The soccer journey of Obed Vargas is nothing short of extraordinary. On October 8, 2025, the Seattle Sounders midfielder was named the top player on Major League Soccer’s prestigious 22 Under 22 list, a recognition reserved for the brightest young stars across the league. This accolade, voted on by an esteemed panel of MLS coaches, general managers, sporting directors, broadcast talent, and select media members, is a testament to the remarkable rise of a player who defied the odds from the very start.
Vargas, now 20, didn’t just claim the number one spot—he made history as the first Mexican player to ever top the 22 Under 22 rankings. The annual list, which highlights the league’s best talents aged 22 or younger, has become a showcase for homegrown players who are shaping the future of soccer in the United States and beyond. For Vargas, the honor is the latest milestone in a journey that began thousands of miles away from MLS stadiums—in the snowbound city of Anchorage, Alaska.
“Growing up playing soccer in Alaska is definitely unique,” Vargas shared on Breakaway. “It's not the same as everywhere else. Not as many teams. Not as [much] competition. There are maybe four or five teams in the whole state. So that kind of always kept me grounded, kept me humble because I knew I was the best player here in Alaska. But I didn't know how far that was going to get me.”
Despite the geographical isolation and a climate that limits outdoor play to just four months a year, Vargas’ early years were rich in soccer culture. His father, Obed Sr., was once a youth prospect at the famed Monarcas Morelia academy in Mexico. After his own professional dreams fell short, Obed Sr. eventually settled in Alaska, but he never let go of his passion for the game. He instilled that love in his sons, coaching them both formally and informally, and keeping the spirit of Mexican football alive in the family’s home.
At just 14, Obed Jr. was scouted by the Seattle Sounders Academy, prompting a life-changing move nearly 2,000 miles from Anchorage to Seattle. He left behind his parents and three siblings to live with a host family and chase a dream that seemed almost impossible from the frozen north. This decision would prove pivotal, as Vargas quickly adapted to the demands of a professional environment and began a rapid ascent through the Sounders’ ranks.
His MLS debut came on July 22, 2021, at just 15 years and 351 days old—making him the third-youngest player in league history. That day, he was one of five teenagers in a shorthanded Seattle lineup that managed to secure a 1-0 victory over Austin FC, laying the groundwork for what would become a new era for the club. The following year, Vargas played a key role in Seattle’s historic Concacaf Champions Cup triumph, featuring in seven matches, including a standout substitute appearance in the decisive 3-0 victory over Pumas UNAM.
Since signing with the Sounders prior to the 2022 season, Vargas has made 127 appearances (105 starts), tallying six goals and 11 assists across all competitions. In 2025 alone, he’s logged 38 appearances, four goals, and seven assists. He’s started all 26 of his MLS regular-season matches this year, notching three goals and five assists, ranking second on the team in minutes (2,273), third in completed passes (1,171), and seventh in pass percentage (89%). His efforts earned him a well-deserved first MLS All-Star nod earlier in 2025.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Obed and the recognition he’s earned as the top young player in Major League Soccer,” said Sounders FC General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer Craig Waibel. “From the moment he joined our club, his maturity, work ethic and competitiveness have set him apart. Obed remains grounded and committed to getting better every day. This honor is a reflection not just of his individual talent, but of the collective effort of our coaches, teammates and development staff who’ve helped him grow within the Sounders system.”
Vargas’ impact has extended well beyond club soccer. He’s currently representing Mexico’s U-20 National Team at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, where he has started every match and helped El Tri finish second in Group C. Just yesterday, Mexico advanced to the quarterfinals with a resounding 4-1 win over Chile, and will soon face the winner of Argentina and Nigeria’s Round of 16 match. Vargas’ international journey began with the United States youth teams, for whom he made nine appearances before switching allegiance to Mexico in 2024. He earned his first senior cap for Mexico in a 2-0 win over the United States last October and was called into the U-23 squad for training and friendlies in September 2024.
His technical ability, tactical intelligence, and composure under pressure have drawn praise from coaches and analysts alike. “At this point, what I’d say is I don’t know if there’s a club in the world that doesn’t know who he is,” Waibel remarked. “I mean, anyone who’s got analytics, he’s triggered and kind of set off the red alarms.”
Vargas’ style of play is emblematic of the modern midfielder. He’s lauded for his ability to read the game, maintain discipline, and contribute both defensively and offensively. Off the ball, he’s tireless and selfless; on it, he’s incisive and accurate, always playing with intent. These qualities have made him a mainstay in the Sounders lineup and a rising figure in world football. His performances at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where he started all three matches and faced off against elite clubs like Botafogo, Atlético de Madrid, and PSG, only solidified his reputation. He also played every minute of Seattle’s championship run at Leagues Cup 2025, including a memorable 3-0 final victory over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami CF.
Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer echoed the club’s pride in Vargas’ accomplishments: “Obed has earned this recognition through hard work and consistency from the moment he joined the club. He’s taken every opportunity to learn and improve, and he continues to be an important part of our group. We’re proud of the progress he’s made, and this is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his growth as a player.”
Looking ahead, Vargas has his sights set on even greater heights. With Mexico’s national team eyeing him for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and European clubs reportedly monitoring his progress, a high-profile transfer could be on the horizon as soon as this winter. For now, though, Vargas remains focused on leading the Sounders into the MLS postseason and continuing to develop his game on both sides of the Atlantic.
Seattle fans won’t have to wait long for more action. The Sounders, fresh off a 1-0 win over the Portland Timbers, are set to host Real Salt Lake in their regular-season finale on Saturday, October 11. As Vargas continues to break new ground, one thing’s for sure: the story of Obed Vargas is still being written, and the soccer world is watching with anticipation.
