FRISCO, Texas (Feb. 13, 2026) — FC Dallas continued to add international flair and midfield depth ahead of the 2026 MLS season, announcing the signing of Uruguayan midfielder Joaquín Valiente from Defensor Sporting Club. Valiente is signed through the 2027–28 season, with club options extending through 2029–30, pending receipt of his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate.
The 24-year-old joins Dallas following an extensive 2025 campaign on loan with Barcelona Sporting Club, one of Ecuador’s most storied clubs. During his time in Guayaquil, Valiente made 48 appearances across all competitions, contributing five goals and six assists while gaining valuable experience in domestic league play and continental competition. His consistent involvement reflected both durability and trust from the coaching staff, traits FC Dallas hopes translate quickly to MLS play.
Valiente’s arrival reinforces Dallas’ emphasis on technically gifted midfielders capable of influencing games in multiple phases. Known for his quick decision-making, close control, and ability to operate in tight spaces, Valiente profiles as a versatile option who can link play centrally or push forward in attacking sequences. At 5-foot-5, his low center of gravity complements a skill set built on agility, sharp passing angles, and relentless work rate.
The Uruguayan began his professional career with Defensor Sporting Club in Uruguay’s second division, where he made an immediate impact during his first senior season. Valiente recorded 25 appearances across all competitions, tallying three goals and four assists while playing a key role in Defensor’s promotion to the Liga AUF Uruguaya. That breakthrough campaign set the stage for his growth at the top level.
Across three seasons in Uruguay’s first division, Valiente accumulated 79 appearances, producing 10 goals and 19 assists while establishing himself as a reliable contributor in midfield. His tenure with Defensor was highlighted by back-to-back Copa AUF Uruguaya titles in 2023 and 2024, adding championship experience to his résumé at a young age. Those successes, paired with his productive loan spell in Ecuador, positioned Valiente as a player ready for a new challenge.
By signing Valiente, FC Dallas continues a selective tradition of incorporating Uruguayan talent into the club’s history. He becomes the latest Uruguayan to suit up for the organization, joining a list that includes David Texeira, who played from 2014–16, and Washington Rodríguez, a member of the Dallas Burn during the club’s inaugural 1996 season. While brief, that lineage underscores Dallas’ longstanding openness to South American influence.
From a roster standpoint, Valiente will occupy an international slot once eligible, adding another layer of competition to a midfield group that has been reshaped during the offseason. With preseason nearly complete and the regular season approaching, the timing of the signing suggests Dallas is intent on finalizing its core while maintaining flexibility for both present needs and long-term planning.
Valiente, whose full name is Joaquín Valiente Cioli, was born April 13, 2001, in Colonia Valdense, Uruguay. He brings professional experience across three countries and multiple competitions, a background that aligns with FC Dallas’ desire for players who can adapt quickly to varying styles of play.
As the club prepares for the 2026 campaign, Valiente’s signing represents both an investment in immediate depth and a longer-term vision. With options that could keep him in Frisco through the end of the decade, FC Dallas has positioned itself to develop a midfielder entering his prime—one whose blend of experience, technical quality, and competitive pedigree fits squarely into the club’s evolving identity.
