When a player suffers a devastating injury at the beginning of his career, his entire trajectory could be changed and result in a failure to reach the heights of previous potential. Some young talents are able to overcome these early challenges and regain momentum, seamlessly transitioning back into the lineup. Obed Vargas has already gone through the cycle of “medical issue, rehabilitation, and return,” re-establishing himself as one of Major League Soccer’s top prospects. The 18-year-old Seattle Sounders midfielder plays several ages up at the international level and is being scouted for a transfer to Europe.
Born in Anchorage, Alaska to Mexican immigrant parents who moved to The Last Frontier for work, Vargas played with Cook Inlet Soccer Club before relocating to Washington and entering the Seattle Sounders FC academy in 2019 — scouts identified him at an Olympic Development Program tournament.