It goes without saying Yeimar has been one of the best defenders in the league since joining the Seattle Sounders ahead of the 2020 MLS season.
Yeimar’s last match – a 1-1 road draw against Portland on Saturday – provided a glimpse of his defensive dominance, as he posted 13 clearances, six recoveries, six winning duels, and won 100% of his tackles. But, it's his five-year resume at the club that truly showcases just how much of a stalwart he has become on Seattle’s back line.
“He has really, in a lot of ways, been one of, if not the most important and consistent piece for us in the last couple of years,” said Assistant Coach Andy Rose.
The Colombian international has been a cornerstone in some of the club’s biggest moments in history, including Seattle’s 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup title. Individually, he’s been named to Major League Soccer’s Best XI twice (2021, ‘24), is a two-time MLS Defender of the Year finalist, and has been honored as the Sounders’ Defender of the Year for five consecutive seasons.
But, what's made him such an effective player, is the dedication and selflessness he’s instilled on and off the pitch.
“My mind immediately goes to the person before the player, because he is just such an incredible human being,” said Rose of Yeimar. “[He’s] all about the team. Couldn't care less about individual accolades.”
Not every player can say they have been at a club for as long as Yeimar has with the Sounders. His loyalty and personable attributes play a huge part in his longevity at the organization.
“I think that speaks volumes again, of his character, how much the guys love him here, how much the whole club loves him,” said Rose. “He's really found a home here and you can tell that he's so settled and enjoying life.”
By establishing roots in Seattle, Yeimar has not only reached everyone’s expectations, but has shown future promise at the club, despite his already accomplished career.
“Oftentimes that's obviously where you have the most development as a player, is where everything is settled off the field,” said Rose. “[And] I just see him honestly getting better year-after-year, which at this stage of his career, into his 30s, is really cool for me to see as a young coach, to see somebody like that who's already been so successful in his position, just continue to get better every day.”
Whether it be his development in passing, his on-the-ball movement in times of possession, or his ability to break lines, Yeimar continues to find ways to elevate his game.
“[He’s] not coming to a just a stagnant point. Yeimar has come a long way,” said Assistant Coach Freddy Juarez. “Really lucky to have him, to have had him for this long, and to see his progression over time.”
First Responders Day (vs. FC Dallas)
Join us in honoring our first responders with a $32 ticket and a custom Sounders-branded dad cap—a stylish way to show your appreciation. Secure your spot and celebrate those who keep our community safe!
Kickoff at 12:00 p.m. PT on May 24.
And as a veteran on the Sounders squad, the center back has begun to embrace a leadership role, supporting his younger teammates as they navigate the professional soccer space.
“Any time that we can counsel the youngsters, it's important because we all went through the same steps and as a veteran, you wish that the new players will do better than you, because you have the experience and you can guide them,” said Yeimar.
He’s found ways to lead his teammates through providing tips and showing compassion in moments of disarray.
“It goes a long way that [he’s] not killing a young player when they make a mistake. He's not one of those types of guys,” said Juarez. "So that also, without saying it, is actually giving a vote of confidence to the team.”
It is his underlying presence on the pitch, however, that truly gives the team as a collective the assurance to play freely.
Rose described him as an “emotional leader.”
“I’ve played with players like that, maybe not always the loudest on the field, but somebody who, when he wins a big header or has a big tackle, there's just so much trust in what he brings, and now, he's become much more of a complete center back with his ability to then make plays on the ball as well,” he said. “He's one of those players that guys can look to in a key moment of a game and know that he's going to be there, rock solid. Put everything on the line for the team. And those guys just mean so much to the environment.”
