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 renowned as one of the best strikers of his generation. Playing as a striker for Inter Miami, Suárez has earned the nickname "El Pistolero" and boasts an impressive individual trophy collection, including two European Golden Shoes, an Eredivisie Golden Boot, a Premier League Golden Boot, and a Pichichi Trophy. He ranks among the top South American goalscorers in international football, having scored 69 goals for Uruguay. With over 600 career goals and 300 assists for club and country, Suárez has had a prolific and decorated career.

Sections (6)

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

1986: Luis Suárez becomes first Liverpool player since Ian Rush in 1986–87 to score 30 league goals in a season

In April 2014, Luis Suárez became the first Liverpool player since Ian Rush in 1986–87 to score 30 league goals in a season.

May 2005: First-team debut for Nacional

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

September 2005: First goal for Nacional

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

2005: Suárez's start at Nacional

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

September 2006: European debut for Groningen

On 14 September 2006, Suárez made his European debut for Groningen 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 victory against Colombia. However, he was sent off in the 85th minute after receiving a second yellow card for dissent.

August 2007: Signing with Ajax and Club Debut

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

August 2007: Transfer Saga to Ajax

In August 2007, Suárez's attempt to force a transfer to Ajax was initially rejected by the arbitration committee, but Ajax increased their offer and Groningen accepted.

2007: Transfer to Ajax

In 2007, Suárez transferred from Groningen to Ajax.

2009: Appointment as Ajax Captain

Before the 2009-10 season, after Thomas Vermaelen's departure, Suárez was named team captain of Ajax by Martin Jol.

2009: Suárez becomes first player since 2009 other than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to win both the Pichichi and the Golden Shoe in a season

In 2016, Luis Suárez became the first player since 2009 other than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to win both the Pichichi and the Golden Shoe in a season.

2010: Debut Goal for Liverpool

In 2010/2011 season, Suárez made his Liverpool debut on 2 February against Stoke City, scoring a goal in the 79th minute.

January 2011: Liverpool's Offer and Farewell

On 28 January 2011, Ajax accepted a €26.5 million offer from Liverpool for Suárez, giving him a farewell sendoff despite his suspension.

January 2011: Suárez signed with Liverpool in January 2011

On 31 January 2011, Suárez signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with Liverpool until 2016 and requested the number seven shirt.

2011: Suárez signed for Liverpool

In 2011, Suárez signed for Premier League club Liverpool and went on to win the League Cup in his first full season.

August 2012: New Contract and Goal Against Manchester City

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 champions Manchester City at Anfield.

2012: Participation in the Summer Olympics

In 2012, 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. This incident, the second time Suárez had bitten an opponent, led to significant controversy and a ten-game ban from the FA, following calls for strict action. Suárez was also fined by his club. The panel criticised Suárez for not appreciating "the seriousness" of the incident when he argued against a long ban.

May 2013: Suárez expresses desire to leave Liverpool

In May 2013, Luis Suárez publicly stated his intention to leave Liverpool due to excessive media attention on his family. He cited this as a primary reason for seeking an exit during the summer transfer window.

2013: Suárez returns to Liverpool team after suspension

In 2013, Luis Suárez experienced a series of events, including reversing his decision to leave Liverpool, returning to first-team training, and making his first appearance of the season in a League Cup match against Manchester United on September 25th. He also made his first Premier League appearance of the season on September 29th, scoring twice against Sunderland. In October 26th, he achieved his fourth Premier League hat-trick against West Bromwich Albion.

2013: Participation in the FIFA Confederations Cup

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

2013: Suárez achieves milestones and signs new contract with Liverpool

In December 2013, Luis Suárez scored four goals against Norwich City on December 4th, becoming the first Premier League player to score three hat-tricks against the same club. On December 15th, he captained Liverpool for the first time and contributed significantly to a win against Tottenham Hotspur. He 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 on December 20th.

January 2014: Suárez sets scoring record for Liverpool

On January 1, 2014, Luis Suárez became the first Liverpool player to score 20 or more goals in successive Premier League seasons since Robbie Fowler in 1994-95 and 1995-96. He equaled Andy Cole's Premier League record for the earliest date to reach the 20-goal mark.

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

In May 2014, Luis Suárez was named the Football Association Writers Player of the Year. He also finished the season with 31 goals, winning the Premier League Golden Boot and sharing the European Golden Shoe with Cristiano Ronaldo. Suárez won the Barclay's Premier League Player of the Season award.

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. He would wear the number 9 shirt for the 2014-15 season.

2014: Joined Barcelona

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

2014: Starred in Beats advert

In 2014, Suárez starred in an advert for Beats by Dr. Dre along with other football stars, themed around pre-game music rituals.

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February 2015: Suárez scores twice 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. In March, he scored in Barcelona's 3–1 Copa del Rey semi-final win over Villarreal and scored twice in a 6–1 home win over Rayo Vallecano. On March 22, Suárez scored the winning goal for Barcelona in the 2–1 victory over Real Madrid at Camp Nou.

August 2015: Suárez scores in UEFA Super Cup victory

On August 11, 2015, Luis Suárez scored in Barcelona's 5–4 extra time victory over Sevilla in the 2015 UEFA Super Cup.

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 scores four goals in Copa del Rey win against Valencia

In February 2016, Luis Suárez scored four goals in a 7–0 Copa del Rey win against Valencia. He also recorded his 3rd hat trick of the LaLiga Campaign, netting 3 against Celta Vigo in Barcelona's 6–1 win.

2016: Suárez scores in Supercopa de España and La Liga

In 2016, Luis Suárez opened the season by scoring in Barcelona's Supercopa de España first leg match against Sevilla. In the first match of the 2016–17 La Liga season, Suárez scored a hat-trick against Real Betis, also claiming his first free kick goal for Barcelona.

2016: Suárez wins Pichichi Trophy and European Golden Shoe

In 2016, Luis Suárez secured a second consecutive Spanish championship for Barça and registered 40 league goals for the season to win his first 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 the Pichichi and the Golden Shoe in a season and led the league in both goals and assists. On May 22, Suárez suffered a right hamstring injury during Barcelona's victory over Sevilla in the 2016 Copa del Rey Final.

January 2017: Suárez scores his 100th goal for Barcelona

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

October 2017: World Cup Qualifying Match Victory

On October 10, 2017, Suárez scored twice as Uruguay secured a 4–2 victory over Bolivia in their final World Cup qualifying match, ensuring their place in the tournament in Russia. He also became the joint all-time leading scorer in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers with 21 goals, alongside Lionel Messi.

June 2018: Scored 100th Cap

On June 20, 2018, Suárez won his 100th cap in Uruguay's second group match at the World Cup, scoring the only goal against Saudi Arabia at the Rostov Arena in Rostov-on-Don, securing their advancement into the last 16 and receiving the Man of the Match award. In the final group game on June 25, Suárez was named man of the match as he scored Uruguay's opener with a free kick into the bottom corner in a 3–0 win over hosts Russia.

2018: Switched to Puma

In 2018, Luis Suárez switched his sponsorship from Adidas to Puma.

2019: Scoring Account and Victory Over Valencia

On September 15, 2019, after recovering from a calf injury, Suárez scored twice in a 5–2 victory over Valencia as a substitute.

September 2020: Suárez signs with Atlético Madrid

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

October 2020: Opening Goal in World Cup Qualification

On October 8, 2020, Suárez scored the first goal of the South American 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, making him the first player to score the opening goal three times in the competition's history, after his previous goals in 2010 and 2014.

2020: Suárez signs for Atlético Madrid

In 2020, Suárez signed for Atlético Madrid and was instrumental in the club winning the La Liga title in his debut season.

January 2021: Suárez scored 90th-minute winner against Alavés

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