverpool, and Wins Player of the Year

In December 2013, Luis Suárez achieved several milestones, including scoring four goals in a match against Norwich City, becoming the first Premier League player to score three hat-tricks against the same club. He captained Liverpool for the first time in a Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur. Suárez was also named the Football Supporters' Federation Player of the Year for 2013 and signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract with Liverpool.

January 2014: Suárez Achieves Scoring Milestone for Liverpool

In January 2014, Luis Suárez became the first Liverpool player since Robbie Fowler in 1994-95 and 1995-96 to score 20 or more goals in successive Premier League seasons, achieving this in a 2-0 win over Hull City. He equaled Andy Cole's record for the earliest date to reach the 20-goal mark, doing so in just 15 matches. His partnership with Daniel Sturridge earned them the nickname "SAS".

May 2014: Suárez Named Football Association Writers Player of the Year

In May 2014, Luis Suárez was named the Football Association Writers' Player of the Year. He finished the season with 31 goals in 33 matches, winning the Premier League Golden Boot, with Sturridge as runner-up, as Liverpool came second in the league and returned to the UEFA Champions League. Suárez also won the Barclay's Premier League Player of the Season award and shared the European Golden Shoe with Cristiano Ronaldo.

July 2014: Suárez Agrees to Join Barcelona

In July 2014, Luis Suárez agreed to a five-year contract with Barcelona for a transfer fee of £64.98 million (€82.3 million adjusted for inflation), making him one of the most expensive players in world football history. Barcelona confirmed that Suárez would wear the number 9 shirt for the 2014–15 season.

2014: Biting Incident at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

At the 2014 FIFA World Cup, during a Group D match, Luis Suárez bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini. As a result, FIFA suspended Suárez from all football-related activities for 4 months, which began in 2014.

2014: World Cup Strike

In 2014, Suarez scored the opening goal of the competition.

2014: Joined Barcelona and released autobiography

In 2014, Suárez joined Barcelona, allowing him to live closer to his wife's family, and he also released his autobiography, "Crossing the Line – My Story."

2014: Featured in Beats advert

In 2014, Suárez starred in a Beats advert alongside other football stars, featuring the theme of "The Game Before the Game" and players' pre-game ritual of listening to music.

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2014: Top Scorer in World Cup Qualification Campaign

Suárez finished the 2014 World Cup qualification campaign as the top scorer in the South American section with 11 goals in 14 matches.

February 2015: Suárez Scores Twice as Barcelona Defeats Manchester City

In February 2015, Luis Suárez scored twice as Barcelona defeated English champions Manchester City 2–1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie. This performance highlighted his impact on the team and his ability to perform in high-stakes matches.

August 2015: Suárez Scores in UEFA Super Cup Victory

In August 2015, Luis Suárez opened the 2015–16 season by scoring and assisting a goal in Barcelona's 5–4 extra time victory over Sevilla in the 2015 UEFA Super Cup.

2015: Suarez FIFA Ban

In 2015, Suárez's ban from international matches was carried over, ruling him out of the 2015 Copa América. 888poker cancelled its sponsorship deal with Suárez.

January 2016: Suárez Scores Hat-trick Against Athletic Bilbao

In January 2016, Luis Suárez scored a hat trick against Athletic Bilbao, in a game that ended 6–0 for Barcelona.

February 2016: Suárez Records Hat Trick Against Celta Vigo

In February 2016, Luis Suárez recorded his 3rd hat trick of the LaLiga Campaign, netting 3 against Celta Vigo in Barcelona's 6-1 win.

March 2016: Return to International Football

On March 25, 2016, after over a year of international absence for Uruguay, Suárez scored an equalizer against Brazil in Recife for a 2–2 draw in the qualification process for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

2016: Suárez's Start to 2016-17 Season and Milestone Barcelona Appearance

In 2016, Luis Suárez began the 2016-17 season by scoring in the Supercopa de España against Sevilla and also scored a hat-trick against Real Betis in La Liga, claiming his first free kick goal for Barcelona. Suárez made his 100th Barcelona appearance in a match against Alavés, having more goals and assists than Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi in their first 100 matches for their respective Spanish clubs.

2016: Suárez Secures Championship for Barcelona

In 2016, on the final day of the 2015-16 La Liga season, Suárez scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory, securing a second consecutive Spanish championship for Barcelona. He registered 40 league goals for the season, earning him his first Pichichi Trophy and a second European Golden Shoe. The front three of Messi, Suárez, and Neymar ended the season with 131 goals, breaking their previous year's record for the most goals by an attacking trio in a single season.

January 2017: Suárez Scores 100th Goal for Barcelona

In January 2017, Luis Suárez scored his 100th goal for Barcelona in a Copa del Rey match against Athletic Bilbao.

October 2017: World Cup Qualification Secured

On October 10, 2017, Suárez scored twice as Uruguay won 4–2 at home to Bolivia, securing their place for the 2018 World Cup. He became the joint all-time leading scorer in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers with 21 goals, alongside Lionel Messi.

June 2018: 2018 World Cup

In June 2018, Suárez won his 100th cap in Uruguay's second group match at the World Cup, scoring the only goal against Saudi Arabia and was given man of the match. In the final group game on June 25, Suárez was again named the man of the match as he scored Uruguay's opener in a 3–0 win over hosts Russia.

2018: 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualification

In 2018, Suarez played in the qualification process for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

2018: Switched to Puma

In 2018, Suárez ended his sponsorship deal with Adidas and switched to rivals Puma.

March 2019: 2019 Copa América Squad Selection

In March 2019, Suárez was included in Uruguay's squad for the 2019 Copa América in Brazil. On June 16, he scored in a 4–0 win over Ecuador in the team's opening match.

April 2019: Barcelona secured La Liga title

In April 2019, specifically on the 27th, Luis Suárez and Barcelona secured their second consecutive La Liga title, marking Suárez's fourth league title with the club.

October 2020: World Cup Qualification Record

On October 8, 2020, Suárez scored the first goal of the South American 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, becoming the first player ever to score the opening goal three times in the competition's history.

2020: Suárez signed for Atlético Madrid

In 2020, Luis Suárez signed for Atlético Madrid, where he played a key role in the club's La Liga title victory in his debut season.

June 2021: 2021 Copa América

On June 22, 2021, Suárez scored in a 1–1 draw against Chile in Uruguay's second group match of the 2021 Copa América in Brazil. However, Uruguay lost against Colombia in the quarter-finals on penalties after a goalless draw.

2021: Suárez continues to score

In 2021, during his first league start of the season against Villarreal, Suárez scored, although he suffered a bruise and had to be taken off, leading to a 2–2 draw.

December 2022: 2022 FIFA World Cup

On December 2, 2022, in Uruguay's final group match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar against Ghana, Suárez assisted Giorgian de Arrascaeta's second goal of the match to give Uruguay a 2–0 win. However, Uruguay was eliminated from the group stage.

2022: 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualification

In 2022, Suárez played in the South American 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification.

2022: Suárez leads Nacional to Uruguayan Primera División Championship

On October 31, 2022, Luis Suárez led his team to a 4–1 victory against Liverpool Montevideo, making Nacional 2022 Uruguayan Primera División Champions. He ended the season with eight goals and three assists in 14 league games.

January 2023: Suárez Debut for Grêmio

On January 17, 2023, Luis Suárez made his debut for Grêmio against São Luiz for the 2023 Recopa Gaúcha, where he scored a hat-trick in a 4–1 win.

December 2023: Suárez Joins Inter Miami

In December 2023, specifically on the 22nd, Inter Miami officially announced that Luis Suárez would join the club for the 2024 season, reuniting him with former Barcelona teammates Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.

2023: Suárez Wins Campeonato Gaúcho with Grêmio

In April 2023, Luis Suárez secured his second title for Grêmio by winning the Campeonato Gaúcho. During the second leg of the 2023 Campeonato Gaúcho finals against Caxias, Suárez scored a penalty, contributing to a 2–1 aggregate victory for Grêmio.

February 2024: Suárez MLS Debut

On February 21, 2024, Luis Suárez made his MLS season debut in a match against Real Salt Lake, providing an assist to Diego Gómez in a 2–0 win for Inter Miami.

July 2024: Copa América Third Place Play-off

On July 13, 2024, Suárez scored a last minute equalizer in the 2024 Copa América third place play-off match against Canada, and also scored his effort in the subsequent penalty shootout, clinching the bronze medal for Uruguay.

September 2024: Retirement Announcement

On September 2, 2024, Suárez announced that he would retire from the national team after the match against Paraguay for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on September 6, ending his 17-year era of representing his national team after a 0–0 draw. He also received a yellow card for his protests to the referee late in the match.

November 2024: Suarez new Inter Miami contract

In November 2024, precisely on the 27th, Luis Suárez signed a new one-year contract with Inter Miami, extending his stay at the club until the end of the 2025 season.

February 2025: MLS Disciplinary Committee Fine

In February 2025, Suárez and Lionel Messi were fined by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for violating the league's hands to the face/head/neck policy during a match against New York City FC. Suárez grabbed the back of the neck of New York City FC player Birk Risa during an argument. Despite the fine, they played against Sporting KC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, winning 3–1.

March 2025: Started Deportivo LSM Football Club Project

In March 2025, Suárez and teammate Lionel Messi began a new football club project, Deportivo LSM, focusing on football training.

March 2025: First Goal and CONCACAF Champions Cup Goal

In March 2025, Suárez scored his first goal of the season against Houston Dynamo, resulting in a 4–1 win. He also scored against Cavalier F.C. in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup on March 6 and again on March 13, sending his team to the quarter-finals.

2025: Stomping and Spitting Incident in Leagues Cup Final

Following Inter Miami's loss in the 2025 Leagues Cup final, Suárez stomped on the foot of and spat in the face of the Sounders security director, Gene Ramirez. This behavior in 2025 was widely condemned, leading to a fine and suspension from the Leagues Cup and Major League Soccer.

2025: Brawl and Suspension in Leagues Cup Final

In 2025, during the Leagues Cup final between Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders, Suárez was involved in a brawl after the full-time whistle, leading to him putting Obed Vargas in a headlock and spitting on Sounders security director Gene Ramirez.

2026: Suspension and Contract Extension

In 2026, Suárez received suspensions for his actions during the 2025 Leagues Cup final. On October 12, he scored his 600th career goal, and on December 17, he signed a one-year contract extension after winning the MLS Cup.

2026: 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

On September 6, 2024, Suárez ended his 17-year era of representing his national team after the match against Paraguay for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.