Gerardo ‘Dado’ Valenzuela: A Rising Star in the FC Cincinnati Academy Pipeline

Gerardo “Dado” Valenzuela is a shining example of how the player development pathway can lead to success in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Born in Boca Raton, Florida, Valenzuela joined the FC Cincinnati Academy in August 2020 after a stint in the Inter Miami system. He progressed through the U-17 and U-19 teams, quickly garnering attention as an exciting prospect in the youth ranks.

Valenzuela truly made his mark in 2022, participating in the inaugural season of MLS NEXT Pro with FC Cincinnati 2. He made an impressive 14 starts in 16 appearances, scoring one goal and contributing two assists. The following season saw a remarkable improvement, as he netted three goals and recorded three assists.

On May 25, 2023, Valenzuela signed a homegrown contract with FC Cincinnati and made his MLS debut a month later in a 3-0 victory against Toronto FC.

“His growth from our Academy through MLS NEXT Pro is a testament to all the hard work that’s been put into our player pathway,” said FC Cincinnati general manager Chris Albright. “We look forward to his continued development with the first team.”

Valenzuela’s growth has been evident both on and off the field. As a child, he idolized Lionel Messi, drawn to the Argentine superstar’s humility and work ethic. Now, as he competes in the same league as Messi, both FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami have emerged as top contenders in the Eastern Conference.

Dado Valenzuela 🤩 First Start, First Goal! pic.twitter.com/9WZoxesw3Q

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) February 29, 2024

In a full-circle moment for the Florida native, Valenzuela scored his first MLS goal in a 6-1 rout of Inter Miami earlier this season. He reflects on that moment as his favorite soccer memory to date, having entered the match as a substitute in the 66th minute for Luca Orellano and finding the back of the net just six minutes later, slipping the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Drake Callender.

This goal not only marked a significant milestone in his career but also showcased his confidence as a dynamic attacking player.

Learning from Lucho

In his development, Valenzuela has had a strong role model in Luciano Acosta, the 2023 Landon Donovan MLS MVP.

“The best advice a coach has given me is to be consistent,” Valenzuela shared. “The best players in our league, like Lucho, contribute consistently every game—scoring, assisting, and making a difference.”

Valenzuela has embodied this advice during his time with FC Cincinnati 2, demonstrating his growth by scoring six goals in just three appearances this season. He achieved a hat trick against Philadelphia Union II in April and recently repeated the feat in a 3-1 victory over Orlando City B.

These performances have helped the MLS NEXT Pro side achieve their best season yet, finishing atop the Eastern Conference and securing their first playoff appearance.

As Valenzuela prepares for the challenges ahead—whether it be contributing to FCC 2’s playoff run or aiding the first team in the MLS Cup playoffs—he remains ready to seize every opportunity. Just like in the early days of his career when he was gaining recognition, the midfielder is poised to continue climbing the ranks, now with a much larger audience watching his every move.

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