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Luis Suárez (Uruguayan footballer)
Encyclopedia
Luis Alberto Suárez Díaz (ˈlwiz 'swares; born 24 January 1987), commonly known as Luis Suárez and nicknamed "El Pistolero" (The Gunslinger), is a Uruguayan
footballer who plays for Liverpool
and the Uruguayan national team
. He is a striker who has been praised as an excellent goal scorer with "remarkable technical ability" who is also known for creating chances for his teammates.
Suárez was born in Salto, Uruguay
, and moved with his family to Montevideo
, where he grew up with a single mother and six siblings. In 2005, he began his professional career at Nacional
in Montevideo. In 2006, at age 19, he moved to the Netherlands
to play for Groningen in the Eredivisie
. Suárez transferred to Ajax in 2007 and made a major impact at the Amsterdam
club. In 2008–09 he was named club Player of the Year and he led Ajax in scoring, although he was suspended for both fighting with a teammate and for getting seven yellow cards during the season. The following year he was named the club captain, led the Eredivisie
in scoring with 35 goals in 33 games and was named Dutch Footballer of the Year
. He scored 49 goals in all competitions and Ajax won the KNVB Cup
. In the 2010–11 season he scored his one hundredth Ajax goal and joined an elite group of players from the club, including Johan Cruyff
, Marco van Basten and Dennis Bergkamp
, to do so. But that season he was also involved in an incident in which he bit the shoulder of PSV player Otman Bakkal
during a game. He was branded the "Cannibal of Ajax" and suspended seven games. During his suspension, in January 2011, he transferred to Liverpool
for €
26.5 million (£
22.8 million). During his partial season at Liverpool, Suárez was one of the team's best players and helped the club move from twelfth in the league in mid-January to finish sixth.
Suárez represented Uruguay
at the youth level in the 2007 U-20 World Cup. In 2007 he scored in his senior team debut against Colombia
but was also sent off for a second yellow card. In the 2010 World Cup he played an important role for Uruguay's fourth place finish and scored three goals. However, he was also involved in one of the tournament's most controversial incidents in the final minutes of extra time against Ghana
; in a tied game, he saved a goal with his hands to prevent his team from losing. He was given a red card, but the ensuing penalty kick was missed; Uruguay advanced after winning the shootout. He was labeled a villain and a cheat but also a hero for sacrificing himself for his team. In 2011, Suárez scored four goals for Uruguay as they won a record fifteenth Copa América
, and he was named Player of the Tournament.
's youth team when he was just born years old. One night he was caught drinking and partying, and his coach threatened Suárez would never play unless he started playing football more seriously. In May 2005, at age 16, he made his first team debut against Junior de Barranquilla in the Libertadores Cup. He scored his first goal in September 2005 and helped Nacional win the 2005–06 Uruguayan league with 10 goals in 27 games.
Suárez was found by a group of scouts from the Dutch club Groningen when they were in Uruguay to watch another player. As they looked on, he drew and converted and penalty and scored a "wonder goal" against Defensor. After watching only that game, the scouts approached Suárez and said they wanted to buy him; after the season, Groningen paid Nacional €
800,000 for him. Suárez was thrilled to go to Europe because his girlfriend, and current wife, Sofia Balbi, had moved to Barcelona
; they had maintained a long-distance relationship for a year and he wanted to move closer to her.
Suárez was 19 years old when he went to play for Groningen. Initially he struggled because he did not know Dutch or English, and he played on the second team to adjust to the Dutch game. His teammate and fellow Uruguayan, Bruno Silva
, helped him settle into living in the Netherlands and playing for a new team. He worked hard to learn Dutch and his teammates respected him for his efforts with the language. Suárez scored goals for Groningen, but he also had disciplinary problems; in one five-game stretch in January 2007, he scored four goals but received three yellow cards and one red card. Suárez ended with 10 goals in 29 league appearances to help Groningen finish eighth in the 2006–07 Eredivisie. He also scored in a 4–2 loss to Partizan Belgrade
in his European debut.
Ajax saw potential in Suárez and offered Groningen €3.5 million for him, but Groningen rejected the deal. Suárez was upset and brought his case to the KNVB’s arbitration committee to try to facilitate the sale. The arbitration committee ruled against him on 9 August 2007, but that same day, Ajax increased their offer to €7.5 million and Groningen accepted.
against Slavia Prague. He scored one goal in his Eredivisie debut for the club and two goals in his home debut at the Amsterdam Arena
. Ajax finished second in league in the 2007–08 season and Suárez scored 17 goals in 33 league appearances.
During the 2008–09 season, Ajax coach Marco van Basten noted how Suárez played an important role in many of Ajax’s goals, but van Basten was also upset by the number of yellow cards Suárez received. Suárez was suspended for a game because he was given his seventh yellow card of the season against Utrecht in a 2–0 win. He was also suspended after a halftime altercation with teammate Albert Luque
over a free kick
. Ajax ended the season in third place. Suárez scored 22 goals in 31 league games and finished second in scoring tables, one goal behind Mounir El Hamdaoui
of AZ; Suárez was named Ajax Player of the Year.
Before the 2009–10 season
, Martin Jol
replaced van Basten as coach. After the departure of previous captain, Thomas Vermaelen, to Arsenal
, Jol named Suárez team captain. Suárez started scoring goals early in the season with a hat trick in a 4–1 win against RKC Waalwijk
. Suárez had a number of multiple-goal games throughout the season including four goals in wins over Slovan Bratislava
in the Europe League play-off round, VVV-Venlo and Roda JC Kerkrade. He scored three in the first half in another win over VVV-Venlo and six against WHC Wezep
in the KNVB Cup
as Ajax won by a club-record margin of 14–1. Suárez scored two more in the second leg of the KNVB Cup final and finished as the tournament's top scorer. Ajax won the Cup final 6–1 on aggregate over Feyenoord, but they finished second in the league behind FC Twente
. Suárez ended the season as the Eredivisie's top scorer with 35 goals in 33 games and had 49 goals in all competitions. He was named Ajax Player of the Year for the second straight time and Dutch Footballer of the Year
.
Other European clubs began to show their interest in Suárez because of the number of goals Suárez was scoring for Ajax; his play that summer at the 2010 World Cup increased their interest. Soon after Suárez returned from his World Cup campaign, he scored his one hundredth goal for Ajax in a 1–1 home draw against PAOK in a Champions League qualifier. This put him in an elite group of players, including Johan Cruyff
, van Basten and Dennis Bergkamp
, to score 100 or more goals with the club. Suárez continued his scoring run with a hat trick against De Graafschap
in a 5–0 win. But on 20 November 2010, Suárez was in trouble again when he bit PSV's Otman Bakkal
on the shoulder during a 0–0 draw. Ajax suspended him for two games and fined him an undisclosed amount which the club said they would donate to a "good cause". The Dutch daily newspaper De Telegraaf
branded Suárez the "Cannibal of Ajax". The KNVB increased Suárez's suspension to seven league matches. Suárez apologized for his actions through a video he uploaded to his Facebook
page. During the suspension Ajax was in contact with other European clubs interested in Suárez; on 28 January 2011 they accepted a €26.5 million (£
22.8 million) offer for Suárez from English club Liverpool
. Despite leaving while suspended, Suárez departed Ajax on good terms, and he was given a farewell sendoff after an Ajax game. During the sendoff an Ajax coach spoke to him and the crowd and said how the club wished he could stay longer; the crowd applauded their agreement and fireworks followed. Ajax ended the 2010–11 season
as Eredivisie champions and Suárez was given a winner’s medal for his seven goals in 13 appearances.
While he was at Ajax, Suárez scored 111 goals in 159 appearances. Suárez recognized Ajax legends, van Basten, Bergkamp, Frank de Boer
and Henk ten Cate
, for teaching him about football during his time at the club. He noted that van Basten taught him the techniques and movement required for playing forward and he learned from all of them to be composed in front of the goal and not react to fouls.
from Newcastle United
a few hours later, Suárez was Liverpool's most expensive signing. The next day, Suárez passed his medical and signed a five-and-a-half-year deal through 2016. Suárez requested the number seven jersey, but at the time did not realize that it was worn by Liverpool "legends" such as his new manager Kenny Dalglish
and Kevin Keegan
. After he learned about the players who previously wore that number, he said he appreciated the expectations associated with it. Suárez made his Liverpool debut on 2 February against Stoke City
at Anfield
in a 2–0 win; he came on as a substitute and scored Liverpool's second goal in front of the Kop
in the sixty-third minute. He was one of Liverpool’s best players during his partial season and helped Liverpool go from from twelfth in the league in mid-January to finish sixth. He finished the 2010–11 Premier League
season with four goals in 13 games.
Suárez began Liverpool's 2011–12 Premier League
season by missing a penalty and scoring the opening goal in a 1–1 draw against Sunderland. Suárez followed this up by coming on as a substitute against Arsenal
to be heavily involved in Liverpool's first goal and then score the second. The 2–0 win was the first against Arsenal in London for eleven years. He was awarded man of the match against Bolton, Suárez then scored the second goal for Liverpool in his first Merseyside derby
against Everton in a 2–0 victory.
After a 1–1 draw against Manchester United on 15 October, he was accused of racially abusing Patrice Evra
and the English Football Association
opened up an investigation into the incident. Suárez wrote on his Twitter and Facebook pages that he was upset by the accusation and denied the claims.
On 1 November, Suarez was named as one of the 23 finalists for the FIFA Ballon d'Or
.
On 16 November, the FA announced it would charge Suárez with "abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour contrary to FA rules", including "a reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race of Patrice Evra." Liverpool released a statement announcing Suárez would plead innocent, adding that they would "remain fully supportive" of him.
in the qualifying rounds for the 2007 U-20 World Cup
, but his club, Groningen, did not release him to play. He did play in the tournament proper, and he scored two goals in four appearances. His goals came in a group stage draw against Spain
and in the Round of 16 against the US
, but the US won 2–1 and Uruguay was knocked out of the tournament. Suárez made his senior debut for Uruguay on 8 February 2007 in a 3–1 win against Colombia
. He was sent off in the eighty-fifth minute after receiving a second yellow card. Suárez played in 19 of 20 games in 2010 World Cup qualifying
and the
inter-confederation playoffs and scored five goals.
named Suárez to Uruguay's 23-man World Cup
roster. Uruguay began the tournament with a 0–0 draw against France
. In the second game, a 3–0 win over South Africa
, Suárez drew a penalty and assisted Alvaro Pereira
's stoppage time goal. In the final game of the group, he headed in a goal off of a pass from Edinson Cavani and was named Man of the Match
in a 1–0 win over Mexico
. Uruguay won Group A
and advanced to the knockout stage
.
During the Round of 16 against South Korea
, Suárez scored both goals in a 2–1 win. His second broke a tie in the eightieth minute when he dribbled around a defender and curled a "spectacular shot" in off the far post; Suárez was again named Man of the Match. This win put Uruguay through to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1970
. In the quarterfinal match against Ghana
, the score was tied 1–1 at the end of regulation and the game went into extra time. Late in extra time, Ghana sent a free kick
into the box
; Suárez blocked Stephen Appiah
's shot on the goal line. He then blatantly blocked Dominic Adiyiah
’s goalbound header with his hands to save what would have been the game winner and he was red carded. But Asamoah Gyan
missed the ensuing penalty kick
off the crossbar and Suárez celebrated the miss. Uruguay won the shootout 4–2 and advanced to the semifinal.
After the game, Suárez said, "I made the save of the tournament." He claimed he had no alternative and was acting out of instinct. Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac said the play was an "injustice" and Suárez was labeled a villain and a cheat while he "enraged an entire continent[ Africa] ." But others viewed him as a hero who, due to the automatic suspension that accompanies a red card, sacrificed himself in the semifinal for the unlikely chance that the penalty would be missed and his team would later win.
While Suárez was suspended for the semifinal game for his red card against Ghana, Uruguay "lacked a second striker[ alongside Diego Forlán
] of cunning and movement" and lost 3–2 to the Netherlands. Suárez returned for the third place game against Germany; he was booed almost every time he had the ball because of his handball in the Ghana game. He assisted Cavani on Uruguay’s first goal, but Uruguay lost 3–2. During the tournament, Suárez played 543 minutes in six appearances, scored three goals and received a red card.
tournament, Suárez scored in Uruguay's opening game, a 1–1 draw with Peru
. Uruguay finished second in their group and advanced to the knockout round with a win and two draws. In the quarterfinals, Uruguay finished regulation and extra time tied at 1–1 with tournament hosts Argentina
. Uruguay won the shootout 5–4 and Suárez converted his penalty. Suárez scored both goals in Uruguay’s 2–0 semifinal win over Peru and was named Man of the Match. In the final, Suárez scored the first goal and Uruguay beat Paraguay
3–0 for their record fifteenth Copa América title. Suárez scored four goals in the tournament and was named Player of the Tournament.
said that Suárez could play anywhere — as the target man or behind as a second striker. Uruguay coach Óscar Tabárez
called Suárez "a great forward, an elite player among forwards in the world", and Liverpool coach Kenny Dalglish
said, "he's intelligent, he's had a fantastic education at Ajax." Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge
said his abilities allow him to get into a position to score and evade defenders. Suárez has been praised for his work rate
, and his quickness allows him to attack from the outside. He also creates scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Former Ajax coach Marco van Basten criticized Suárez for his tendency to pick up yellow cards. van Basten said he had a tense relationship with Suárez, although he conceded, "Luis is unpredictable, he’s hard to influence but that makes him special." At times, Suárez can be dominant but fail to convert his efforts into goals. Former Liverpool player Mark Lawrenson
claims that Suárez has a reputation for diving
, although Dalglish denies these accusations. Despite his weaknesses, Suárez’s leadership stood out to Ajax management; coach Martin Jol
appointed him captain because Jol believed that Suárez could transfer his mentality and attitude to the team.
, and is the fourth of seven brothers. He moved with his family to Montevideo when he was seven and his parents separated when he was nine. He lived with his mother and brothers but still maintains contact with his father. In Montevideo, Suárez developed his football skills on the streets. When he was 11 he was invited to a youth national team football training camp, but he had to decline the offer because he could not afford football boots. In 2009, he married his childhood girlfriend, Sofia Balbi, and they had their first daughter, Delfina, on 5 August 2010. When Suárez was in South Africa
for the World Cup, he became involved in charity work that supported solidarity. His older brother Paolo Suárez
is also a professional football player who plays for Isidro Metapán in El Salvador
.
Includes other competitive competitions such as the Johan Cruijff Shield and the UEFA tournament playoffs
Not all references include statistics from all competitions.
Ajax:
Uruguay
Uruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area...
footballer who plays for Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
and the Uruguayan national team
Uruguay national football team
The Uruguayan national football team represents Uruguay in international association football and is controlled by the Uruguayan Football Association, the governing body for football in Uruguay. The current head coach is Óscar Tabárez...
. He is a striker who has been praised as an excellent goal scorer with "remarkable technical ability" who is also known for creating chances for his teammates.
Suárez was born in Salto, Uruguay
Salto, Uruguay
Salto is the capital city of the Salto Department in northwestern Uruguay and the second largest city of the country. It is located on Route 3, about northwest of Montevideo, and on the east bank of Río Uruguay, across the city Concordia of Argentina...
, and moved with his family to Montevideo
Montevideo
Montevideo is the largest city, the capital, and the chief port of Uruguay. The settlement was established in 1726 by Bruno Mauricio de Zabala, as a strategic move amidst a Spanish-Portuguese dispute over the platine region, and as a counter to the Portuguese colony at Colonia del Sacramento...
, where he grew up with a single mother and six siblings. In 2005, he began his professional career at Nacional
Club Nacional de Football
Club Nacional de Football is a Uruguayan sports club based in Montevideo. It is best known for its professional football team, which plays in the Uruguayan Primera División....
in Montevideo. In 2006, at age 19, he moved to the Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
to play for Groningen in the Eredivisie
Eredivisie
The Eredivisie is the highest football league in the Netherlands. The league was founded in 1956 two years after the start of professional football in the Netherlands. It is currently ranked the ninth best league in Europe by UEFA....
. Suárez transferred to Ajax in 2007 and made a major impact at the Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
club. In 2008–09 he was named club Player of the Year and he led Ajax in scoring, although he was suspended for both fighting with a teammate and for getting seven yellow cards during the season. The following year he was named the club captain, led the Eredivisie
Eredivisie
The Eredivisie is the highest football league in the Netherlands. The league was founded in 1956 two years after the start of professional football in the Netherlands. It is currently ranked the ninth best league in Europe by UEFA....
in scoring with 35 goals in 33 games and was named Dutch Footballer of the Year
Dutch Footballer of the Year
The title Dutch Footballer of the Year has been awarded in the Netherlands since 1984. The award is determined by a poll of Dutch professional footballers playing in the First and Second leagues....
. He scored 49 goals in all competitions and Ajax won the KNVB Cup
KNVB Cup
The KNVB Cup is a competition in the Netherlands organized by the Royal Dutch Football Association since 1899. It was based on the format of the English FA Cup. Outside of the Netherlands, it is often referred to as the Dutch Cup...
. In the 2010–11 season he scored his one hundredth Ajax goal and joined an elite group of players from the club, including Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff
Hendrik Johannes Cruijff OON , known as Johan Cruyff, is a retired Dutch footballer and is currently the manager of the Catalan national team as well as a member of the AFC Ajax board of directors. He won the Ballon d'Or three times, in 1971, 1973 and 1974, which is a record jointly held with...
, Marco van Basten and Dennis Bergkamp
Dennis Bergkamp
Dennis Nicolaas Bergkamp , is a former Dutch professional footballer who is currently the assistant manager to Frank de Boer at Ajax. At club level he played for Ajax, Internazionale, and Arsenal, and also represented the Netherlands at international level...
, to do so. But that season he was also involved in an incident in which he bit the shoulder of PSV player Otman Bakkal
Otman Bakkal
Otman Bakkal is a Dutch international footballer of Moroccan origin who plays professionally for PSV as an attacking midfielder. He is currently on loan to Feyenoord.-Club career:...
during a game. He was branded the "Cannibal of Ajax" and suspended seven games. During his suspension, in January 2011, he transferred to Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
for €
Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
26.5 million (£
Pound sterling
The pound sterling , commonly called the pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom, its Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British Antarctic Territory and Tristan da Cunha. It is subdivided into 100 pence...
22.8 million). During his partial season at Liverpool, Suárez was one of the team's best players and helped the club move from twelfth in the league in mid-January to finish sixth.
Suárez represented Uruguay
Uruguay national football team
The Uruguayan national football team represents Uruguay in international association football and is controlled by the Uruguayan Football Association, the governing body for football in Uruguay. The current head coach is Óscar Tabárez...
at the youth level in the 2007 U-20 World Cup. In 2007 he scored in his senior team debut against Colombia
Colombia national football team
The Colombian national football team represents Colombia in international football competitions and is controlled by the Colombian Football Federation. It is a member of the CONMEBOL...
but was also sent off for a second yellow card. In the 2010 World Cup he played an important role for Uruguay's fourth place finish and scored three goals. However, he was also involved in one of the tournament's most controversial incidents in the final minutes of extra time against Ghana
Ghana national football team
The Ghana national football team, popularly known as the Black Stars, is the national association football team of Ghana and is controlled by the Ghana Football Association...
; in a tied game, he saved a goal with his hands to prevent his team from losing. He was given a red card, but the ensuing penalty kick was missed; Uruguay advanced after winning the shootout. He was labeled a villain and a cheat but also a hero for sacrificing himself for his team. In 2011, Suárez scored four goals for Uruguay as they won a record fifteenth Copa América
Copa América
The Copa América —previously known as South American Championship—is an international football competition contested between the men's national teams of CONMEBOL, the sport's continental governing body...
, and he was named Player of the Tournament.
Nacional
Suárez began playing football in Montevideo Uruguay NacionalClub Nacional de Football
Club Nacional de Football is a Uruguayan sports club based in Montevideo. It is best known for its professional football team, which plays in the Uruguayan Primera División....
's youth team when he was just born years old. One night he was caught drinking and partying, and his coach threatened Suárez would never play unless he started playing football more seriously. In May 2005, at age 16, he made his first team debut against Junior de Barranquilla in the Libertadores Cup. He scored his first goal in September 2005 and helped Nacional win the 2005–06 Uruguayan league with 10 goals in 27 games.
Suárez was found by a group of scouts from the Dutch club Groningen when they were in Uruguay to watch another player. As they looked on, he drew and converted and penalty and scored a "wonder goal" against Defensor. After watching only that game, the scouts approached Suárez and said they wanted to buy him; after the season, Groningen paid Nacional €
Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
800,000 for him. Suárez was thrilled to go to Europe because his girlfriend, and current wife, Sofia Balbi, had moved to Barcelona
Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain after Madrid, and the capital of Catalonia, with a population of 1,621,537 within its administrative limits on a land area of...
; they had maintained a long-distance relationship for a year and he wanted to move closer to her.
Groningen
Bruno Silva
Bruno Ramón Silva Barone , is a Uruguayan footballer who currently plays as a right back for Ajax.-Danubio:...
, helped him settle into living in the Netherlands and playing for a new team. He worked hard to learn Dutch and his teammates respected him for his efforts with the language. Suárez scored goals for Groningen, but he also had disciplinary problems; in one five-game stretch in January 2007, he scored four goals but received three yellow cards and one red card. Suárez ended with 10 goals in 29 league appearances to help Groningen finish eighth in the 2006–07 Eredivisie. He also scored in a 4–2 loss to Partizan Belgrade
FK Partizan
Fudbalski klub Partizan is a professional football club based in Belgrade, Serbia. In its long history, FK Partizan won as many as 37 trophies. The club is the holder of 23 national championships, 12 national cups and 1 national supercup, and has also won the Mitropa Cup in 1978...
in his European debut.
Ajax saw potential in Suárez and offered Groningen €3.5 million for him, but Groningen rejected the deal. Suárez was upset and brought his case to the KNVB’s arbitration committee to try to facilitate the sale. The arbitration committee ruled against him on 9 August 2007, but that same day, Ajax increased their offer to €7.5 million and Groningen accepted.
Ajax
Suárez signed a five-year contract with Ajax and made his club debut in the Champions League qualifier2007–08 UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds
The qualifying rounds for the 2007–08 UEFA Champions League began on 17 July 2007. In total, there were three qualifying rounds which provided 16 clubs to join the group stage.-First qualifying round:...
against Slavia Prague. He scored one goal in his Eredivisie debut for the club and two goals in his home debut at the Amsterdam Arena
Amsterdam ArenA
Amsterdam Arena is a stadium in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is the largest stadium in the nation and it was built from 1993 to 1996 at a cost of €140 million, and was officially opened on 14 August 1996. It has been used for association football, American football, concerts, and other events...
. Ajax finished second in league in the 2007–08 season and Suárez scored 17 goals in 33 league appearances.
During the 2008–09 season, Ajax coach Marco van Basten noted how Suárez played an important role in many of Ajax’s goals, but van Basten was also upset by the number of yellow cards Suárez received. Suárez was suspended for a game because he was given his seventh yellow card of the season against Utrecht in a 2–0 win. He was also suspended after a halftime altercation with teammate Albert Luque
Albert Luque
Albert Luque Martos is a Spanish footballer who plays as either a left winger or striker.His 14-year professional career was mainly associated with Mallorca and Deportivo, and he amassed La Liga totals of 245 games and 61 goals over the course of nine seasons...
over a free kick
Direct free kick
A direct free kick is a method of restarting play in a game of association football following a foul. Unlike an indirect free kick, a goal may be scored directly against the opposing side without the ball having first touched another player.-Award:...
. Ajax ended the season in third place. Suárez scored 22 goals in 31 league games and finished second in scoring tables, one goal behind Mounir El Hamdaoui
Mounir El Hamdaoui
Mounir El Hamdaoui is a Dutch-Moroccan footballer. He currently plays as a forward for Ajax in the Netherlands...
of AZ; Suárez was named Ajax Player of the Year.
Before the 2009–10 season
2009–10 Eredivisie
-Personnel and sponsoring:-Managerial changes:-League table:-Results:...
, Martin Jol
Martin Jol
Maarten Cornelis "Martin" Jol is a Dutch football manager and former midfielder who currently manages Fulham in the Premier League. Jol played over 400 games during his career which included spells in the Netherlands, Germany, and England, as well as earning three caps with the Dutch national team...
replaced van Basten as coach. After the departure of previous captain, Thomas Vermaelen, to Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
, Jol named Suárez team captain. Suárez started scoring goals early in the season with a hat trick in a 4–1 win against RKC Waalwijk
RKC Waalwijk
RKC Waalwijk is a football club currently playing in the Eredivisie. Its name is derived from 'Rooms Katholieke Combinatie' and was a fusion club of HEC, WVB and Hercules.-History:...
. Suárez had a number of multiple-goal games throughout the season including four goals in wins over Slovan Bratislava
ŠK Slovan Bratislava
ŠK Slovan Bratislava is a football club based in Bratislava, Slovakia, that plays in the Corgoň liga. Founded as 1. ČsŠK Bratislava in 1919, the club changed its name to Slovan Bratislava in 1953...
in the Europe League play-off round, VVV-Venlo and Roda JC Kerkrade. He scored three in the first half in another win over VVV-Venlo and six against WHC Wezep
WHC Wezep
Wezep Hattemerbroek Combination, commonly known as WHC Wezep, is a football club from Wezep - Hattemerbroek in Gelderland, Netherlands. WHC is currently made in the Saturday league C and the club plays home games at the sports park Mulder Singel. WHC has six playing fields and three training...
in the KNVB Cup
KNVB Cup
The KNVB Cup is a competition in the Netherlands organized by the Royal Dutch Football Association since 1899. It was based on the format of the English FA Cup. Outside of the Netherlands, it is often referred to as the Dutch Cup...
as Ajax won by a club-record margin of 14–1. Suárez scored two more in the second leg of the KNVB Cup final and finished as the tournament's top scorer. Ajax won the Cup final 6–1 on aggregate over Feyenoord, but they finished second in the league behind FC Twente
FC Twente
FC Twente is a Dutch professional football club from the city of Enschede, playing in the Eredivisie. The club was formed in 1965 by the merger of 1926 Eredivisie Champions, Sportclub Enschede and Enschedese Boys...
. Suárez ended the season as the Eredivisie's top scorer with 35 goals in 33 games and had 49 goals in all competitions. He was named Ajax Player of the Year for the second straight time and Dutch Footballer of the Year
Dutch Footballer of the Year
The title Dutch Footballer of the Year has been awarded in the Netherlands since 1984. The award is determined by a poll of Dutch professional footballers playing in the First and Second leagues....
.
Other European clubs began to show their interest in Suárez because of the number of goals Suárez was scoring for Ajax; his play that summer at the 2010 World Cup increased their interest. Soon after Suárez returned from his World Cup campaign, he scored his one hundredth goal for Ajax in a 1–1 home draw against PAOK in a Champions League qualifier. This put him in an elite group of players, including Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff
Hendrik Johannes Cruijff OON , known as Johan Cruyff, is a retired Dutch footballer and is currently the manager of the Catalan national team as well as a member of the AFC Ajax board of directors. He won the Ballon d'Or three times, in 1971, 1973 and 1974, which is a record jointly held with...
, van Basten and Dennis Bergkamp
Dennis Bergkamp
Dennis Nicolaas Bergkamp , is a former Dutch professional footballer who is currently the assistant manager to Frank de Boer at Ajax. At club level he played for Ajax, Internazionale, and Arsenal, and also represented the Netherlands at international level...
, to score 100 or more goals with the club. Suárez continued his scoring run with a hat trick against De Graafschap
De Graafschap
De Graafschap is a professional football club from Doetinchem, Netherlands. It was formed on 1 February 1954 and they play their home games at the "De Vijverberg" stadium. Their current home ground stands on where the old pitch used to be located and was opened on 12 August 2000...
in a 5–0 win. But on 20 November 2010, Suárez was in trouble again when he bit PSV's Otman Bakkal
Otman Bakkal
Otman Bakkal is a Dutch international footballer of Moroccan origin who plays professionally for PSV as an attacking midfielder. He is currently on loan to Feyenoord.-Club career:...
on the shoulder during a 0–0 draw. Ajax suspended him for two games and fined him an undisclosed amount which the club said they would donate to a "good cause". The Dutch daily newspaper De Telegraaf
De Telegraaf
De Telegraaf is the largest Dutch daily morning newspaper, with a daily circulation of approximately . De Telegraaf is based in Amsterdam...
branded Suárez the "Cannibal of Ajax". The KNVB increased Suárez's suspension to seven league matches. Suárez apologized for his actions through a video he uploaded to his Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
page. During the suspension Ajax was in contact with other European clubs interested in Suárez; on 28 January 2011 they accepted a €26.5 million (£
Pound sterling
The pound sterling , commonly called the pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom, its Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British Antarctic Territory and Tristan da Cunha. It is subdivided into 100 pence...
22.8 million) offer for Suárez from English club Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
. Despite leaving while suspended, Suárez departed Ajax on good terms, and he was given a farewell sendoff after an Ajax game. During the sendoff an Ajax coach spoke to him and the crowd and said how the club wished he could stay longer; the crowd applauded their agreement and fireworks followed. Ajax ended the 2010–11 season
2010–11 Eredivisie
-Managerial changes:-League table:-Results:...
as Eredivisie champions and Suárez was given a winner’s medal for his seven goals in 13 appearances.
While he was at Ajax, Suárez scored 111 goals in 159 appearances. Suárez recognized Ajax legends, van Basten, Bergkamp, Frank de Boer
Frank de Boer
Franciscus "Frank" de Boer is a Dutch former professional footballer, and the younger twin brother of Ronald de Boer. Since 6 December 2010 he is the Manager of AFC Ajax.-Club career:...
and Henk ten Cate
Henk ten Cate
Henk ten Cate is a Dutch football manager and a former professional player.In the 2005–06 season, he was the assistant of Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona that guided the team to a Champions League Trophy and La Liga title...
, for teaching him about football during his time at the club. He noted that van Basten taught him the techniques and movement required for playing forward and he learned from all of them to be composed in front of the goal and not react to fouls.
Liverpool
Until the arrival of Andy CarrollAndy Carroll
Andrew Thomas "Andy" Carroll is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Liverpool and the England national team....
from Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
a few hours later, Suárez was Liverpool's most expensive signing. The next day, Suárez passed his medical and signed a five-and-a-half-year deal through 2016. Suárez requested the number seven jersey, but at the time did not realize that it was worn by Liverpool "legends" such as his new manager Kenny Dalglish
Kenny Dalglish
Kenneth Mathieson "Kenny" Dalglish MBE is a Scottish former footballer and the current manager of Liverpool F.C.. In a 22-year playing career, he played for two club teams, Celtic and Liverpool, winning numerous honours with both. He is the most capped Scottish player, with 102 appearances, and...
and Kevin Keegan
Kevin Keegan
Joseph Kevin Keegan, OBE is a former international footballer and former manager of the England national football team and several English clubs, most notably Newcastle United....
. After he learned about the players who previously wore that number, he said he appreciated the expectations associated with it. Suárez made his Liverpool debut on 2 February against Stoke City
Stoke City F.C.
Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts...
at Anfield
Anfield
Anfield is an association football stadium in the district of Anfield, Liverpool, England, with a seating capacity of 45,522. It has been the home of Liverpool F.C. since their formation in 1892 and was originally the home of Everton F.C. from 1884 to 1892, before they moved to Goodison Park...
in a 2–0 win; he came on as a substitute and scored Liverpool's second goal in front of the Kop
Kop
Spion Kop is a colloquial name or term for a number of terraces and stands at sports stadiums, particularly in the United Kingdom...
in the sixty-third minute. He was one of Liverpool’s best players during his partial season and helped Liverpool go from from twelfth in the league in mid-January to finish sixth. He finished the 2010–11 Premier League
2010–11 Premier League
The 2010–11 Premier League was the 19th season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2010–11 fixtures were released on 17 June 2010 at 09:00 BST. The season began on 14 August 2010, and ended on 22 May 2011...
season with four goals in 13 games.
Suárez began Liverpool's 2011–12 Premier League
2011–12 Premier League
The 2011–12 Premier League is the twentieth season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2011–12 fixtures were announced on 17 June 2011 at 9:00 BST. The season began on 13 August 2011 and is due to end on 13 May 2012...
season by missing a penalty and scoring the opening goal in a 1–1 draw against Sunderland. Suárez followed this up by coming on as a substitute against Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
to be heavily involved in Liverpool's first goal and then score the second. The 2–0 win was the first against Arsenal in London for eleven years. He was awarded man of the match against Bolton, Suárez then scored the second goal for Liverpool in his first Merseyside derby
Merseyside derby
The Merseyside derby is the name given to any football match contested between Everton and Liverpool football clubs, the two most successful clubs from the city of Liverpool in England...
against Everton in a 2–0 victory.
After a 1–1 draw against Manchester United on 15 October, he was accused of racially abusing Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra
Patrice Latyr Evra is a French international footballer who currently plays for English club Manchester United in the Premier League and the France national team. Originally an attacker, he primarily plays as a left back and is described as "the classic example of a modern full-back" who is...
and the English Football Association
The Football Association
The Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England, and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It was formed in 1863, and is the oldest national football association...
opened up an investigation into the incident. Suárez wrote on his Twitter and Facebook pages that he was upset by the accusation and denied the claims.
On 1 November, Suarez was named as one of the 23 finalists for the FIFA Ballon d'Or
FIFA Ballon d'Or
The FIFA Ballon d'Or is an association football award given annually to the player who is considered to have performed the best in the previous season...
.
On 16 November, the FA announced it would charge Suárez with "abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour contrary to FA rules", including "a reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race of Patrice Evra." Liverpool released a statement announcing Suárez would plead innocent, adding that they would "remain fully supportive" of him.
International career
Suárez was invited to play at the youth level for UruguayUruguay national football team
The Uruguayan national football team represents Uruguay in international association football and is controlled by the Uruguayan Football Association, the governing body for football in Uruguay. The current head coach is Óscar Tabárez...
in the qualifying rounds for the 2007 U-20 World Cup
2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup
The 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup was the sixteenth edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup , hosted by Canada from June 30 to July 22, 2007. Argentina defeated Czech Republic in the title game by the score of 2–1, thus managing a back-to-back world title, its fifth in the past seven editions, and sixth...
, but his club, Groningen, did not release him to play. He did play in the tournament proper, and he scored two goals in four appearances. His goals came in a group stage draw against Spain
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...
and in the Round of 16 against the US
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
, but the US won 2–1 and Uruguay was knocked out of the tournament. Suárez made his senior debut for Uruguay on 8 February 2007 in a 3–1 win against Colombia
Colombia national football team
The Colombian national football team represents Colombia in international football competitions and is controlled by the Colombian Football Federation. It is a member of the CONMEBOL...
. He was sent off in the eighty-fifth minute after receiving a second yellow card. Suárez played in 19 of 20 games in 2010 World Cup qualifying
2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)
The South American zone of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification saw 10 teams competing for places in the finals which were held in South Africa. The format is identical to that used for the previous three World Cup qualification tournaments held by CONMEBOL...
and the
inter-confederation playoffs and scored five goals.
2010 FIFA World Cup
In June 2010, Óscar TabárezOscar Tabárez
Óscar Wáshington Tabárez Silva, nicknamed El Maestro is a retired Uruguayan footballer who played as a defender, and the current manager of the Uruguayan national team....
named Suárez to Uruguay's 23-man World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
roster. Uruguay began the tournament with a 0–0 draw against France
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
. In the second game, a 3–0 win over South Africa
South Africa national football team
The South Africa national football team represents South Africa in association football and is controlled by the South African Football Association, the governing body for football in South Africa. South Africa's home ground is Soccer City, known as FNB Stadium due to a naming rights deal, in...
, Suárez drew a penalty and assisted Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro Pereira
Álvaro Daniel Pereira Barragán is an Uruguayan footballer who plays for Futebol Clube do Porto in Portugal.On the left side, he can play as either a defender or midfielder.-Early years:...
's stoppage time goal. In the final game of the group, he headed in a goal off of a pass from Edinson Cavani and was named Man of the Match
Man of the match
In sport, a Man of the Match or Player of the Game or Man of the Series award is given to the outstanding player, almost always the one who makes the most impact, in a particular match or series. The term was originally used more often in cricket before being adopted by other sports. This can be a...
in a 1–0 win over Mexico
Mexico national football team
The Mexican national football team represents Mexico in association football and is governed by the Mexican Football Federation , the governing body for football in Mexico. Mexico's home stadium is the Estadio Azteca and their head coach is José Manuel de la Torre...
. Uruguay won Group A
2010 FIFA World Cup Group A
Group A of the 2010 FIFA World Cup began on 11 June and ended on 22 June 2010. The group consisted of France, Mexico, Uruguay and the host nation South Africa. France and South Africa previously met at the 1998 FIFA World Cup; France beat South Africa 3–0. France and Uruguay previously met at the...
and advanced to the knockout stage
Single-elimination tournament
A single-elimination tournament, also called a knockout, cup or sudden death tournament, is a type of elimination tournament where the loser of each match or bracket is immediately eliminated from winning the championship or first prize in the event...
.
During the Round of 16 against South Korea
Korea Republic national football team
The Korea Republic national football team represents Korea Republic in international football and is controlled by the Korea Football Association. Korea Republic is the most successful Asian football team in the history of the FIFA World Cup having participated in eight World Cup tournaments,...
, Suárez scored both goals in a 2–1 win. His second broke a tie in the eightieth minute when he dribbled around a defender and curled a "spectacular shot" in off the far post; Suárez was again named Man of the Match. This win put Uruguay through to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1970
1970 FIFA World Cup
The 1970 FIFA World Cup, the ninth staging of the World Cup, was held in Mexico, from 31 May to 21 June. The 1970 tournament was the first World Cup hosted in North America, and the first held outside South America and Europe. In a match-up of two-time World Cup champions, the final was won by...
. In the quarterfinal match against Ghana
Ghana national football team
The Ghana national football team, popularly known as the Black Stars, is the national association football team of Ghana and is controlled by the Ghana Football Association...
, the score was tied 1–1 at the end of regulation and the game went into extra time. Late in extra time, Ghana sent a free kick
Direct free kick
A direct free kick is a method of restarting play in a game of association football following a foul. Unlike an indirect free kick, a goal may be scored directly against the opposing side without the ball having first touched another player.-Award:...
into the box
Penalty area
The penalty area , is an area of an association football pitch. It is rectangular and extends to each side of the goal and in front of it. Within the penalty area is the penalty spot , which is from the goal line, directly in-line with the centre of the goal...
; Suárez blocked Stephen Appiah
Stephen Appiah
Stephen Leroy Appiah is a former Ghana International football midfielder and captain. He is currently a free agent. He has played for several European clubs since 1997 and is currently without a club. Appiah was a member of the Ghana national team, which he has represented at the youth, Olympic,...
's shot on the goal line. He then blatantly blocked Dominic Adiyiah
Dominic Adiyiah
Dominic Adiyiah is a Ghanaian professional footballer, who plays as a striker for Karşıyaka and the Ghana national team.-Early career:...
’s goalbound header with his hands to save what would have been the game winner and he was red carded. But Asamoah Gyan
Asamoah Gyan
Asamoah Gyan is a Ghanaian professional footballer, who plays as a striker for Emirati club Al Ain in the UAE Pro-League , and the Ghana national team....
missed the ensuing penalty kick
Penalty kick
A penalty kick is a type of direct free kick in association football, taken from twelve yards out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker and the goal.Penalty kicks are performed during normal play...
off the crossbar and Suárez celebrated the miss. Uruguay won the shootout 4–2 and advanced to the semifinal.
After the game, Suárez said, "I made the save of the tournament." He claimed he had no alternative and was acting out of instinct. Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac said the play was an "injustice" and Suárez was labeled a villain and a cheat while he "enraged an entire continent
While Suárez was suspended for the semifinal game for his red card against Ghana, Uruguay "lacked a second striker
Diego Forlán
Diego Forlán Corazo is an Uruguayan footballer who plays as a striker for Internazionale and the Uruguayan national team. He is a two-time winner of both the Pichichi Trophy and the European Golden Shoe, and also received the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2010 World Cup.Forlán was born...
2011 Copa América
In the 2011 Copa América2011 Copa América
The 2011 Campeonato Sudamericano Copa América, better known as the 2011 Copa América or the Copa América Argentina 2011, was the 43rd edition of the Copa América, the main international football tournament for national teams in South America...
tournament, Suárez scored in Uruguay's opening game, a 1–1 draw with Peru
Peru national football team
The Peru national football team, known as 'el equipo inca', represents Peru in international football competition and is managed by the Peruvian Football Federation . The team competes against the other nine members of FIFA's CONMEBOL conference, which encompasses the countries of South America...
. Uruguay finished second in their group and advanced to the knockout round with a win and two draws. In the quarterfinals, Uruguay finished regulation and extra time tied at 1–1 with tournament hosts Argentina
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
. Uruguay won the shootout 5–4 and Suárez converted his penalty. Suárez scored both goals in Uruguay’s 2–0 semifinal win over Peru and was named Man of the Match. In the final, Suárez scored the first goal and Uruguay beat Paraguay
Paraguay national football team
The Paraguay national football team is controlled by the Paraguayan Football Association and represents Paraguay in men's international football competitions. The team has reached the second round of the World Cup on four occasions . The 2010 trip also featured their first appearance in the...
3–0 for their record fifteenth Copa América title. Suárez scored four goals in the tournament and was named Player of the Tournament.
International goals
| Goal | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 13 October 2007 | Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario is a stadium in Parque Batlle, Montevideo, Uruguay, used primarily for football. The stadium was built between 1929 and 1930 to host the 1930 FIFA World Cup, as well as to commemorate the centennial of Uruguay's first constitution... , Montevideo, Uruguay |
1–0 | 5–0 | 2010 WCQ 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL) The South American zone of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification saw 10 teams competing for places in the finals which were held in South Africa. The format is identical to that used for the previous three World Cup qualification tournaments held by CONMEBOL... |
|
| 2. | 18 November 2007 | Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario is a stadium in Parque Batlle, Montevideo, Uruguay, used primarily for football. The stadium was built between 1929 and 1930 to host the 1930 FIFA World Cup, as well as to commemorate the centennial of Uruguay's first constitution... , Montevideo, Uruguay |
1–0 | 2–2 | 2010 WCQ 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL) The South American zone of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification saw 10 teams competing for places in the finals which were held in South Africa. The format is identical to that used for the previous three World Cup qualification tournaments held by CONMEBOL... |
|
| 3. | 6 February 2008 | Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario is a stadium in Parque Batlle, Montevideo, Uruguay, used primarily for football. The stadium was built between 1929 and 1930 to host the 1930 FIFA World Cup, as well as to commemorate the centennial of Uruguay's first constitution... , Montevideo, Uruguay |
2–2 | 2–2 | Friendly Exhibition game An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition... |
|
| 4. | 25 May 2008 | Ruhrstadion Ruhrstadion Ruhrstadion is a football stadium in Bochum, Germany. It is the home ground for the VfL Bochum and has a capacity of 29.448.-History:... , Bochum, Germany |
1–0 | 3–2 | Friendly Exhibition game An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition... |
|
| 5. | 25 May 2008 | Ruhrstadion Ruhrstadion Ruhrstadion is a football stadium in Bochum, Germany. It is the home ground for the VfL Bochum and has a capacity of 29.448.-History:... , Bochum, Germany |
2–2 | 3–2 | Friendly Exhibition game An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition... |
|
| 6. | 28 May 2008 | Ullevaal Stadion Ullevaal Stadion Ullevaal Stadion is an all-seater football stadium located in Oslo, Norway. It is the home ground of Vålerenga IF and the Norway national football team, and the site of the Norwegian Cup Final. From its opening in 1926 to 2009 it was the home ground of FK Lyn. With a capacity of 25,572, it is the... , Oslo, Norway |
1–1 | 2–2 | Friendly Exhibition game An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition... |
|
| 7. | 10 June 2009 | Polideportivo Cachamay Polideportivo Cachamay The Polideportivo Cachamay or Centro Total de Entretenimiento Cachamay is a multipurpose stadium located on Avenida Guayana in Puerto Ordaz Bolivar State, Venezuela... , Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela |
1–1 | 2–2 | 2010 WCQ 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL) The South American zone of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification saw 10 teams competing for places in the finals which were held in South Africa. The format is identical to that used for the previous three World Cup qualification tournaments held by CONMEBOL... |
|
| 8. | 9 September 2009 | Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario is a stadium in Parque Batlle, Montevideo, Uruguay, used primarily for football. The stadium was built between 1929 and 1930 to host the 1930 FIFA World Cup, as well as to commemorate the centennial of Uruguay's first constitution... , Montevideo, Uruguay |
1–0 | 3–1 | 2010 WCQ 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL) The South American zone of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification saw 10 teams competing for places in the finals which were held in South Africa. The format is identical to that used for the previous three World Cup qualification tournaments held by CONMEBOL... |
|
| 9. | 10 October 2009 | Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa is a multi-purpose stadium in Quito, Ecuador. It is currently used mostly for football matches. The stadium has a capacity of 39,816. Built in 1951, it sits at the intersection of the Avenida 6 de Diciembre and Avenida Naciones Unidas, two major streets in Ecuador's... , Quito, Ecuador |
1–1 | 2–1 | 2010 WCQ 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL) The South American zone of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification saw 10 teams competing for places in the finals which were held in South Africa. The format is identical to that used for the previous three World Cup qualification tournaments held by CONMEBOL... |
|
| 10. | 3 March 2010 | AFG Arena AFG Arena The AFG Arena is a multi-use stadium in St. Gallen, Switzerland, completed in 2008. It is used mostly for football matches and hosts the home matches of FC St. Gallen of the Swiss Challenge League. It replaces the Espenmoos stadium.... , St. Gallen, Switzerland |
2–1 | 3–1 | Friendly Exhibition game An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition... |
|
| 11. | 22 June 2010 | Royal Bafokeng Stadium Royal Bafokeng Stadium The Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace is a football, rugby and athletics stadium in Phokeng near Rustenburg, South Africa It was built and is managed by the Royal Bafokeng Nation.. It is used as the home stadium for Premier Soccer League club Platinum Stars... , Rustenburg, South Africa |
1–0 | 1–0 | 2010 FIFA World Cup 2010 FIFA World Cup The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010... |
|
| 12. | 26 June 2010 | Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is a 48,000-seater stadium in Port Elizabeth.The five-tier, R2 billion Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium was built overlooking the North End Lake, at the heart of the city. It is one of three coastal stadiums built in anticipation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It regularly hosts... , Port Elizabeth, South Africa |
1–0 | 2–1 | 2010 FIFA World Cup 2010 FIFA World Cup The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010... |
|
| 13. | 26 June 2010 | Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is a 48,000-seater stadium in Port Elizabeth.The five-tier, R2 billion Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium was built overlooking the North End Lake, at the heart of the city. It is one of three coastal stadiums built in anticipation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It regularly hosts... , Port Elizabeth, South Africa |
2–1 | 2–1 | 2010 FIFA World Cup 2010 FIFA World Cup The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010... |
|
| 14. | 8 October 2010 | Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia | 2–1 | 7–1 | Friendly | |
| 15. | 8 October 2010 | Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia | 3–1 | 7–1 | Friendly | |
| 16. | 8 October 2010 | Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia | 5–1 | 7–1 | Friendly | |
| 17. | 8 June 2011 | Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario is a stadium in Parque Batlle, Montevideo, Uruguay, used primarily for football. The stadium was built between 1929 and 1930 to host the 1930 FIFA World Cup, as well as to commemorate the centennial of Uruguay's first constitution... , Montevideo, Uruguay |
1–0 | 1–1 | Friendly | |
| 18. | 4 July 2011 | Estadio del Bicentenario Estadio del Bicentenario Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario is a multi-use stadium in San Juan, Argentina. It is used mostly for football matches and hosts the homes matches of San Martín de San Juan as well as matches for the 2011 Copa América... , San Juan, Argentina San Juan, Argentina San Juan is the capital city of the Argentine province of San Juan in the Cuyo region, located in the Tulúm Valley, west of the San Juan River, at above mean sea level, with a population of around 112,000 as per the .... |
1–1 | 1–1 | 2011 Copa América 2011 Copa América The 2011 Campeonato Sudamericano Copa América, better known as the 2011 Copa América or the Copa América Argentina 2011, was the 43rd edition of the Copa América, the main international football tournament for national teams in South America... |
|
| 19. | 19 July 2011 | Estadio Ciudad de La Plata Estadio Ciudad de La Plata The Estadio Ciudad de La Plata is a multi-purpose stadium located in the city of La Plata, Argentina. It is also known popularly as the Estadio Único and is owned by the Province of Buenos Aires, administered jointly by the provincial government, the Municipality of La Plata, and the football clubs... , La Plata, Argentina |
1–0 | 2–0 | 2011 Copa América 2011 Copa América The 2011 Campeonato Sudamericano Copa América, better known as the 2011 Copa América or the Copa América Argentina 2011, was the 43rd edition of the Copa América, the main international football tournament for national teams in South America... |
|
| 20. | 19 July 2011 | Estadio Ciudad de La Plata Estadio Ciudad de La Plata The Estadio Ciudad de La Plata is a multi-purpose stadium located in the city of La Plata, Argentina. It is also known popularly as the Estadio Único and is owned by the Province of Buenos Aires, administered jointly by the provincial government, the Municipality of La Plata, and the football clubs... , La Plata, Argentina |
2–0 | 2–0 | 2011 Copa América 2011 Copa América The 2011 Campeonato Sudamericano Copa América, better known as the 2011 Copa América or the Copa América Argentina 2011, was the 43rd edition of the Copa América, the main international football tournament for national teams in South America... |
|
| 21. | 24 July 2011 | Estadio Monumental Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, is a stadium in the Belgrano district of Buenos Aires, Argentina at the intersection of Figueroa Alcorta and Udaondo. It is the home venue of Club Atlético River Plate and is named after former club president Antonio Vespucio Liberti... , Buenos Aires, Argentina |
1–0 | 3–0 | 2011 Copa América 2011 Copa América The 2011 Campeonato Sudamericano Copa América, better known as the 2011 Copa América or the Copa América Argentina 2011, was the 43rd edition of the Copa América, the main international football tournament for national teams in South America... |
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| 22. | 7 October 2011 | Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario is a stadium in Parque Batlle, Montevideo, Uruguay, used primarily for football. The stadium was built between 1929 and 1930 to host the 1930 FIFA World Cup, as well as to commemorate the centennial of Uruguay's first constitution... , Montevideo, Uruguay |
1–0 | 4–2 | 2014 WCQ 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL) The South American Zone of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification sees nine teams competing for places in the finals which are to be held in Brazil.-Format:The format for CONMEBOL's 2014 World Cup qualifying tournament is identical to the previous four editions... |
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| 23. | 11 November 2011 | Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario is a stadium in Parque Batlle, Montevideo, Uruguay, used primarily for football. The stadium was built between 1929 and 1930 to host the 1930 FIFA World Cup, as well as to commemorate the centennial of Uruguay's first constitution... , Montevideo, Uruguay |
1–0 | 4–0 | 2014 WCQ 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL) The South American Zone of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification sees nine teams competing for places in the finals which are to be held in Brazil.-Format:The format for CONMEBOL's 2014 World Cup qualifying tournament is identical to the previous four editions... |
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| 24. | 11 November 2011 | Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario is a stadium in Parque Batlle, Montevideo, Uruguay, used primarily for football. The stadium was built between 1929 and 1930 to host the 1930 FIFA World Cup, as well as to commemorate the centennial of Uruguay's first constitution... , Montevideo, Uruguay |
2–0 | 4–0 | 2014 WCQ 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL) The South American Zone of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification sees nine teams competing for places in the finals which are to be held in Brazil.-Format:The format for CONMEBOL's 2014 World Cup qualifying tournament is identical to the previous four editions... |
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| 25. | 11 November 2011 | Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario is a stadium in Parque Batlle, Montevideo, Uruguay, used primarily for football. The stadium was built between 1929 and 1930 to host the 1930 FIFA World Cup, as well as to commemorate the centennial of Uruguay's first constitution... , Montevideo, Uruguay |
3–0 | 4–0 | 2014 WCQ 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL) The South American Zone of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification sees nine teams competing for places in the finals which are to be held in Brazil.-Format:The format for CONMEBOL's 2014 World Cup qualifying tournament is identical to the previous four editions... |
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| 26. | 11 November 2011 | Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario is a stadium in Parque Batlle, Montevideo, Uruguay, used primarily for football. The stadium was built between 1929 and 1930 to host the 1930 FIFA World Cup, as well as to commemorate the centennial of Uruguay's first constitution... , Montevideo, Uruguay |
4–0 | 4–0 | 2014 WCQ 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL) The South American Zone of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification sees nine teams competing for places in the finals which are to be held in Brazil.-Format:The format for CONMEBOL's 2014 World Cup qualifying tournament is identical to the previous four editions... |
Playing style
Suárez creates goal scoring chances with his powerful shot, aerial ability and "remarkable technical ability". Harry RedknappHarry Redknapp
Henry James "Harry" Redknapp is a former English footballer who has enjoyed a long career in football management starting in 1983 with Bournemouth. He is the current manager of Tottenham Hotspur....
said that Suárez could play anywhere — as the target man or behind as a second striker. Uruguay coach Óscar Tabárez
Oscar Tabárez
Óscar Wáshington Tabárez Silva, nicknamed El Maestro is a retired Uruguayan footballer who played as a defender, and the current manager of the Uruguayan national team....
called Suárez "a great forward, an elite player among forwards in the world", and Liverpool coach Kenny Dalglish
Kenny Dalglish
Kenneth Mathieson "Kenny" Dalglish MBE is a Scottish former footballer and the current manager of Liverpool F.C.. In a 22-year playing career, he played for two club teams, Celtic and Liverpool, winning numerous honours with both. He is the most capped Scottish player, with 102 appearances, and...
said, "he's intelligent, he's had a fantastic education at Ajax." Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge
John Aldridge
John William Aldridge is a former Republic of Ireland international footballer and football manager...
said his abilities allow him to get into a position to score and evade defenders. Suárez has been praised for his work rate
Work rate
In Association Football, work rate refers to the extent to which a player contributes to running and chasing in a match while not in possession of the ball....
, and his quickness allows him to attack from the outside. He also creates scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Former Ajax coach Marco van Basten criticized Suárez for his tendency to pick up yellow cards. van Basten said he had a tense relationship with Suárez, although he conceded, "Luis is unpredictable, he’s hard to influence but that makes him special." At times, Suárez can be dominant but fail to convert his efforts into goals. Former Liverpool player Mark Lawrenson
Mark Lawrenson
Mark Thomas Lawrenson is a former professional football player, a defender in the Liverpool and Irish football teams of the 1980s; he since became a radio, television and internet pundit for the BBC and Today FM. He was born in England, but played for the Republic of Ireland because his...
claims that Suárez has a reputation for diving
Diving (football)
In association football, diving is an attempt by a player to gain an unfair advantage by diving to the ground and possibly feigning an injury, to appear as if a foul has been committed. Dives are often used to exaggerate the amount of contact present in a challenge...
, although Dalglish denies these accusations. Despite his weaknesses, Suárez’s leadership stood out to Ajax management; coach Martin Jol
Martin Jol
Maarten Cornelis "Martin" Jol is a Dutch football manager and former midfielder who currently manages Fulham in the Premier League. Jol played over 400 games during his career which included spells in the Netherlands, Germany, and England, as well as earning three caps with the Dutch national team...
appointed him captain because Jol believed that Suárez could transfer his mentality and attitude to the team.
Personal life
Suárez was born in Salto, UruguaySalto, Uruguay
Salto is the capital city of the Salto Department in northwestern Uruguay and the second largest city of the country. It is located on Route 3, about northwest of Montevideo, and on the east bank of Río Uruguay, across the city Concordia of Argentina...
, and is the fourth of seven brothers. He moved with his family to Montevideo when he was seven and his parents separated when he was nine. He lived with his mother and brothers but still maintains contact with his father. In Montevideo, Suárez developed his football skills on the streets. When he was 11 he was invited to a youth national team football training camp, but he had to decline the offer because he could not afford football boots. In 2009, he married his childhood girlfriend, Sofia Balbi, and they had their first daughter, Delfina, on 5 August 2010. When Suárez was in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
for the World Cup, he became involved in charity work that supported solidarity. His older brother Paolo Suárez
Paolo Suárez
Rodolfo Paolo Suárez is a Salvadoran footballer of Uruguayan descent. He currently plays as a midfielder for Isidro Metapán...
is also a professional football player who plays for Isidro Metapán in El Salvador
El Salvador
El Salvador or simply Salvador is the smallest and the most densely populated country in Central America. The country's capital city and largest city is San Salvador; Santa Ana and San Miguel are also important cultural and commercial centers in the country and in all of Central America...
.
Club
| Club | Season | League | Cup | League Cup | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | |||||||||
| Nacional Club Nacional de Football Club Nacional de Football is a Uruguayan sports club based in Montevideo. It is best known for its professional football team, which plays in the Uruguayan Primera División.... |
2005–06 | 27 | 10 | — | — | — | 3 | 0 | — | 4 | 2 | — | 34 | 12 | — | |||||||||||
| Total | 27 | 10 | |— | |— | 4 | 2 | |— | |||||||||||||||||||
| Groningen | 2006–07 | 29 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 37 | 15 | 6 | |||||||||
| Total | 29 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Ajax | 2007–08 | 33 | 17 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 | — | 4 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 44 | 22 | 4 | ||
| 2008–09 | 31 | 22 | 14 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — | 10 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 28 | 16 | ||||||||||
| 2009–10 2009–10 Eredivisie -Personnel and sponsoring:-Managerial changes:-League table:-Results:... |
33 | 35 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 0 | — | 9 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 49 | 14 | ||||||||||
| 2010–11 2010–11 Eredivisie -Managerial changes:-League table:-Results:... |
13 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | 9 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 12 | 3 | ||||||||||
| Total | 110 | 81 | 32 | 12 | 12 | 0 | Liverpool Liverpool F.C. Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups... | 2010–11 2010–11 Premier League The 2010–11 Premier League was the 19th season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2010–11 fixtures were released on 17 June 2010 at 09:00 BST. The season began on 14 August 2010, and ended on 22 May 2011... |
13 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 4 | 5 |
| 2011–12 2011–12 Premier League The 2011–12 Premier League is the twentieth season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2011–12 fixtures were announced on 17 June 2011 at 9:00 BST. The season began on 13 August 2011 and is due to end on 13 May 2012... |
12 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 7 | 6 | ||||||||
| Total | 25 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 11 | 11 | ||||||||
| Career Total | 191 | 109 | 44 | 14 | 13 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 37 | 17 | 7 | 13 | 7 | 0 | 258 | 149 | 52 | ||||||||
Includes other competitive competitions such as the Johan Cruijff Shield and the UEFA tournament playoffs
Not all references include statistics from all competitions.
Club
Nacional:- Primera División: 2005–06
Ajax:
- EredivisieEredivisieThe Eredivisie is the highest football league in the Netherlands. The league was founded in 1956 two years after the start of professional football in the Netherlands. It is currently ranked the ninth best league in Europe by UEFA....
: 2010–11 - KNVB CupKNVB CupThe KNVB Cup is a competition in the Netherlands organized by the Royal Dutch Football Association since 1899. It was based on the format of the English FA Cup. Outside of the Netherlands, it is often referred to as the Dutch Cup...
: 2009–102009–10 KNVB CupThe 2009–10 KNVB Cup was the 92nd season of the Dutch national football knockout tournament. The competition began on 29 August 2009 with the matches of Round 1 and culminated with a double-leg Final on 25 April and 6 May 2010 respectively...
International
Uruguay:- 2010 World Cup2010 FIFA World CupThe 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
: Fourth Place - 2011 Copa América2011 Copa AméricaThe 2011 Campeonato Sudamericano Copa América, better known as the 2011 Copa América or the Copa América Argentina 2011, was the 43rd edition of the Copa América, the main international football tournament for national teams in South America...
: Winner
Individual
- Eredivisie Golden Boot: 2009–10
- KNVB CupKNVB CupThe KNVB Cup is a competition in the Netherlands organized by the Royal Dutch Football Association since 1899. It was based on the format of the English FA Cup. Outside of the Netherlands, it is often referred to as the Dutch Cup...
top goalscorer: 2009–10 - Dutch Footballer of the YearDutch Footballer of the YearThe title Dutch Footballer of the Year has been awarded in the Netherlands since 1984. The award is determined by a poll of Dutch professional footballers playing in the First and Second leagues....
: 2009–102009–10 Eredivisie-Personnel and sponsoring:-Managerial changes:-League table:-Results:... - Ajax Player of the Year: 2008–09, 2009–102009–10 Eredivisie-Personnel and sponsoring:-Managerial changes:-League table:-Results:...
- Ajax top goalscorer: 2008–09, 2009–10
- Copa AméricaCopa AméricaThe Copa América —previously known as South American Championship—is an international football competition contested between the men's national teams of CONMEBOL, the sport's continental governing body...
Player of the Tournament: 20112011 Copa AméricaThe 2011 Campeonato Sudamericano Copa América, better known as the 2011 Copa América or the Copa América Argentina 2011, was the 43rd edition of the Copa América, the main international football tournament for national teams in South America...