Following the conclusion of voting for MLS end-of-the-year rewards on Monday, Oct. 20, Sounders FC midfielder Obed Vargas was named a finalist for the league's Young Player of the Year category. Vargas is one of three finalists, alongside Orlando City FC’s Alex Freeman and Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna.
Voted by media members, clubs, and players, this award represents the best MLS player aged 22 or younger.
This comes as no surprise given his recent accolade as the No.1 player in the 22 under 22 rankings on Oct. 8. The Homegrown midfielder has made his mark in MLS and on a global stage this season, propelling the Sounders toward a first-ever Leagues Cup title while putting up strong performances against the best-of-the-best in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Not only have his contributions in the center of the pitch earned him opportunities to compete in the MLS All-Star match, he’s also been called-up on several occasions to the Mexican National Team program — most recently for the U-20 FIFA World Cup in Chile.
Vargas has made the most of his career thus far at just 20-years-old, making him a top candidate for this particular end-of-the-year award. Winners will be revealed over the course of the playoffs.
