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 Uruguayan professional footballer, currently a striker for Inter Miami. Widely considered one of the greatest strikers of all time, Suárez is renowned for his goal-scoring ability, intelligent play, and clinical finishing, earning him the nickname "El Pistolero." He has won numerous individual awards, including two European Golden Shoes, and has been a top scorer in multiple leagues. Suárez is also among the all-time leading South American goalscorers in international football, having scored over 500 career goals for club and country.

Sections (6)

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

1970: Uruguay Reaches Quarter-Finals

In the 2010 World Cup quarter-final against Ghana, Suárez blocked a shot on the goal line and a header with his hands, preventing a game-winning goal. He was sent off, but Uruguay won the shootout. This put Uruguay through to the quarter-finals for the first time since 1970.

May 2005: First-Team Debut

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

September 2005: First Goal

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

2005: Senior Club Career Debut

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

September 2006: European Debut

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

January 2007: Disciplinary Issues and Goals

In January 2007, Suárez scored four goals but received three yellow cards and one red card in a five-game stretch. He made his mark in a 4–3 home win over Vitesse, winning a penalty and scoring two goals with ten minutes to go.

February 2007: Senior Debut for Uruguay

On February 8th, 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: Transfer Dispute and Resolution

In August 2007, Ajax's initial offer for Suárez was rejected by Groningen. Suárez brought his case to the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB)'s arbitration committee. On 9 August 2007, the arbitration committee ruled against him, but Ajax increased their offer and Groningen accepted.

August 2007: Signing with Ajax

On 9 August 2007, Suárez signed a five-year contract with Ajax for a transfer fee of €7.5 million, debuting in a UEFA Champions League qualifier against Slavia Prague. He scored one goal in his Eredivisie debut and two goals in his home debut at the Amsterdam Arena.

2007: U-20 World Cup Tournament

In 2007, Suárez played in the U-20 World Cup tournament finals, scoring two goals in four appearances for Uruguay. His goals came in a group stage draw against Spain and in the Round of 16 against the United States.

2007: Transfer to Ajax

In 2007, Suárez transferred to Ajax after playing for Groningen.

2008: Role in Ajax and Disciplinary Issues

During the 2008 season, Suárez played an important role in Ajax's goals, but head coach Marco van Basten was upset by the number of yellow cards Suárez received. Suárez was suspended for one match due to his seventh yellow card and for an altercation with teammate Albert Luque.

2009: Appointment as Ajax Captain

Before the 2009 season, after Thomas Vermaelen's departure, Martin Jol named Suárez team captain. Suárez started the season strong, scoring a hat-trick against RKC Waalwijk. He had multiple-goal matches and scored six against WHC Wezep in the KNVB Cup.

June 2010: 2010 World Cup

In June 2010, Suárez was named to Uruguay's World Cup squad. He assisted a goal in a 3-0 win over South Africa, and scored in a 1-0 win over Mexico, being named Man of the Match.

2010: Handball Controversy in World Cup Quarter-Final

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-final match against Ghana, Luis Suárez controversially blocked a goal-bound shot with his hands in extra time. This handball resulted in a penalty for Ghana, which if converted, would have sent them to the semi-finals. Suárez was sent off for the handball, leading to significant controversy.

2010: World Cup Qualifying

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

2010: Best start at a new club since Ronaldo

On 24 January 2021, Suárez achieved the best start for a player at a new club since Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid in 2010, after scoring twelve goals in fifteen games.

2010: Finishing Season

Suárez finished the 2010-11 season with four goals in 13 games.

January 2011: Transfer to Liverpool

On 28 January 2011, Ajax accepted a €26.5 million offer for Suárez from Liverpool. He departed Ajax on good terms despite being suspended.

2011: Copa América Title

In 2011, Suárez played in Copa América, scoring in the opening game, and providing an assist in the second game. He scored both goals in Uruguay's semi-final win over Peru, and the opening goal in the final against Paraguay, leading Uruguay to their 15th Copa América title. He was named MVP of the Tournament.

2011: Signing for Liverpool

In 2011, Suárez signed for Premier League club Liverpool and later won the League Cup in his first full season.

July 2012: Selection for the Olympic Team and Hat-Trick

In July 2012, Suárez was selected for the Uruguay Olympic football team. On July 11th, in a warm-up game against Chile, Suárez scored a hat-trick in a 6-4 win.

August 2012: New Contract and Goal

On 7 August 2012, Suárez signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool. On 26 August, he scored his first goal of the 2012–13 season in a 2–2 draw with Manchester City.

September 2012: 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: Olympics

In 2012, Suárez represented Uruguay at the Summer Olympics.

April 2013: Biting incident and subsequent ban

In April 2013, during a Premier League match against Chelsea, Luis Suárez bit Branislav Ivanović. This incident led to a ten-game ban from the FA, prompted calls from UK Prime Minister David Cameron for strong action, and drew criticism from the FA panel for not appreciating the seriousness of the incident. Suárez was also fined by his club.

May 2013: Suárez seeks Liverpool exit

In May 2013, Luis Suárez expressed his desire to leave Liverpool, citing excessive media attention on his family as the primary reason. This came after Liverpool rejected a bid from Arsenal and led to tension with the club and manager.

November 2013: World Cup Qualification

In November 2013, Uruguay defeated Jordan in an intercontinental play-off to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

2013: Reversal on Liverpool Exit, Return to Team, and Scoring Form

In 2013, Luis Suárez reversed his decision to leave Liverpool, returned to first-team training, and made his first appearance of the season in a League Cup match against Manchester United. He also scored twice in a Premier League match against Sunderland and achieved his fourth Premier League hat-trick against West Bromwich Albion.

2013: Confederations Cup

In 2013, Suárez played in the Confederations Cup. He scored a free-kick against Spain and twice against Tahiti, becoming Uruguay's all-time top-goalscorer with 35 goals.

2013: Four Goals Against Norwich, Captaincy, and New Contract

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

January 2014: Scoring Milestone and Nickname "SAS"

In January 2014, Luis Suárez became the first Liverpool player since Robbie Fowler to score 20 or more goals in successive Premier League seasons. He equaled Andy Cole's record for the earliest date to reach the 20-goal mark in 15 matches. His partnership with Daniel Sturridge earned them the nickname "SAS".

May 2014: 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, sharing the European Golden Shoe with Cristiano Ronaldo and the Barclay's Premier League Player of the Season award. Liverpool came second in the league and returned to the UEFA Champions League.

July 2014: Agreement with 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). He was assigned the number 9 shirt for the 2014–15 season.

2014: FIFA 15 Ban

As a result of Luis Suárez's ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup, players in FIFA 15 were unable to select Suárez until his ban ended on October 26.

2014: Biting Incident at the FIFA World Cup

During the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Luis Suárez bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini. As a result, FIFA suspended Suárez from all football-related activities for four months.

2014: Joining Barcelona and Autobiography Release

In 2014, Luis Suárez joined Barcelona to live closer to his wife's family. He also released his autobiography, "Crossing the Line – My Story", in 2014.

2014: Suspension for Biting Incident at World Cup

In 2014, Luis Suárez received a ban from all "football-related activities", including training for Barcelona, for four months following the biting of Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The CAS confirmed the ban imposed by FIFA against Suárez, who remained suspended from football for four months, as well as a nine-match ban in internationals.

2014: Stars in Beats Advert

In 2014, Luis Suárez starred in an advert for Beats with other global football stars like Neymar and Thierry Henry. The advert's theme was "The Game Before the Game" and showcased the players' pre-game ritual of listening to music.

2014: Top Scorer in Qualification

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

2014: Previous suspension that caused him to miss the world cup

In 2016, For Uruguay, Suárez previously missed part of the 2014 World Cup and the entire 2015 Copa América through suspension.

2014: World Cup Qualification Record

In October 2020, Suárez scored the first goal of the South American 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, becoming the first player to score the opening goal three times (after his 2010 and 2014 strikes) in the competition's history.

February 2015: Scoring against Manchester City

In February 2015, Luis Suárez scored twice as Barcelona defeated Manchester City 2–1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie.

August 2015: UEFA Super Cup victory

On August 11, 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: Suárez Banned from Copa América

In 2014, As a result of this ban, Suárez was banned from participating in the 2015 Copa América.

2015: International Ban and Sponsorship Cancellation

In 2015, after biting Giorgio Chiellini during a World Cup match, Suárez was banned for nine international matches and from all football-related activity for four months. 888poker cancelled its sponsorship deal with him.

2015: Continuation of Success with Barcelona

In 2015, the front three of Messi, Suárez and Neymar continued their successful run with Barcelona.

January 2016: Hat trick against Athletic Bilbao

On January 17, 2016, Luis Suárez scored a hat trick against Athletic Bilbao, in a game that ended 6–0 for Barcelona.

February 2016: 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: Equalizer Against Brazil

In March 2016, after over a year of international absence, Suárez scored an equalizer against Brazil in Recife, resulting in a 2–2 draw in the World Cup qualification process.

2016: Supercopa de España, La Liga Hat-Trick, and 100th Barcelona Appearance

In 2016, Luis Suárez scored in Barcelona's Supercopa de España first leg match against Sevilla and claimed his first free-kick goal for Barcelona in the 2016-17 La Liga season against Real Betis. Suárez made his 100th Barcelona appearance in a 1–2 defeat at home to Alavés

2016: Pichichi Trophy, Golden Shoe, and Injury

In 2016, Luis Suárez secured a second consecutive Spanish championship for Barcelona, registering 40 league goals to win his first Pichichi Trophy and a second European Golden Shoe. He also led the league in assists. He suffered a right hamstring injury during the Copa del Rey Final.

2016: Contract Until 2016

On 31 January 2011, Suárez signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with Liverpool until 2016.

January 2017: 100th goal for Barcelona

On January 11, 2017, Suárez scored his 100th goal for Barcelona in a Copa del Rey round of 16 match against Athletic Bilbao.

September 2017: Suárez scores in win over Girona

On 23 September 2017, Luis Suárez scored in Barcelona's 3–0 victory over Girona in their first-ever Catalan derby.

October 2017: World Cup Qualification and Record

In October 2017, Suárez scored twice as Uruguay secured their place for the 2018 World Cup, becoming the joint all-time leading scorer in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers with 21 goals.

January 2018: Suárez scores twice against Real Sociedad and Real Betis

In January 2018, following the midseason break, Luis Suárez scored twice in a 4–2 comeback win against Real Sociedad on 14 January. Then on 21 January, he scored a brace and assisted twice in Barcelona's 5–0 win against Real Betis.

June 2018: World Cup and 100th Cap

In June 2018, Suárez won the 2018 China Cup. Suárez scored his 50th international goal and won his 100th cap in Uruguay's second group match at the World Cup, scoring the only goal against Saudi Arabia and receiving man of the match.

September 2018: Suárez scores twice for Barcelona

In September 2018, Luis Suárez scored twice for Barcelona in an 8–2 win over Huesca on 2 September. He also scored in their 2–1 victory at Real Sociedad a week later.

2018: Copa América Centenario

In 2016, Suárez was included in Uruguay's Copa América Centenario squad, despite a hamstring injury. He missed the opening group losses and remained on the bench during Uruguay's final group win.

2018: Switched Sponsorship to Puma

In 2018, Luis Suárez switched his sponsorship from Adidas, a German sportswear and equipment supplier, to Puma, one of its rivals.

March 2019: Copa América Squad

In March 2019, Suárez was included in the Uruguay squad for the 2019 Copa América in Brazil.

April 2019: Barcelona secures La Liga title

On 27 April 2019, Barcelona secured their second consecutive La Liga title, marking Luis Suárez's fourth league title with the club.

2019: Suárez nets brace against Valencia and Inter Milan

In September 2019, after recovering from a calf injury, Luis Suárez scored a brace in a 5–2 victory over Valencia. On 2 October, he scored two goals in a 2–1 comeback win against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League.

August 2020: Koeman informs Suárez he is no longer wanted

On 19 August 2020, Ronald Koeman, the new Barcelona head coach, informed Luis Suárez that he was no longer wanted by the team.

September 2020: Suárez signs with Atlético Madrid

On 23 September 2020, after failing to join Juventus, Luis Suárez signed a two-year contract with Atlético Madrid.

October 2020: World Cup Qualification Record

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

2020: Signing for Atlético Madrid

In 2020, Suárez signed for Atlético Madrid and played a key role in the club's La Liga title victory during his first season.

January 2021: Suárez scores late winner against Alavés

On 3 January 2021, Luis Suárez scored a 90th-minute winner against Alavés, surpassing Radamel Falcao's record for a player's best start with Atlético this century.

June 2021: 2021 Copa América

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

2021: Suárez scores both goals in comeback victory

On 21 September 2021, Luis Suárez scored both of Atletico's goals in a 2–1 comeback victory over Getafe.

May 2022: Suárez's departure announced

On 15 May 2022, Atlético announced Luis Suárez's departure at the end of the season. He was given a farewell and a standing ovation.

July 2022: Suárez agrees to join Nacional

On 26 July 2022, Luis Suárez announced a pre-agreement with his boyhood club Nacional for a free transfer.

December 2022: Suárez joins Grêmio

On 31 December 2022, Grêmio announced that Luis Suárez would join the club on a two-year contract.

December 2022: 2022 FIFA World Cup

On December 2nd, 2022, in Uruguay's final group match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup against Ghana, Suárez assisted a goal in a 2–0 win. However, South Korea's win against Portugal led to Uruguay's elimination from the group stage.

2022: World Cup Qualification Record

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

2022: Nacional wins Uruguayan Primera División Championship

On 31 October 2022, Luis Suárez scored twice in the Championship finals, leading Nacional to a 4–1 victory against Liverpool Montevideo and securing the 2022 Uruguayan Primera División Championship.

January 2023: Suárez debuts for Grêmio with a hat-trick

On 17 January 2023, Luis Suárez made his debut for Grêmio against São Luiz, scoring a hat-trick in a 4–1 win.

November 2023: Suárez scores hat-trick against Botafogo

On 9 November 2023, Luis Suárez scored his second hat-trick for Grêmio, as they beat Botafogo 4–3.

December 2023: Suárez to join Inter Miami

On 22 December 2023, Inter Miami officially announced that Luis Suárez would join the club for the 2024 season.

2023: Suárez to shorten Grêmio contract

In July 2023, Luis Suárez announced that he would shorten his contract with Grêmio to the end of 2023, citing knee issues exacerbated by the Brazilian league's schedule.

2023: Suárez wins Campeonato Gaúcho with Grêmio

On 8 April 2023, Luis Suárez won his second title for Grêmio: the Campeonato Gaúcho. He scored a penalty goal against Caxias in the second leg of the finals.

February 2024: Suárez MLS debut with Inter Miami

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

July 2024: 2024 Copa América Bronze Medal

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

September 2024: Retirement Announcement

On September 2nd, 2024, Suárez announced his retirement from the national team after the match against Paraguay for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on September 6th, ending his 17-year era with a 0-0 draw. He received a yellow card for protesting the referee.

November 2024: Suárez signs new contract with Inter Miami

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

2024: Possible arrival of Suárez at Inter Miami

In October 2023, Inter Miami's head coach, Gerardo Martino, planned on the possible arrival of Suárez in 2024.

February 2025: Debut and Fine

In February 2025, Luis Suárez debuted in the MLS season in a 2–2 draw against New York City on February 22nd. Later that month, on February 25th, Suárez and Lionel Messi were fined for violating the league's hands to the face/head/neck policy during the opening match against New York City FC.

March 2025: Partnership in Deportivo LSM

In March 2025, Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi partnered to start a new soccer project, Deportivo LSM. The new team will focus on football training.

March 2025: First Goal and CONCACAF Champions Cup

In March 2025, Luis Suárez scored his first goal of the season on March 2nd in a 4–1 win against Houston Dynamo, also getting three goal contributions. On March 6th, Suárez scored against Cavalier F.C. in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, with a 2–0 win. He scored against Cavalier F.C. again on March 13th through a penalty, in another 2–0 win in the second leg.

2025: Stomping and Spitting Incident

In 2025, after Inter Miami's loss in the Leagues Cup final, Suárez stomped on the foot of and spat in the face of a Sounders security director, Gene Ramirez, leading to widespread condemnation. He was fined and suspended by the Leagues Cup and Major League Soccer for the incident.

2025: Suárez signs new contract with Inter Miami

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

2026: Suspension and Apology

In 2026, Suárez received suspensions for the Leagues Cup and three MLS regular season matches due to his actions in the 2025 final. He issued an apology on September 4th.