GERARDO VALENZUELA FC Cincinnati Midfielder #22: Key Role and Recent Performances

Gerardo Valenzuela’s turning heads as a midfielder for FC Cincinnati, rocking the number 22 jersey and quickly becoming a real name to watch in Major League Soccer. He came up through the FC Cincinnati academy, grinding his way to a first-team contract and joining a tight group of homegrown talents who’ve earned their spot in the lineup.

His story’s all about hard work, steady growth, and that growing pipeline between youth academies and the big stage.

At just 20, Valenzuela already played a key role for FC Cincinnati’s U-17 and U-19 squads before inking his contract through 2026, with options for more seasons down the road.

He keeps developing, and his playmaking and vision in the midfield have caught the attention of coaches and fans.

If you’re looking for what’s next in Cincinnati soccer, you can’t ignore Valenzuela’s progress.

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2024-2025	22	2	3

You can find more about his journey and career details at the FC Cincinnati official site and on his Transfermarkt profile.

Profile of Gerardo Valenzuela

Gerardo Valenzuela’s climbed the ladder in American soccer, building a reputation as a technically skilled and ambitious midfielder.

He’s known for being disciplined on the field and stays dedicated to his development.

Background and Early Life

Gerardo Valenzuela grew up in Boca Raton, Florida.

He kicked off his youth soccer journey with Inter Miami, joining their academy in 2019.

His technical skills and work ethic stood out right away.

He made the jump to the FC Cincinnati Academy in 2020.

With strong youth performances, he became a standout prospect, earning recognition for his ability to read the game.

Over the next few seasons, Valenzuela turned into one of the academy’s key players.

By 2023, FC Cincinnati signed him as a Homegrown Player.

That was a huge step in his young career and put him among MLS’s rising talents.

It also gave him a shot to compete at a higher level.

Position and Playing Style

Valenzuela lines up as a central midfielder for FC Cincinnati.

He usually operates in a creative role, linking defense to attack and controlling the tempo.

His passing accuracy and vision really set him apart, making him valuable in build-up play.

He’s comfortable getting the ball under pressure and shows strong dribbling and movement in tight spaces.

On defense, he hustles to win the ball back, staying disciplined and aware.

He hasn’t become a major goal scorer yet, but he chips in with assists and key passes.

His style fits nicely in systems that emphasize possession and quick transitions.

Coaches love his calmness on the ball and his ability to adjust to changing situations.

Gerardo Valenzuela: Key Stats with FC Cincinnati

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2023	—	—	—
2024	—	—	—

For up-to-date stats, check out Valenzuela’s official FC Cincinnati profile.

Date of Birth and Birthplace

Gerardo Valenzuela was born on September 28, 2004.

He’s a Boca Raton, Florida native—both MLS and club records confirm it.

Growing up in Florida gave him access to a lively youth soccer scene.

Boca Raton’s sports community helped shape his competitive attitude early on.

Even now, those local ties matter as he continues his pro career with FC Cincinnati.

You’ll find more background on his Wikipedia page and the FC Cincinnati website.

FC Cincinnati and MLS Involvement

Gerardo Valenzuela’s role with FC Cincinnati shows his steady development and growing importance in Major League Soccer.

His journey’s included big steps through the academy, a homegrown signing, and some eye-catching performances in league play.

Joining FC Cincinnati

Valenzuela joined the FC Cincinnati academy in August 2020 after a stint with Inter Miami’s academy.

The club was focused on building talent from within at the time.

He played for both the U-17 and U-19 teams, showing a real knack for playmaking in midfield.

Coaches spotted his technical skills and vision early.

His progress through the ranks led to chances with FC Cincinnati 2 in MLS NEXT Pro, where he kept developing.

By 2022, he became a regular in the lineup and a familiar face in first-team training sessions.

Homegrown Player Status

In May 2023, FC Cincinnati signed Valenzuela to a three-year homegrown player contract.

That move bumped him up to the first team and showed he was in the club’s long-term plans.

The deal included an option for two more years, giving everyone a sense of security and a clear path forward.

This homegrown status gave FC Cincinnati more flexibility with their roster.

It also showed their commitment to developing local talent.

Valenzuela became the club’s seventh homegrown signing, adding depth at midfield where tech and composure matter most.

You’ll find more details at FC Cincinnati sign homegrown midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela.

MLS Match Highlights

Valenzuela has made his presence felt in MLS matches.

He notched his first goal for the first team in July 2024, scoring against Inter Miami during a 6-1 win.

That’s a big moment—check it out at Gerardo Valenzuela – Wikipedia.

He’s shown he can contribute early in matches, which is always a plus.

Here’s a look at key stats from his time with FC Cincinnati 2 and first-team appearances:

Season	Team	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2022-2023	FC Cincinnati 2	22	2	3
2024 MLS	FC Cincinnati (1st)	Varies	1	—

You can trace Valenzuela’s continued growth through these numbers.

His performances suggest he’s got a bright future in the league.

FC Cincinnati Academy and Youth Development

Gerardo Valenzuela started making waves at FC Cincinnati thanks to his commitment to youth development.

He carried that same drive through to his time with the second team.

His journey highlights how FC Cincinnati’s player pathway program works.

Time With FC Cincinnati Academy

Valenzuela joined the FC Cincinnati Academy in August 2020.

He arrived from Inter Miami’s academy, bringing a competitive edge that was clear from day one.

Coaches noticed his sharp ball control and tactical awareness in both the U-17 and U-19 teams.

During his academy stint, Valenzuela trained hard, zeroing in on midfield play.

He quickly grew into a key figure, stepping up in big matches.

His leadership on and off the field made him stand out, catching the eye of the senior team’s staff.

He made fast progress at the academy.

In just a few years, he went from youth prospect to professional, joining a select group of academy grads who would sign first-team contracts at FC Cincinnati.

That put him on a short list of academy players to earn a first-team deal.

Transition to FC Cincinnati 2

After shining in the academy, Valenzuela started playing for FC Cincinnati 2 in MLS NEXT Pro.

The competition ramped up, and the stakes got higher.

He adjusted to the faster pace and physicality by building on his tactical base.

Statistically, Valenzuela made an immediate impact with FC Cincinnati 2:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2023	22	2	3

He played mainly as a central midfielder but took on new attacking and defensive roles.

Coaches trusted him in big moments, giving him 20 starts out of 22 games.

This exposure helped him develop consistency against pro-level opponents.

His success with FC Cincinnati 2 opened the door to the first team.

By showing poise and adaptability, Valenzuela set himself apart in a system designed to prep players for MLS.

You can see how FC Cincinnati’s development model works in MLS NEXT Pro.

Significant Career Achievements

Gerardo Valenzuela’s time with FC Cincinnati shows his climb from the academy to big moments on the pro stage.

He’s grown as a midfielder, hitting milestones like first goals and clutch performances that have swung results in Major League Soccer.

First Professional Goal

Valenzuela’s breakthrough as a goal scorer for FC Cincinnati stands out.

Scoring his first pro goal proved he can step up and deliver in high-pressure matches.

He showed patience, good positioning, and precise timing—qualities coaches love in young midfielders.

That debut goal fired up his teammates and showed the coaching staff he could handle the speed of Major League Soccer.

He stepped up in a tough match, took his chance, and finished with confidence.

Statistically, that goal was more than just a number; it showed Valenzuela’s readiness for the pro level.

Date	Opponent	Result	Minutes Played	Goals	Assists
June 21, 2023	Toronto FC	3-0 Win	24	1	0

Game-Winning and Multi-Goal Contributions

Valenzuela’s role in clutch wins for FC Cincinnati highlights his impact.

In tight matches, he’s delivered key plays—whether scoring or assisting—that have made the difference.

He’s come up big with game-winning goals or by being involved in multiple goals.

When the score’s close, he’s directly assisted or scored to secure crucial points.

His vision and calm passing under pressure have led to two-goal leads or comeback efforts.

In several matches, he’s notched both a goal and an assist, showing he’s a threat as a finisher and a creator.

For more on his pro stats and impact, check out his ESPN career stats page.

2026 MLS Season Outlook

Gerardo Valenzuela heads into 2026 at a pivotal moment in his career.

His role on FC Cincinnati’s roster and his ability to rack up goals and assists will be storylines to follow all season long.

Role in FC Cincinnati’s Squad

Valenzuela, now 21, heads back to FC Cincinnati as a Homegrown Player and attacking midfielder. He’s climbed the club’s youth ladder and locked in a multi-year contract through 2026, with an option for more—definitely a sign the club’s betting on him for the long haul. FC Cincinnati profile

Assuming he stays healthy, Valenzuela should battle for regular minutes as either a rotational starter or maybe even a first-choice option in the midfield. He’ll focus on linking play from deeper spots, moving the ball into the final third, and helping out on both attack and transition defense.

Cincinnati’s midfield is pretty fluid, so Valenzuela gets to float both centrally and higher up. His vision and passing—plus that relentless motor—could unlock some big moments, especially when Cincinnati needs a spark late or faces a packed defense.

Goals and Assists Projection

Looking ahead to 2026, Valenzuela probably slots in as a secondary playmaker behind Cincinnati’s veteran attackers. He’s got attacking instincts, and with his MLS NEXT Pro success, people are starting to expect more direct goal involvement.

He’s not likely to hit double-digit goals just yet, but if he gets steady minutes, 3-5 goals and 4-7 assists across all competitions sounds about right. Those numbers would be a strong step up for someone his age.

So, what might Valenzuela’s 2026 stats look like if he stays fit and keeps earning time?

Stat	Projected Total
Appearances	25-30
Goals	3-5
Assists	4-7
Key Passes/90	1.2-1.7

Coaches and fans will keep a close eye on his progress, because his development could really raise Cincinnati’s attacking ceiling in 2026.

Notable Performances and Key Matches

Gerardo Valenzuela has flashed real quality in big games, showing off composure and technical skills in the midfield. He’s played against some of MLS’s top rivals, and those matches have offered a window into his growth as a pro.

Appearances Against Rival Teams

Valenzuela made his first top-level league appearance in a 3-0 win for FC Cincinnati over Toronto FC on June 21, 2023. That match showed off his drive—he zipped passes around and found smart spots on the field.

He’s also played in tough environments, like the Chicago Fire game on July 13, 2024, where he logged 60 minutes of disciplined football, even though Cincinnati lost. Facing teams like Columbus Crew 2 and New York City FC, he learned to handle the speed and physicality of the pro game. In his FC Cincinnati 2 days, he started almost every match, which really got him ready for senior competition.

Valenzuela’s Rival Appearances

Opponent	Date	Minutes Played	Result
Toronto FC	06/21/2023	1st team debut	3-0 Win
Chicago Fire	07/13/2024	60	0-1 Loss
Columbus Crew 2	2023-2024	Multiple	Mixed

Key Matchday Moments

Valenzuela’s debut on June 21, 2023, definitely stands out. Coming off the bench for Cincinnati’s first team, he helped settle the midfield and played a role in closing out a comfortable win against Toronto FC.

He also made a mark against Chicago Fire, starting and playing a full hour. He worked hard to link up play between defense and attack, covering ground and making smart, simple passes.

He hasn’t scored or assisted in a top-level MLS game yet, but his poise in big moments keeps earning him trust from coaches. They keep putting him in matchday squads, showing they believe in his growth and reliability for Cincinnati. You can find more about his MLS stats on his player profile and league appearances.

Professional Contracts and Milestones

Gerardo Valenzuela’s early days with FC Cincinnati already include some big moments. He signed his first professional contract and broke into the first team, moving straight from the academy to making an impact in MLS.

First Professional Contract

Valenzuela signed his first pro deal with FC Cincinnati as a Homegrown Player—huge for a young midfielder. He put pen to paper in May 2023, staying with the club through 2026, and there’s an option for 2027 and 2028. The club’s not just betting on his talent; they’re investing in him for the long run.

Before that, he came up through the FC Cincinnati Academy, after a stint with Inter Miami’s youth setup. Moving from the academy to the pro roster really marked his readiness for the big stage. This contract opened the door for regular action with both the reserve and senior squads.

Key Contract Details:

Contract Type	Club	Signed	Ends	Options
Homegrown Player	FC Cincinnati	May 2023	2026	2027, 2028

Progression to First Team

After signing his deal, Valenzuela wasted no time moving up from the academy to the first team. He got minutes with Cincinnati’s MLS Next Pro side in 2022, which helped him adjust to the faster, tougher pro game. That experience got him ready for senior team action.

He soon joined other academy grads on the main roster. In 2024, Valenzuela netted his first senior goal during a 6-1 win over Inter Miami, his old academy club. That goal was a milestone—proof he’d made the jump from prospect to contributor.

The staff and fans have praised his calm and energy in midfield. His quick rise shows Cincinnati’s real commitment to local talent, and he’s already earned a lot of trust in MLS matches.

Teammates and Key Influences

Gerardo Valenzuela’s growth at FC Cincinnati comes with help from some strong influences in the locker room. Certain teammates have really shaped his path, both on and off the field.

Arquimides Ordoñez’s Impact

Arquimides Ordoñez sets the tone for lots of young players, Valenzuela included. Ordoñez’s work rate and attacking mindset are a model of professionalism. Valenzuela’s picked up a lot from him, especially when the team relies on younger guys to step up.

Ordoñez’s movement off the ball opens up passing lanes, which fits right into Valenzuela’s playmaker instincts. They’ve built chemistry in training, with Ordoñez urging Valenzuela to push forward and trust his vision. The two connect a lot in small-group drills. Here’s a look at their numbers from last season:

Player	Key Passes	Shots Created	Combined Goals
Gerardo Valenzuela	17	14	3
Arquimides Ordoñez	12	21	5

Malik Pinto’s Partnership

In the heart of Cincinnati’s midfield, Malik Pinto brings balance and composure, helping Valenzuela manage MLS’s demands. Pinto’s quick decisions and awareness let Valenzuela take more creative risks upfield.

When Valenzuela pushes forward, Pinto covers defensively and keeps things steady behind him. Their communication during matches is key. Pinto’s short, simple passes allow Valenzuela to set the tempo and break lines with longer balls.

This partnership cuts down on turnovers and boosts completed passes in the attacking third. Valenzuela’s confidence on the ball has grown when he shares the pitch with Pinto, showing the trust they’ve built as midfield partners.

Personal and Off-Field Aspects

Gerardo Valenzuela was born on September 28, 2004, in Boca Raton, Florida. He grew up in a soccer-crazy family that cheered him on from day one.

He stands 6 feet tall. Folks around the league have noticed his maturity, whether he’s on the pitch or just living life.

When he’s not chasing the ball, Valenzuela loves hanging out with friends and family. He makes it a point to head back to Boca Raton, grab a meal, and swap stories with the people who know him best.

Those family ties? They really keep him grounded, especially when the MLS schedule gets wild.

Personal Highlights:

• Date of Birth: September 28, 2004
• Hometown: Boca Raton, Florida
• Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
• Favorite Pastime: Spending time with family

Valenzuela speaks both Spanish and English. That’s huge for connecting with teammates from all over.

He jumps into local community events and often stops by schools to fire up the next generation of players. You can feel the energy when he talks to kids—he just gets it.

Here’s a quick look at his background:

Category	Detail
Full Name	Gerardo Valenzuela
Jersey Number	22
Position	Midfielder
Current Club	FC Cincinnati
Nationality	United States
Languages Spoken	Spanish, English

He juggles soccer and life off the field with a steady focus. Family and his Boca Raton roots? They’re right there with him, every step of the way.

For more details, check out his official club profile.