Challenges Faced by Luis Suárez: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Luis Suárez's life and career.

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

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.

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.

2007: Trophyless Season

On 14 August 2020, Barcelona suffered a historic 2–8 defeat against Bayern, capping a first trophyless season since 2007.

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.

November 2010: Biting Incident

On 20 November 2010, Suárez bit PSV's Otman Bakkal on the shoulder during a 0–0 draw. Ajax suspended him for two matches and fined him an undisclosed amount. The KNVB increased his suspension to seven league matches.

October 2011: Racial Abuse Accusation

On 15 October 2011, Suárez was accused of racially abusing Evra, leading to an FA investigation. He denied the claims on social media.

October 2012: Admission of Diving

In January 2013, Suárez admitted to diving against Stoke City in an October 2012 match, leading his manager to comment that his actions were "unacceptable."

January 2013: Admission of Diving

In January 2013, Suárez admitted to diving against Stoke City in an October 2012 match, leading his manager to comment that his actions were "unacceptable."

January 2013: Handball Controversy

On 6 January 2013, Suárez handled the ball before scoring the decisive goal in Liverpool's 2–1 win over Mansfield Town in an FA Cup match, leading to controversy.

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.

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: 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.

2015: Suárez Banned from Copa América

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

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.

2018: Simulation of Head Injury

During the 2018 World Cup game against Portugal, Suárez twice acted like he had a head injury despite his head having been untouched, adding to accusations of diving.

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.

January 2020: Suárez to undergo surgery

On 12 January 2020, Barcelona announced that Luis Suárez would undergo surgery for a knee injury, potentially sidelining him for four months.

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.

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.

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.