Mexican Prodigy Shatters MLS History with Stunning Record-Breaking Performance
Seattle Sounders and Mexico national team midfielder Obed Vargas has been selected as MLS's top young talent in the league's yearly 22 Under 22 rankings.
This marks a groundbreaking achievement for Vargas, making him the first Mexican footballer to claim the top spot on this prestigious list.
The 20-year-old has established himself as an essential component of Brian Schmetzer's squad. Partnering with fellow exceptional midfielder Cristian Roldán, Seattle Sounders possess one of MLS's most formidable midfield partnerships.
Vargas exemplifies the complete contemporary midfielder. Calm when in control of the ball, able to influence matches and deliver precise passes while also excelling as a dynamic ball-carrying threat. He's equally impressive as a determined, relentless defender who covers vast areas and maintains excellent positional awareness.
Vargas entered Seattle's first team at just 16 years old and has recorded 127 matches for the franchise since his initial appearance in 2021. In his inaugural professional season, he contributed to the Sounders capturing their maiden Concacaf Champions Cup title in spring 2022.
His development has continued upward, and in 2025 he emerged as one of the squad's standout performers during the Club World Cup. Vargas also delivered exceptional displays in Seattle's 2025 Leagues Cup victory, when they achieved the historic feat of becoming the first MLS club to secure every available trophy.
Given such an outstanding track record and numerous brilliant displays, it's clear why he earned recognition as MLS's premier young prospect this season.
Vargas previously participated regularly in USMNT youth development programs, but circumstances shifted dramatically in 2024. He remains exceptional on the international scene, though now representing a different nation.
Obed Vargas Represents a Crucial Element of Mexico's Bright Tomorrow
Originally from Alaska, Vargas relocated to Seattle to join the Sounders' youth system and ultimately the main roster. He featured for USMNT junior squads and competed in the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup representing the United States.
Subsequently, during summer 2024, FIFA granted approval for Vargas's one-time nationality change to compete for El Tri internationally. Vargas's paternal heritage traces back to Michoacan, Mexico, which significantly influenced his choice.
"I'm thrilled to confirm that I've chosen to represent Mexico," Vargas declared previously. "The decision-making process was straightforward for me, it's the squad I supported growing up. It's my way of celebrating my family and heritage. My entire family has Mexican roots, so it's simply the team I watched as a child. The team that holds my deepest affection."
In October 2024, Javier Aguirre included Vargas in El Tri's senior squad for the first time. He earned his debut shortly afterward in Mexico's 2–0 triumph over Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT.
Vargas has been absent from Seattle's recent two matches as he's currently in Chile representing Mexico at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Among El Tri's World Cup squad members, no player possesses more professional match experience than Vargas.
Joining Vargas in the midfield is Tijuana's 16-year-old sensation Gilberto Mora. Both athletes have featured in all four matches thus far, with Mora emerging as the tournament's standout performer. Elías Montiel and Iker Fimbres round out Mexico's impressive midfield options for the World Cup.
Mexico remained undefeated in the tournament's challenging group stage that witnessed South American champions Brazil's elimination from the World Cup. El Tri subsequently confronted host nation Chile in the round of 16, overwhelming them 4–1 to secure an exciting quarterfinal matchup against Argentina this Saturday.
El Tri's U-20 squad features exceptional talent across all positions. This generation of players has supporters feeling hopeful about what lies ahead. Several, including Vargas, possess genuine opportunities to earn selection for Mexico's 2026 FIFA World Cup team.