Obed Vargas

Obed Gomez Vargas (born August 5, 2005) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Seattle Sounders FC.

Born in Anchorage, Alaska, Vargas began his career with Cook Inlet Soccer Club before moving to Washington and joining the youth academy for Major League Soccer club Seattle Sounders FC.

He played in the academy for two seasons before signing a professional contract with Sounders FC reserve side Tacoma Defiance on May 7, 2021.

A couple days later, on May 9, Vargas made his senior debut for Tacoma Defiance in the USL Championship against LA Galaxy II.

He started and played 66 minutes as the match ended in a 1–1 draw.

He made his MLS debut for Seattle on July 22, 2021, as one of several Tacoma Defiance players called up to the Sounders for a match against Austin FC to replace injured players.

At 15 years and 351 days old, Vargas was the third-youngest player in MLS history.

He signed a formal Homegrown Player contract with the Sounders in December and became a starter for the team in the first matches of the 2022 season, playing in two CONCACAF Champions League fixtures.

Head coach Brian Schmetzer described Vargas' play style as similar to that of Cristian Roldan's rookie season, adding he was "going to be a tremendous player for our club".

In March 2020, Vargas was selected to participate in the United States national under-15 team camp.

He was called up by the United States national under-20 team in January 2022.

On October 8, 2023, Vargas was called up to the United States under-23 national team ahead of friendlies against Mexico and Japan.

Vargas is of Mexican descent and holds dual American and Mexican citizenship.

His father played for the youth academy of Monarcas Morelia; his younger brother and two sisters also play soccer.

Seattle Sounders FC