Lucas Zelarayán Explained

Lucas Zelarayán
Full Name:Lucas Manuel Zelarayán
Birth Date:20 June 1992
Birth Place:Córdoba, Argentina
Height:1.72 m[1]
Position:Attacking midfielder
Currentclub:Al-Fateh
Clubnumber:10
Youthyears1:2001–2005
Youthclubs1:Universitario
Youthyears2:2005–2008
Youthclubs2:Club Deportivo Atalaya
Youthyears3:2008–2012
Youthclubs3:Belgrano
Years1:2012–2015
Clubs1:Belgrano
Caps1:75
Goals1:10
Years2:2016–2020
Clubs2:Tigres UANL
Caps2:113
Goals2:21
Years3:2020–2023
Clubs3:Columbus Crew
Caps3:97
Goals3:38
Years4:2023–
Clubs4:Al-Fateh
Caps4:30
Goals4:8
Nationalyears1:2021–
Nationalteam1:Armenia
Nationalcaps1:16
Nationalgoals1:3
Pcupdate:23:15, 27 May 2024 (UTC)
Nationalteam-Update:26 March 2024 (UTC)

Lucas Manuel Zelarayán (Armenian: Լուկաս Մանուել Զելարայան; born 20 June 1992) is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Saudi Pro League club Al-Fateh. Born in Argentina, he plays for the Armenia national team.

He began his professional career with Belgrano in the Argentine Primera División in 2012, moving in 2016 to Tigres UANL in the Liga MX. He won three league titles and as many Campeón de Campeones tournaments, before an $8 million transfer to the Columbus Crew in 2020. In his first year in Major League Soccer, he won the MLS Cup, scoring twice and assisting once in a 3–0 final win over Seattle Sounders FC and being named MLS Cup Most Valuable Player. In July 2023, he transferred to Al-Fateh for an undisclosed fee.

Club career

Youth career and Belgrano

Born in Córdoba, Argentina, Zelarayán was nicknamed "El Chino" (The Chinese Man) from his childhood and kept the nickname during his career.[2] [3] He played his youth football at Las Estrellas, Universitario, and Atalaya, and is a Belgrano youth graduate. He made his senior debut on 25 April 2012, coming on as a second-half substitute for Lucas Parodi in a 2–1 away loss against Rosario Central, for the season's Copa Argentina.[4]

Zelarayán made his Primera División debut on 2 March 2013, replacing Jorge Velázquez in a 2–0 away loss against Newell's Old Boys.[5] His first professional goal came on 7 April of the following year, as he scored the winner in a 2–1 home defeat of River Plate.[6]

On 5 December 2014, after becoming a regular starter, Zelarayán extended his contract until 2018.[7]

On 5 December 2015, amid transfer speculation, Zelarayán played his last game for Belgrano, versus Colón in the Liguilla Pre Sudamericana, where he was given the captain's armband and an emotional farewell by the fans. Over 55,000 spectators chanted his name in unison to bid him farewell.[8] [9]

Tigres UANL

On 21 December 2015, Zelarayán agreed to a contract with Liga MX side Tigres UANL, signing for a reported 5.5 million. [10] He debuted for the club the following 10 January, replacing Rafael Sóbis in a 1–0 loss at Toluca.Zelarayán scored his first goal abroad on 5 February 2016, netting the last in a 3–1 win at Chiapas. On 22 January 2017, he scored a brace in a 4–2 home win against América. On 6 March 2019, After a long absence of almost five months due to injury, Lucas Zelarayán made his return to the pitch with Tigres, coming on in the 83rd minute to seal a 3–0 aggregate victory against the Houston Dynamo in the CONCACAF Champions League.[11] [12]

Columbus Crew

On 20 December 2019, Zelarayán moved to Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew for $8 million.[13] [14] [15] Zelarayán made his debut against New York City FC, scoring the match-winning goal in the 56th minute.[16] He was named the league's Newcomer of the Year at the end of the 2020 regular season. In the 2020 MLS Cup final, Zelarayán scored two goals and assisted on another in Columbus' 3–0 win over Seattle Sounders FC to help them win their second ever MLS Cup title. Zelarayán was named the MLS Cup Most Valuable Player after his performance.[17]

During the 2021 MLS season, Zelarayán scored a total of five free-kick goals, with two of them coming in one game vs New York City FC. Both free kick goals turned out to be crucial for the Crew, as they ended up winning 2–1, with the game winning free kick coming in the 5th minute of second half stoppage time, which earned Zelarayán recognition as MLS Player of the Week.[18] Zelarayán was named MLS Player of the Week a second time in the 2021 season after scoring 2 goals in a 3–1 victory against D.C. United.[19] Zelarayán finished the year leading the club in both goals and assists with twelve and seven respectively.[20] At the end of the season, it was announced that Zelarayán had signed a contract extension with the Crew, keeping him with Columbus through the 2024 Major League Soccer season with an option for 2025.[21]

The 2022 season began promisingly for Zelarayán as he scored four goals in the first three games of the season, including a free kick goal as part of his brace in a 3–3 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes. After a fast start in the month of March, which included being named MLS Player of the Month, recurring injury issues[22] [23] [24] were a potential factor in his goalless streak, which lasted for 12 consecutive matches before he scored in the Hell Is Real derby against FC Cincinnati on 17 July.[25] [26] On 5 October, Zelarayán scored a 56-yard free kick, which gave him the record for the longest free-kick goal in Major League Soccer history.[27]

During week two of the 2023 season, Zelarayán scored both of Columbus' goals in a 2–0 victory over D.C. United,[28] earning the league's Player of the Week award in the process.[29] Zelarayán scored the game-winning goal versus Chicago Fire FC, a 61-yard strike in the 93rd minute, leading Columbus to a 2–1 victory.[30] In his final game for the Crew on July 23, Zelarayán scored his last goal for the club—a free-kick in the 2–1 win against St. Louis City SC in Leagues Cup—setting a club record with 9 free-kick goals across his time with the team.[31] [32]

Al Fateh SC

On 31 July 2023, Zelarayán was transferred to Al Fateh SC of the Saudi Professional League for an undisclosed transfer fee.[33] On 30 March 2024, Zelarayán assisted on all three of his team's goals in a 3–2 win versus Al-Wehda FC,[34] [35] and would then go on score in his next four appearances, most notably the only goal in a 1–0 victory versus Al-Ettifaq FC.[36] [37]

International career

Born in Argentina, Zelarayán is of Armenian descent through his father. He received an invitation to represent the Armenia national team in June 2020.[38] After accepting the invitation in October 2021,[39] he made his debut for the team in a 1–1 draw against Iceland during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification matches.[40]

On 16 June 2023, Zelarayán scored his first international goals in a 4–2 win away to Wales in UEFA Euro 2024 qualification.[41] In the reverse fixture on 18 November, he netted after five minutes in a 1–1 draw.[42]

Style of play

Lucas Zelarayán is a versatile attacking midfielder who has proven himself in a variety of positions, including on the wings and in the central midfield. With a reputation as a creative playmaker possessing exceptional technical ability and decision making, he is an expert at dismantling opposing defenses. Zelarayán's great sense of positioning on the field allows him to shoot from outside the box, dribble past defenders, and deliver final passes that unlock even the tightest of defenses. His ability to not only set up teammates, but set himself up to score as well makes him a vital component of his team's offense. In addition to his attacking prowess, Zelarayán is also a set-piece specialist, known for his superb free-kick taking ability. His talent for both keeping possession and slaloming through defenders make him an exceptionally dangerous player.[43] [44] [45] [46] [47] [48]

Personal life

Zelarayán is a fan of Belgrano and grew up supporting them. He lists his idols as Juan Román Riquelme and Paolo Frangipane.

Career statistics

Club

Club!rowspan="2"
SeasonLeagueCupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Belgrano2011–12Argentine Primera División1010
801090
2013–1418110191
2014194194
2015305102[49] 0335
Total751040208110
Tigres UANL2015–16Liga MX1514[50] 01[51] 0201
2016–174087010488
2017–1821320412[52] 1295
22520202[53] 0285
2019–20154154
Total11321401716114023
2020MLS16[54] 65[55] 2218
20213212311[56] 03613
20222910002910
20232010001[57] 12111
Total973800317310742
Al-Fateh2023–24Saudi Pro League30820328
Career total3137610022213435882

International

[58]

Appearances and goals by national team and year!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
Armenia202140
202220
202383
202420
Total163

Scores and results list Armenia's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Zelarayán goal.[58]

List of international goals scored by Lucas Zelarayán
No.DateVenueCapOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1 16 June 2023 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 8 1–1 4–2 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying
2 4–2
318 November 2023Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, Yerevan, Armenia131–01–1UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying

Honours

UANL

Apertura 2016, Apertura 2017, Clausura 2019

2016, 2017, 2018

2018

Columbus Crew

2020

Individual

2020[59]

2020[60]

2021,[61] 2023[62]

February/March 2022[63]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: mlssoccer . Lucas Zelarayán. 8 April 2022 . mlssoccer.
  2. News: MLS: el Chino Zelarayán llegó a los 30 goles en Columbus Crew . 18 November 2023 . Olé . 10 September 2022 . Spanish.
  3. News: Video: doblete de golazos del "Chino" Zelarayán jugando para Armenia . 18 November 2023 . Cadena 3 . 16 June 2023 . Spanish.
  4. Web site: Villalobo . Marcos . 2015-09-08 . Lucas Zelarayán, un Chino de sangre celeste . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220316212851/https://www.elgrafico.com.ar/articulo/1089/8509/lucas-zelarayan-un-chino-de-sangre-celeste . 2022-03-16 . 2023-06-26 . El Gráfico . es.
  5. Web site: Scocco abrió el camino para el triunfo de Newells ante Belgrano. Scocco cleared the path to Newells' triumph against Belgrano. ESPN Deportes. es. 2 March 2013. 30 December 2017.
  6. Web site: Belgrano venció a River y lo dejó sin la punta. Belgrano defeated River and left them without the leadership. ESPN Deportes. es. 7 April 2014. 30 December 2017.
  7. Web site: 12 April 2014 . El ¨Chino¨ es de Belgrano. live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230410213440/https://www.belgranocordoba.com/noticia-belgrano/684/ . 10 April 2023 . 10 April 2023 . www.belgranocordoba.com.
  8. Web site: ¨Olé, olé, olé, olé, Chino, Chino...¨. 15 May 2023 . www.belgranocordoba.com.
  9. Web site: Lee . Jimmy . 2020-06-05 . Lucas Zelarayán: The Kid From Humble Beginnings Who Became an Idol for his Beloved Club (Interview) . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626043324/https://golazoargentino.com/2020/06/05/lucas-zelarayan-the-kid-from-humble-beginnings-who-became-an-idol-for-his-beloved-club/ . 2023-06-26 . 2023-06-26 . golazo argentino .
  10. Web site: 21 December 2015 . Zelarayán se suma a los Tigres . Zelarayán joins Tigres . https://web.archive.org/web/20160104182815/http://www.tigres.com.mx/nota/zelarayan-se-suma-a-los-tigres . 4 January 2016 . dead . 30 December 2017 . Tigres UANL . es.
  11. Web site: 20 December 2018 . Lucas Zelarayán niega su salida de Tigres . 15 May 2023 . Futbol Total: Un juego auténtico lleno de nobleza y emoción..
  12. Web site: Tigres UANL vs. Houston Dynamo FC - Football Match Summary - March 12, 2019 - ESPN . 15 May 2023 . ESPN.com.
  13. Web site: Columbus Crew SC acquires attacking midfielder Lucas Zelarayan as a Designated Player. columbuscrew.com. Columbus Crew. 20 December 2019. 3 June 2021.
  14. Web site: Cucho Hernandez transfer: Columbus Crew sign Watford's Colombian striker, paying club-record $10 million fee . 9 October 2022 . CBSSports.com .
  15. Web site: FIFA falló a favor de Belgrano en la causa Zelarayán. 10 April 2023 . belgranocordoba.com.
  16. Web site: Crew 1, NYC FC 0 Lucas Zelarayan's goal in debut gives Crew season-opening win. Myers. Jacob. The Columbus Dispatch. 2 March 2020.
  17. Web site: 13 December 2020. Columbus' Zelarayan named MLS Cup MVP. 15 December 2020. ESPN.com.
  18. Web site: mlssoccer. Recap: New York City FC 1, Columbus Crew 2. 9 December 2021. mlssoccer.
  19. Web site: Columbus Crew's Lucas Zelarayan named Week 34 MLS Player of the Week. mlssoccer.com. 7 March 2022.
  20. Web site: Murphy. Pat. 19 November 2021. The Crew announce 2021 individual end of season awards. 9 December 2021. Massive Report.
  21. News: ColumbusCrew.com. Columbus Crew signs midfielder Lucas Zelarayan to new multi-year contract . 9 December 2021. ColumbusCrew.com.
  22. Web site: Lister . Joe . 3 July 2022 . Talking Columbus Crew with Massive Report . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230515030040/https://www.brotherlygame.com/2022/7/3/23192608/talking-columbus-crew-with-massive-report . 15 May 2023 . 15 May 2023 . Brotherly Game.
  23. Web site: Holbrock . Justin . 1 June 2022 . Lucas Zelarayan to miss 3-5 weeks with injury . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230515031929/https://www.nbc4i.com/sports/mls/lucas-zelarayan-to-miss-3-5-weeks-with-injury/ . 15 May 2023 . 14 May 2023 . NBC4 WCMH-TV .
  24. Web site: Myers . Jacob . 23 April 2022 . 'Got to stick together': Possibly without Zelarayan, Columbus Crew hoping to end losing streak . https://web.archive.org/web/20230515032539/https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2022/04/23/caleb-porter-columbus-crew-aims-end-scoring-drought-when-they-play-sporting-kansas-city/7400296001/ . 15 May 2023 . 14 May 2023 . The Columbus Dispatch.
  25. Web site: 14 May 2023 . Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Box Score - July 17, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230515031815/https://theathletic.com/football/game/plays/cincinnati-vs-columbus-crew/gj80Y97yId4GzgC3/ . 15 May 2023 . 14 May 2023 . The Athletic.
  26. Web site: Lucas Zelarayán 2022 Match Logs . 15 May 2023 . FBref.com .
  27. Web site: 14 May 2023 . Charlotte FC vs. Columbus Crew - Football Match Report - October 5, 2022 - ESPN . https://web.archive.org/web/20230515033805/https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/623471 . 15 May 2023 . 14 May 2023 . ESPN.com.
  28. Web site: Lucas Zelarayan's brace leads Crew to 2-0 win over D.C. United in home opener. 4 March 2023. Johnson. Bailey. The Columbus Dispatch. 6 March 2023.
  29. Web site: Columbus Crew's Lucas Zelarayán named Player of the Matchday. 6 March 2023. Major League Soccer. 6 March 2023.
  30. Web site: Sigal . Jonathan . 2023-06-10 . Goal of the Year?! Lucas Zelarayán scores must-see winner from beyond midfield . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240413015016/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/goal-of-the-year-lucas-zelarayan-scores-must-see-winner-from-beyond-midfield . 2024-04-13 . 2024-04-13 . mlssoccer .
  31. Web site: 2023-07-24 . Match Report St. Louis CITY SC Drops Opening Leagues Cup Match 2-1 to Columbus Crew . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230727214056/https://www.stlcitysc.com/news/match-report-st-louis-city-sc-drops-opening-leagues-cup-match-2-1-to-columbus-cr . 2023-07-27 . 2024-04-13 . St. Louis CITY SC .
  32. 2023-07-31 . Bend it like Lucas Zelarayán: 9 Sensational Free Kicks for Columbus Crew SC . en . 2024-04-24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240424050445/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7qTl69Y0DA . 2024-04-24 . Video . Major League Soccer.
  33. Web site: Columbus Crew transfer Lucas Zelarayán to Saudi Pro League. 2023-08-14 . mlssoccer.
  34. Web site: 2024-03-31 . رقم مميز لماكسيمان و زيلارايان بدوري روشن . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240406094100/https://www.alyaum.com/articles/6522512/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B6%D9%8A/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%B9%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%8A/%D8%B1%D9%82%D9%85-%D9%85%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%B2-%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%83%D8%B3%D9%8A%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%88-%D8%B2%D9%8A%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B4%D9%86 . 2024-04-06 . 2024-04-13 . alyaum . Arabic.
  35. Web site: Lucas Zelarayán 2023-2024 Match Logs . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240413023340/https://fbref.com/en/players/3ce30893/matchlogs/2023-2024/Lucas-Zelarayan-Match-Logs . 2024-04-13 . 2024-04-13 . FBref.com . en.
  36. Web site: 2024-04-12 . Al Fateh edge past Al Ettifaq, Al Shabab eke out derby win . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240413023636/https://www.spl.com.sa/en/news/494105/al-fateh-get-past-al-ettifaq-while-al-shabab-eke-out-win-in-derby . 2024-04-13 . 2024-04-13 . Saudi Professional League Association . en.
  37. Web site: Al Fateh Results . 2024-08-07 . ESPN . en.
  38. News: Amirzayan . Krikor . L'arméno-argentin Lucas Zelarayan invité en sélection nationale d'Arménie . 18 November 2023 . ArmNews . 18 June 2020 . French.
  39. News: Ghazanchyan . Siranush . Lucas Zelarayán to play for Armenian national team . 18 November 2023 . Public Radio of Armenia . 28 September 2021.
  40. Web site: Iceland-Armenia | European Qualifiers. UEFA.com.
  41. News: Wales 2–4 Armenia: Kieffer Moore sent off in chaotic Euro 2024 qualifier as Wales flounder . 18 November 2023 . Sky Sports . 17 June 2023.
  42. News: Euro qualifying wrap: Wales now reliant on Croatia slip . 18 November 2023 . RTÉ . 18 November 2023.
  43. Web site: Quaile . Kieran . 7 October 2022 . Zelarayán scores the longest free-kick in MLS history: Who had the previous record? . 30 November 2022 . Diario AS.
  44. Web site: DeVille . Chris . 26 February 2020 . High expectations greet Lucas Zelarayán, the new face of the Columbus Crew . 10 April 2023 . Columbus Monthly.
  45. Web site: 4 December 2015 . Zelarayán fala sobre negociação com Grêmio: "Uma grande vitrina" . 10 April 2023 . GZH . pt.
  46. Web site: Brino . Gabriela . 31 January 2018 . Conheça Zelarayán, reforço que pode resolver dois problemas do Santos . 10 April 2023 . Lance! . pt.
  47. Web site: Lucas Zelarayan: Con Belgrano estoy cumpliendo un sueño . 10 April 2023 . La Voz del Interior . es.
  48. Web site: Peralta . Omar . 3 April 2023 . Lucas Zelarayán, el jugador que Tigres no supo aprovechar y brilla en el Columbus Crew de la MLS . 15 May 2023 . Yahoo Sports . es-US.
  49. Appearance(s) in Copa Sudamericana
  50. Appearance(s) in CONCACAF Champions League
  51. Appearance in Campeón de Campeones
  52. One appearance and one goal in Campeón de Campeones, one appearance in Campeones Cup
  53. One appearance in Campeón de Campeones, one appearance in Leagues Cup
  54. Includes three appearances and two goals in MLS is Back Tournament group stage
  55. One appearance in MLS is Back Tournament knockout stage, four appearances and two goals in MLS Cup Playoffs
  56. Appearance in Campeones Cup
  57. Appearance in Leagues Cup
  58. Web site: Lucas Zelarayán. EU-Football.info. 14 November 2021.
  59. News: Columbus Crew SC's Lucas Zelarayan named 2020 MLS Newcomer of the Year. Major League Soccer. 13 November 2020. 13 November 2020.
  60. News: Columbus Crew SC playmaker Lucas Zelarayan named MLS Cup MVP pres. by Audi . . 12 December 2020 . 13 December 2020.
  61. Web site: 2021 MLS All-Star Team Roster . Major League Soccer.
  62. Web site: 2023 MLS All-Star Team Roster. Major League Soccer. July 18, 2023. July 7, 2023.
  63. News: Columbus Crew star Lucas Zelarayan voted MLS Player of the Month. Johnathan. Wright. Major League Soccer. 30 March 2021. 1 April 2021.