Timbers great and Ring of Honor member Diego Valeri was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 29 during Sport Oregon's Night of Champions event.
Portland Timbers Ring of Honor member Diego Valeri was etched into Oregon sports history when he was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame last week. Speaking at the event, Valeri was asked about what advice he'd give to kids wanting to grow up and become the next "Diego Valeri":
His selection comes a little over a year after becoming the first MLS-era player to be inducted into the Timbers Ring of Honor. With the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame, he joins Ring of Honor member Clive Charles and the 1975 Timbers team.
Valeri's legacy as a key figure in MLS and club history as well as his impact in the Portland community cemented his place in Oregon sports history.
During his career with the Timbers, Valeri recorded 172 goal contributions (96g, 76a) in 301 games across all competitions. He earned 2013 MLS Newcomer of the Year, 2015 MLS Cup MVP, 2017 MLS Landon Donovan MVP, was a two-time MLS Best XI selection (2013 & 2014), a four-time MLS All-Star (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018) and was named one of MLS’s 25 Greatest Players. He also helped Portland win the Western Conference Final in 2015, 2018, and 2021, the MLS is Back Tournament in 2020 and the 2015 MLS Cup.
Oregon Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024
Valeri joins an incredible Hall of Fame class, including Megan Rapinoe, Pat Casey, Rick Abrahamson, and the 1984 and 1985 Portland State volleyball teams.