Yeferson Soteldo: The Brilliant Venezuelan Footballer
Yeferson Soteldo is one of the most promising names in South American football in recent years. Born in Venezuela, this young talent has won the hearts of fans across multiple countries with his technical skill, impressive speed, and sharp game vision. As a versatile player capable of performing in various positions on the pitch, Soteldo represents the bright future of the Venezuelan national football team. In this article, we explore the life and career of this exceptional athlete, from his first steps in the sport to the moments of glory that put him on the global radar. Spanning over 2,000 words, we delve into the details of his journey, highlighting what makes him such a special player.
Early Life and First Steps in Football
Yeferson Julain Soteldo Martínez was born on June 30, 1998, in Acarigua, in the state of Portuguesa, Venezuela. This central region of the country is known for its strong agricultural tradition but also for producing sporting talents who overcome local challenges. From a young age, Yeferson displayed an innate passion for football. His parents, humble workers, supported their son’s dream despite the economic difficulties Venezuela faced at the time.
At seven years old, Soteldo joined the youth ranks of Zamora FC, one of Venezuela’s most traditional football clubs. There, he started as an ordinary kid, playing on the streets and makeshift fields with neighborhood friends. His coaches quickly noticed his exceptional agility and ball control. “He was like a bolt of lightning on the field, always dribbling and creating plays,” recalls a former youth coach. At Zamora, Soteldo progressed through all age groups, from under-10 to under-18, developing not only his technical skills but also his competitive mindset.
During his formative years, Yeferson faced obstacles such as a lack of resources and political instability in Venezuela, which even disrupted training schedules. However, these challenges forged his resilient character. He trained extra hours, watched videos of idols like Lionel Messi and Neymar to refine his dribbling, and dreamed of one day playing professionally. By age 15, he was already considered a gem of Venezuelan football, competing in youth tournaments that caught the attention of international scouts.
First Lessons at Zamora FC
At Zamora, Soteldo learned the fundamentals of professional football. The club, founded in 2007, had won national titles and became a showcase for young talents. Yeferson made his senior team debut in 2013, at just 15, in a Copa Venezuela match. His first goal came shortly after, against Deportivo Táchira, marking his definitive entry into the adult world of the sport. These early moments were crucial for his growth, teaching him how to handle pressure and the importance of discipline.
Rise in Venezuelan Football
Soteldo’s rise in the national scene was meteoric. At Zamora FC, he became a key figure in midfield and on the wings, contributing to significant achievements. In 2015, the team won the Venezuelan Championship, and Yeferson was named the leagueස
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best young player of the league. His ability to turn games with precise passes and sharp finishing set him apart from his peers.
In 2016, at age 18, Soteldo was called up for the first time to Venezuela’s under-20 national team. At the FIFA U-20 World Cup held in South Korea, he shone alongside other emerging talents. He scored decisive goals and drew international media attention. “That’s when the world started talking about me,” Soteldo said in an interview years later. His performance included a stunning free-kick goal against Japan, which went viral on social media.
Highlights with the Venezuelan National Team
The Venezuelan senior national team, known as “La Vinotinto,” has always struggled to establish itself in South America. Soteldo debuted for the senior team in 2015 in a friendly against Bolivia. Since then, he has become a cornerstone of the squad, participating in World Cup qualifiers and the Copa América. In 2019, at the Copa América held in Brazil, Yeferson was one of Venezuela’s standout players, as the team reached the quarterfinals for the first time in its history. His goal against Bolivia in that tournament was a milestone, showcasing his composure in crucial moments.
Over the years, Soteldo has amassed over 40 appearances for the national team, with goals and assists that have helped elevate the status of Venezuelan football. He represents a generation aiming to break the country’s World Cup qualification drought, inspiring young Venezuelans to chase their dreams.
Move to Santos FC and Impact on Brazilian Football
One of the most thrilling chapters of Soteldo’s career came in 2018 when he signed with Santos FC, one of Brazil’s football giants. The São Paulo-based club, famous for producing Pelé and Neymar, saw in Yeferson the potential to repeat history. The transfer followed intense negotiations, with Zamora selling the player for a modest sum but with resale clauses that would benefit the Venezuelan club.
Upon arriving in Brazil, Soteldo had to adapt to the intense pace of the Brazilian Championship and the local football culture. Under coaches like Jorge Sampaoli, he quickly integrated into the squad. His debut was against Fluminense, where he provided an assist in the opening minutes. The passionate Santos fans, who love skillful players, embraced Yeferson as an idol, nicknaming him “Sotelzinho” due to his short stature (1.60m) and agility.
At Santos, Soteldo played as a left winger, attacking midfielder, and even second striker, showcasing his versatility. In his first season, he contributed 10 goals and 12 assists in 45 matches. He was the team’s maestro, creating plays with short dribbles and pinpoint passes. One unforgettable moment was his bicycle-kick goal against São Paulo in the San-São classic, securing a crucial victory.
Moments of Glory at Vila Belmiro
Vila Belmiro, Santos’ stadium, became the stage for many of Soteldo’s memorable performances. In 2019, he helped the team reach the Copa Libertadores final, though they lost to Flamengo. His performances in that campaign, with goals against teams like Corinthians and Grêmio, established him as one of the competition’s top foreign players. Fans chanted his name, and Soteldo’s number 10 jerseys sold out in stores.
During his time at Santos, Yeferson also faced setbacks, such as an ankle sprain in 2020 that sidelined him for months. However, his determination saw him return stronger, winning the 2021 Campeonato Paulista with decisive goals in the final against São Paulo.
Experiences at Other Clubs and Professional Growth
After leaving Santos in 2022, Soteldo embarked on new adventures. He transferred to Toronto FC in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. The Canadian club paid a hefty sum for the Venezuelan, banking on his talent to revitalize the team. In the MLS, Yeferson adapted to the more physical style of North American football, scoring 10 goals in his first season and becoming the team’s captain.
In Toronto, he formed a lethal attacking duo with stars like Alejandro Pozuelo. His dribbles and speed challenged robust defenses, earning him a spot in the 2023 MLS All-Star Game. However, his longing for South American football brought him back to the continent in 2024, when he signed with Grêmio, another Brazilian giant.
At Grêmio, Soteldo rediscovered the high-intensity football he loved. In Porto Alegre, he became a key figure in the campaign that took the team to the Copa do Brasil final. His goals and assists against rivals like Internacional reignited his passion for the Brasileirão. As of 2025, Yeferson continues to wear the tricolor jersey, contributing to the resurgence of the Porto Alegre club.
Contributions in the MLS and Return to Brazil
Soteldo’s stint in the MLS was enriching. He learned to cope with long trips and varied climates while improving his English and engaging with a diverse fanbase. In Toronto, he not only excelled on the pitch but also participated in community outreach, visiting immigrant communities and promoting football among youth. His return to Grêmio marked a full circle, back to the Brazil where he had made his name.
Playing Style and Unique Skills
What makes Yeferson Soteldo a brilliant player? His style is a blend of refined technique and a goal-scoring instinct. Standing at just 1.60m, he uses his short stature to his advantage, lowering his center of gravity for unpredictable dribbles. Soteldo excels at short, sharp moves like body feints and chipped finishes.
His peripheral vision enables precise assists, and he is proficient in free kicks and penalties. While defense is not his strength, he compensates with high pressing and ball recovery in the attacking third. Compared to players like Ángel Di María or the young Endrick, Soteldo stands out for his consistency and ability to decide games single-handedly.
Technical Analysis and Comparisons
Analyzing his stats, Soteldo averages 0.5 goals per game in Brazilian clubs and 0.4 assists per game. His pass accuracy exceeds 85%, and he completes over three dribbles per match. These numbers reflect a complete player, capable of fitting into 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 systems. His idols, Messi and Neymar, have influenced his game, but Soteldo adds a Venezuelan flair: the grit of someone from an underestimated football nation.
Impact on the Venezuelan National Team and Legacy
For Venezuela, Soteldo is more than a player; he’s a symbol of hope. “La Vinotinto” has never won a Copa América, but with Yeferson, they came close in 2019 and 2021. In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, he is the technical leader, scoring against Brazil and Argentina. His impact goes beyond stats: he inspires a new generation of Venezuelans to overcome adversity.
In 2025, at age 27, Soteldo is at his peak. He dreams of leading Venezuela to their first World Cup and winning continental titles. His legacy is already tangible: clubs like Zamora and Santos have established academies in his honor.
Personal Challenges and Resilience
Soteldo’s life hasn’t been all glory. Venezuela’s crisis forced him to leave his family young, and injuries tested his patience. As a married man and father, he balances career and personal life, using social media to motivate fans. His resilience is a lesson for all.
Conclusion: Soteldo’s Bright Future
Yeferson Soteldo continues to light up football with his talent. From Acarigua to the world, his journey is inspiring. With dedication and skill, he proves that Venezuelan football has much to offer. Here’s to more chapters in this story of triumph and brilliance.
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