Yeferson Julio Soteldo Martínez, commonly known as Yeferson Soteldo, is a Venezuelan professional footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Santos FC, on loan from Tigres UANL, and the Venezuela national team. Born on June 30, 1997, in Acarigua, Venezuela, Soteldo is known for his exceptional dribbling skills, agility, and playmaking ability, despite his relatively small stature.
Soteldo began his professional career in Venezuela with Zamora FC in 2013. He quickly established himself as a key player, showcasing his talent and contributing significantly to the team’s success. His performances attracted attention from clubs abroad, and in 2016, he moved to Chilean side Huachipato. In Chile, Soteldo further developed his skills, becoming a standout player in the Chilean Primera División. His creativity and goal-scoring ability made him a fan favorite.
His success in Chile led to a transfer to Universidad de Chile in 2018. He continued to impress, demonstrating his versatility and ability to adapt to different tactical setups. During his time with Universidad de Chile, he became a more complete player, improving his decision-making and tactical awareness. In 2019, Soteldo made a significant move to Santos FC in Brazil, a club with a rich history and a reputation for nurturing talented players.
At Santos, Soteldo thrived. He quickly became an integral part of the team, showcasing his dazzling dribbling and creating numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates. He formed a strong attacking partnership with players like Gabriel Barbosa, contributing to Santos’ impressive performances in both domestic and continental competitions. Soteldo played a pivotal role in Santos reaching the final of the 2020 Copa Libertadores, where they narrowly lost to Palmeiras. His individual performances in the tournament were widely praised, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most exciting players in South America.
In 2021, Soteldo joined Toronto FC in Major League Soccer (MLS). While his time in MLS was relatively short, he showed glimpses of his talent and provided a spark to the team’s attack. However, he ultimately returned to South America, joining Tigres UANL in Mexico. After a brief stint with Tigres, he returned to Santos FC on loan, seeking to recapture the form that made him a star in Brazilian football.
Soteldo is also a key member of the Venezuelan national team. He has represented Venezuela at various youth levels and made his senior international debut in 2016. He has since become a regular in the national team setup, contributing with goals and assists. He is considered one of the most talented players in Venezuela’s history and is seen as a vital part of the team’s future. His performances for La Vinotinto are closely followed by Venezuelan fans, who hope he can lead the team to success in international competitions.