History of Luis Suárez in Timeline

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.

January 1987: Luis Suárez's Birth

On January 1987, Luis Alberto Suárez Díaz was born. He is a Uruguayan professional footballer.

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1998: Appeared on Aventujuegos

In 1998, at the age of 11, Suárez appeared as a contestant on the children's game show Aventujuegos, where his team won.

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2003: Sofía Balbi moved to Barcelona

In 2003, Sofía Balbi, who Suárez was dating, moved to Barcelona, strengthening Suárez's focus on football as he wanted to join her in Europe.

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.

January 2007: Disciplinary Issues at Groningen

During a five-game stretch in January 2007, Suárez scored four goals but received three yellow cards and one red card.

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.

2008: Suárez's Role and Disciplinary Issues at Ajax in 2008-09 Season

During the 2008-09 season, Ajax coach Marco van Basten noted Suárez's important role but was upset by the number of yellow cards he received; Suárez faced suspension and an altercation with a teammate.

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: Marriage to Sofía Balbi

In 2009, Luis Suárez married Sofía Balbi.

2009: First player since 2009 to win both Pichichi Trophy and European Golden Shoe, other than Messi or Ronaldo

In 2009, Suárez was the first player since 2009 to win both Pichichi Trophy and European Golden Shoe, other than Messi or Ronaldo.

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.

2009: Liverpool defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford for the first time since 2009

In March 2014, Liverpool defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford for the first time since 2009, with a convincing three-goal margin.

November 2010: Biting Incident

On 20 November 2010, Suárez bit PSV's Otman Bakkal on the shoulder during a 0–0 draw, resulting in suspension and fines.

2010: Eredivisie Medal

Despite leaving during the season, Suárez was given a winner's medal for his contribution to Ajax's 2010-11 Eredivisie title win.

2010: Handball against Ghana

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Ghana, in 2010, Luis Suárez blocked a shot with his hands during extra time, preventing a potential goal. He was sent off, but Ghana missed the subsequent penalty.

2010: Birth of daughter Delfina

In 2010, Luis Suárez and Sofía Balbi had their first child, a daughter named Delfina.

2010: Named in the 2010 World Cup All-Star Team

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

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.

October 2011: Racial Abuse Accusation

On 15 October 2011, Suárez was accused of racially abusing Evra, leading to an FA investigation, denial of claims, and subsequent charge.

2011: Player of the Tournament at Copa América 2011

After winning Player of the Tournament at the 2011 Copa América, Suárez had a relatively disappointing 2011-12 season.

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.

2011: Copa América Win and Best Player Award

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

2011: Footage shown on Noche de Locura

In 2011, footage of Suárez's appearance on Aventujuegos in 1998 was shown on the chat show Noche de Locura, surprising him.

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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.

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: PFA Team of the Year

At the end of the 2012-2013 season, Suárez was named in the PFA Team of the Year.

2012: Participation in the Summer Olympics

In 2012, Suárez represented Uruguay at the Summer Olympics.

January 2013: Handball Controversy in FA Cup

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, sparking controversy.

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.

May 2013: Liverpool's Player of the Season Award

On 28 May 2013, Suárez was named as Liverpool's player of the season after receiving 64% of votes in a poll of the club's supporters.

December 2013: Ranked among "dirtiest footballers"

In December 2013, Suárez was ranked fifth in El Gol Digital's list of the world's dirtiest footballers due to his diving, biting, stamping, and other controversial antics.

2013: Birth of first son

In 2013, Luis Suárez and Sofía Balbi had their first son.

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: Ban from FIFA 15

Due to his bite on Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup, players in FIFA 15 were unable to select Suárez until his ban ended on 26 October.

2014: Biting Giorgio Chiellini

During a Group D match at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Luis Suárez bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini. As a result, in 2014, FIFA suspended Suárez from all football activities for 4 months.

2014: Suárez misses part of the 2014 World Cup through suspension

For Uruguay, Suárez previously missed part of the 2014 World Cup through suspension.

2014: Suárez banned for biting incident at 2014 FIFA World Cup

In 2014, Luis Suárez faced a ban from all "football-related activities" for four months, including training with Barcelona, due to biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He was also banned from entering any stadium. The CAS upheld the FIFA ban but removed the "football-related activities" ban, allowing him to train with Barcelona.

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.

2015: Suárez banned from participating in the 2015 Copa América

As a result of the ban from the biting incident at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Luis Suárez was banned from participating in the 2015 Copa América.

2015: Suárez misses the entire 2015 Copa América through suspension

For Uruguay, Suárez previously missed the entire 2015 Copa América through suspension.

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.

2016: Contract end date with Liverpool

On 31 January 2011, Suárez signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with Liverpool that would expire in 2016.

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: Changes to Italian citizenship laws

In 2018, Italian laws were changed to make obtaining citizenship by marriage more difficult, a fact that contributed to the controversy surrounding Suárez's attempt to gain Italian citizenship in 2020.

2018: Switched to Puma

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

2018: 2018-19 Copa del Rey semi-final

On February 27, 2019, Suárez scored twice against Real Madrid during a 3–0 victory in the second leg of 2018–19 Copa del Rey semi-final.

April 2019: Barcelona Secures La Liga Title

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

2019: Birth of second son

In 2019, Luis Suárez and Sofía Balbi had their second son.

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.

January 2020: Confirmed Knee Surgery

In January 2020, Barcelona confirmed that Suárez would undergo surgery for a knee injury, potentially sidelining him for four months.

May 2020: Most Instagram followers in Uruguay

As of May 2020, Luis Suárez had over 40 million Instagram followers, making him the most followed person from Uruguay on the platform.

August 2020: Informed he was no longer wanted by Barcelona

In August 2020, Ronald Koeman informed Suárez he was no longer wanted at Barcelona.

September 2020: Italian citizenship test controversy

In September 2020, Luis Suárez flew to Perugia to take an Italian language exam to gain Italian citizenship, due to his marriage to an Italian citizen. An investigation was launched over accusations that he had cheated on the test and received special treatment, especially as Italian laws had been changed in 2018 to make obtaining citizenship by marriage more difficult.

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.

2020: Nomination for FIFA Puskás Award

In 2020, Suárez's backheel goal against Mallorca, scored in December 2019, was nominated for the 2020 FIFA Puskás Award but finished second.

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.

May 2022: Departure announcement from Atlético

On May 15, 2022, Atlético announced Suárez's departure at the end of the season with farewells and tributes.

July 2022: Pre-agreement with Nacional

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

December 2022: Suárez to join Grêmio

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

December 2023: Suárez to Join Inter Miami

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

February 2024: MLS Debut and Assist

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

September 2024: Announcement of National Team Retirement

On September 2, 2024, Suárez announced his retirement from the national team after the World Cup qualifier match against Paraguay on September 6, 2024, ending his 17-year international career after a 0–0 draw, during which he also received a yellow card.

November 2024: Suárez signs new one-year contract with Inter Miami

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

March 2025: New football club project

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

2025: Stomping and spitting incident

Following Inter Miami's loss in the 2025 Leagues Cup final, Suárez stomped on the foot of and spat in the face of a security director. He was fined and suspended by both the Leagues Cup Organizing Committee and Major League Soccer.