Matías Cóccaro: The Uruguayan forward Bullet cf Montreal Didn’t Know It Needed (But Now Can’t Return)
You probably remember when CF Montréal made a pretty bold statement by bringing in Uruguayan forward Matías Cóccaro from CA Huracán on a permanent deal. He came in on a three-year contract, and honestly, people expected him to add goals, toughness, and a proven scoring instinct to the attack.
At 5’8″ and 161 pounds, he really leans on sharp movement, smart positioning, and that relentless work rate you can’t always teach.
He adapted fast, carrying over the same energy that made him so popular back in Argentina. Still, his stint at CF Montréal didn’t last long—soon enough, the club agreed to loan him out to Atlas FC in Liga MX through 2025, with an option to buy.
That move changed his career trajectory, and honestly, it left a few fans wondering what might’ve happened if he’d stayed in MLS.
Before Canada, you could trace his climb from Rampla Juniors to Villa Teresa, Montevideo City Torque, and then Huracán, where he racked up 31 goals in 110 matches. Born in Pirarajá, Uruguay, with Italian citizenship to boot, Cóccaro built his career on consistency more than flash.
His journey kind of shows how a determined striker can make an impact in different leagues without losing what makes him unique.
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MATÍAS CÓCCARO’s Arrival at CF Montreal
Cóccaro joined CF Montréal after he’d already proven himself as a steady scorer in Argentina’s top flight. His arrival brought in a mix of experience, physicality, and a reputation for work ethic that honestly fits MLS pretty well.
He’d played for CA Huracán and attended the Instituto Universitario Asociación Cristiana de Jóvenes in Uruguay.
Transfer Details from Huracán
CF Montréal brought in Matías Cóccaro on a permanent transfer from Huracán. They wrapped up the deal in early 2024 after several weeks of back-and-forth.
At 26, Cóccaro already had a solid track record in South America. His contract covers several MLS seasons, which means the club wanted some real stability up front.
Montréal targeted him as a calculated investment. They liked his aerial game, his ability to hold up play, and his knack for scoring in crowded areas.
| Season | Club | League | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Huracán | Argentina Primera | 28 | 9 | 3 |
| 2022 | Huracán | Argentina Primera | 30 | 10 | 2 |
Initial Role and Expectations
Right from the jump, it was pretty clear that CF Montréal wanted Cóccaro to lead the line. The coaches saw him as their starting No. 9, whether alone up top or paired with another striker.
But he wasn’t just there to score. They needed him to press defenders, link up with the midfield, and open up space for the wingers.
Montréal’s system leans hard on a forward who can hold the ball under pressure.
Management also counted on him to bring some leadership in the locker room. Coming from such a competitive league in Argentina, he carried a professional edge that could help younger guys get used to MLS.
Integration into the Squad
Adapting to a new league isn’t easy, but Cóccaro’s style fit right in with Montréal’s high-tempo game. You could see him tracking back, getting stuck into physical duels, and never shying away from the dirty work.
His chemistry with midfielders grew quickly during training. Passes into the box found him often, and his off-ball movement opened up chances for teammates.
Montréal’s bilingual environment helped a lot too. With plenty of Spanish speakers around, he didn’t have to struggle with communication, on or off the pitch.
His early games showed why Montréal made him a priority. Finally, the attack had a real focal point again.
Performance and Impact at CF Montreal
Cóccaro gave CF Montréal a mix of physicality and finishing up front. During his time with the squad, he showed flashes of decisive play, calm finishing, and a willingness to chase lost causes that shaped the attack.
Notable Matches and Goals
He made a quick impression in those early games. In a tense home match at Stade Saputo, he nodded in the only goal with a sharp near-post header.
That finish summed up his sense for timing and positioning.
Against Toronto FC, he converted a penalty and set up the winner. His knack for drawing fouls in dangerous spots created opportunities for his teammates.
Key Match Stats
| Match Date | Opponent | Goals | Assists | Shots on Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 10 2024 | Toronto FC | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Apr 21 2024 | NYCFC | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| May 5 2024 | Orlando City | 0 | 1 | 1 |
These moments built trust with the coaching staff and kept him in the starting lineup until his loan to Atlas FC.
Contribution in MLS and Leagues Cup
In MLS play, Cóccaro did more than just score. He often dropped deeper to connect midfield and attack, creating more space for wingers to get behind defenses.
That flexibility let Montréal change up formations on the fly.
In the Leagues Cup, he faced tough Liga MX defenses but still found ways to impact games. Against Club América, he held up play well and helped set up a key equalizer.
Even when he didn’t score, his role in the build-up stood out.
His defensive work rate was obvious too. He pressed center backs, forced rushed clearances, and helped Montréal regain possession higher up the field.
Injury Challenges
Late in the summer, a minor hamstring strain slowed him down. He missed a couple of MLS matches, which threw off his rhythm a bit.
The coaches eased him back in with sub appearances before putting him back in the starting eleven.
That recovery tested his fitness. He adjusted by focusing on quick bursts instead of non-stop running, protecting his hamstring while still helping the team.
Even when he wasn’t at full speed, he stayed a threat in the box. His aerial game let Montréal keep swinging in crosses and set pieces, keeping opponents on their toes.
Loan Move to Atlas FC
Cóccaro’s move to Mexico gives him a fresh challenge in Liga MX, while CF Montréal keeps their options open for the future. The deal suits both clubs and gives you a sense of where his career might head next.
Loan Agreement Structure
CF Montréal announced that Cóccaro has been loaned to Atlas FC until the end of 2025. The agreement includes a loan fee for Montréal and gives Atlas the option to buy.
Honestly, it’s a no-brainer for Atlas. They get a proven forward without having to pay the full transfer fee right away.
For Montréal, it opens up a roster spot and frees up salary cap space, but they still hold his rights if Atlas doesn’t buy.
Loan Details
| Term | Fee | Option to Buy | Contract End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–2025 | Yes | Yes | Dec 2025 |
You see this kind of structure a lot in international loans, especially when clubs want to test a player in a new league before going all-in.
Transition to Liga MX
Switching from MLS to Liga MX means Cóccaro will have to get used to a quicker pace and more physical games. Atlas FC, based in Guadalajara, plays in a league with a lot of technical skill and tactical variety.
Cóccaro played college soccer at Universidad de la Empresa in Uruguay before turning pro, so adjusting to new styles isn’t totally new for him.
Liga MX runs two short tournaments per year instead of one long season, so he’ll have to adapt to that rhythm too.
Atlas will probably use him as a central striker, maybe as a target man. His aerial ability and hold-up play—he had 4 goals and 1 assist in 22 MLS matches—fit well with their direct approach.
2024 CF Montréal Stats
| Matches | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | 10 | 904 | 4 | 1 |
Potential for Permanent Transfer
That purchase option gives Atlas all the control over Cóccaro’s future. If he settles in and performs, they can just buy him outright before the loan ends.
For fans following his journey, there’s a real chance he could stick around in Mexico past 2025. It really depends on his goals, health, and how well he fits into Atlas’ plans.
Montréal would get a transfer fee and more room for new signings if Atlas goes for the permanent move. If not, Cóccaro comes back to MLS with Liga MX experience, maybe even raising his value for another transfer.
These clauses are everywhere now in cross-league deals. They keep everyone flexible and give the player a reason to keep performing.
Career Before CF Montreal
You really see a player’s growth when you look at the path from his first pro minutes to his breakout elsewhere. Matías Cóccaro’s journey took him from a small town in Uruguay to some of South America’s tougher leagues, building his rep as a steady, clever striker.
His early years shaped the technical and mental side of his game.
Early Years in Uruguay
Born in Pirarajá, Uruguay, Cóccaro honed his skills in local youth setups before joining Lavalleja. Even then, you could tell he had big ambitions—he looked for chances beyond his hometown.
In 2017, he joined the youth academy at Cagliari in Italy’s Serie A, picking up experience in a European environment. Before that, he had a short spell with Atlético Tucumán in Argentina after almost signing with Belgian club Royal Excel Mouscron.
By 2018, he debuted for Rampla Juniors in Uruguay’s Primera División. That season, he played 19 league games and scored 4 goals, proving he could handle senior football right away.
2018 Rampla Juniors Stats
| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Primera División | 19 | 4 |
Achievements at Villa Teresa and Montevideo City Torque
For 2019, Cóccaro dropped down a division to Villa Teresa but stepped up his production. He scored 5 goals in just 8 games, which got him noticed by bigger clubs.
Later that year, he signed with Montevideo City Torque, part of the City Football Group. Over four seasons, he played 51 league matches and scored 13 goals.
He improved steadily and showed more tactical maturity during his time there.
His work rate and pressing ability fit Torque’s style, making him valuable even beyond his goal tally.
You could see the foundation of the forward he’d become later in Argentina and elsewhere.
Montevideo City Torque League Stats
| Seasons | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2019–2023 | 51 | 13 |
Success at Huracán
In 2021, Cóccaro joined CA Huracán on loan from Montevideo City Torque. He jumped into Argentina’s Primera División and adapted fast, especially when the pace and physicality pushed him to his limits.
Over two seasons, he played in 95 league matches and scored 29 goals. That put him among Huracán’s most reliable attackers during his stay.
He did more than just finish chances. Cóccaro pressed defenders constantly and helped link up play. He also created space for teammates, which made him a fan favorite and a regular in the starting lineup.
Huracán League Stats
| Seasons | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2021–2023 | 95 | 29 |
Player Profile and Playing Style
Matías Cóccaro is a 27-year-old Uruguayan forward. People know him for his work rate, aerial ability, and his presence inside the box. He’s played for Huracán in Argentina, CF Montréal in MLS, and now he’s on loan at Atlas in Liga MX. That’s a lot of different experiences to draw from.
Position and Strengths
Usually, Cóccaro lines up as a centre-forward. He likes to stay central, going up against defenders and making space for others.
He thrives on crosses, timing his runs to meet the ball in the air. His strength and balance help him hold up play, which lets midfielders get forward and join the attack.
Cóccaro uses his body well to shield the ball. That makes him a solid target when building up from the back.
When he gets a chance, he finishes quickly and directly. He doesn’t go for fancy stuff—just simple, decisive strikes. He’s not the fastest guy out there, but he makes up for it with smart positioning and anticipation.
Recent Club Stats
| Season | Club | League | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | CF Montréal | MLS | 28 | 9 | 3 |
| 2025 | Atlas (loan) | Liga MX | 5 | 2 | 0 |
Nickname: El Zorro
In Argentina, people started calling Cóccaro “El Zorro”. The nickname fits—he always seems to pop up in the right spot at just the right time, kind of like the clever character himself.
You can see it in how he moves off the ball. He’ll drift away from defenders and then suddenly show up in a dangerous spot. By the time defenders notice, it’s usually too late.
His style isn’t flashy, but it’s clever and opportunistic. He uses quick bursts and sharp direction changes to throw off his opponents.
That reputation followed him from Huracán to CF Montréal, and now to Atlas. Even now, he keeps showing that same instinct around the penalty area.
Tactical Fit in Different Leagues
With CF Montréal in MLS, Cóccaro adapted to a league that loves athleticism and fast transitions. He became a target for long balls and quick counters.
Now at Atlas in Liga MX, the style is a bit different—more technical, more possession. Here, his hold-up play and ability to link up fit right into a slower, more patient game.
His time in Argentina’s Primera División with Huracán toughened him up for physical battles and tight defenses. That kind of background helps him when matches slow down and space gets tight.
All these experiences make him pretty versatile. He can fit into teams that play direct or those that want to build up patiently.
Personal Background and Recognition
Matías Cóccaro has put together a steady career by performing consistently and adapting wherever he goes. He didn’t get here because of hype—he earned it with results.
Birthplace and Nationality
It’s always interesting to know where a player comes from. Matías Fernando Cóccaro Ferreira was born on November 15, 1997 in Pirarajá, Uruguay. It’s a small rural town, tight-knit and modest.
He’s Uruguayan, but he also has Italian heritage. That’s helped him adjust to different football cultures. Growing up in Uruguay, you can tell the country’s football identity shaped him—physical, disciplined, and all about the team.
He got his start with local clubs, which set him up for pro opportunities abroad. That foundation, plus his dual background, gave him the flexibility to handle both South American and international football.
Career Milestones
You can follow Cóccaro’s journey by looking at the clubs and leagues he’s played in. He started his pro career in Uruguay, then moved to CA Huracán in Argentina’s top division. There, he became a regular starter and a reliable goal scorer.
In 2024, CF Montréal signed him on a permanent transfer from Huracán. He agreed to a three-year deal running through 2026, with options for 2027 and 2028, as CF Montréal announced.
By January 2025, he joined Atlas Guadalajara in Liga MX on loan. That gave him a shot at a new competitive environment.
Career Snapshot
| Year | Club | League | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-2021 | Various clubs in Uruguay | Primera División | Early career |
| 2021-2024 | CA Huracán | Argentina Primera División | Established starter |
| 2024-2025 | CF Montréal | MLS | Permanent transfer |
| 2025 | Atlas Guadalajara (loan) | Liga MX | Short-term loan |
Reputation Among Fans
If you’ve followed Cóccaro’s career, you’ll notice fans always seem to have his back. In Argentina, Huracán fans really appreciated how hard he worked and the way he found goals when it mattered most.
When he landed in Montreal, people saw him as a smart addition to the club’s attack. His playing style clicked right away with Major League Soccer supporters. The Montreal Gazette actually pointed out that his arrival brought a bit of hope after a rough season for the team.
Over at Atlas, he’s started connecting with Liga MX fans too. They’ve noticed how he can adapt and use his physicality in matches.
Cóccaro doesn’t rely on flashy tricks—he just keeps showing up and doing the work. That’s probably why people see him as such a reliable presence, no matter where he ends up playing.
