The Natural Selection

If you are a soccer fan in the United States, you know Sebastián Driussi. If you don’t, you should be paying more attention. Driussi’s impact at Austin Football Club in its first three seasons in Major League Soccer (MLS) was massive.

Driussi’s football journey reads like a thrilling epic, showcasing his evolution from a promising talent to a leading star in the MLS. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1996, Driussi’s career began at the famed youth academy of River Plate, a launchpad for many of Argentina’s finest. His debut on December 2, 2013, at just 17 years old, was a momentous start as he played 73 minutes in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Argentinos Juniors.

Driussi spent the next season securing his spot in the River Plate starting lineup. He scored his first league goal for River Plate on March 8, 2015, in a dramatic 2-2 draw with Unión de Santa Fe. This goal was merely a hint of the many achievements to come. During his tenure with River Plate, he became a linchpin in the team’s rise to glory, contributing to victories in the 2014 Argentine Primera División Final, the 2015 Copa Libertadores, and the 2016 Recopa Sudamericana, among others. His time at River Plate solidified his reputation as a rising star in South American football.

His stellar performances caught the eye of European scouts, leading to a significant move to Zenit Saint Petersburg on July 8, 2017, for a reported €15 million, or $16.7 million. Driussi adapted quickly to his new surroundings, scoring a brace against FC Rubin Kazan on his debut. His impact in Russia was profound, helping Zenit secure three consecutive Russian Premier League titles (2018-19, 2019-20, and 2020-21), as well as domestic cups and super cups. One standout moment at Zenit was his late equalizer against FC Akhmat Grozny on May 4, 2019, a goal that clinched the 2018-19 Russian Premier League championship for Zenit.

After a successful four-year stint in Russia, Driussi sought fresh challenges and on July 26, 2021, he bought out the remainder of his Zenit contract. His next adventure took him to MLS, where he signed with Austin FC on July 29, 2021. This move was a game-changer for the expansion team, which welcomed a player with significant European pedigree.

Driussi came on as a substitute on his MLS debut on August 7, 2021, and quickly made an impact. Within his next few starts in the 2021 season, he scored his first goal for Austin FC in a 3-1 victory over the Portland Timbers. He wasted no time establishing himself as a key figure for the team, becoming the first Austin FC player to reach 10 goals in a season and earning a spot in the 2022 MLS All-Star team. His stellar performances also garnered him MLS Player of the Month honors in April and July 2022, and a place in the MLS Best XI for that season.

Reflecting on another career milestone that followed, Driussi shared, “For me, it’s something very nice to reach that figure. It’s something I always dreamed of but didn’t know when I would achieve it, so being able to reach that figure, for me, being a professional, which is what I always dreamed of as a kid, is something amazing for me,” referring to his recent achievement of scoring 100 career goals.

On February 14, 2023, Driussi reinforced his commitment to Austin FC with a three-year contract extending through the end of the 2025 season, with an option for 2026. His role as team captain underscores his importance and leadership within the squad.

Off the pitch, Driussi’s family-oriented nature and appreciation for Austin’s quieter lifestyle contrast with the intense scrutiny he faced in Argentina, yet his competitive drive remains undiminished. “I always say I spend more time at the club than with my family or teammates. That’s why I always consider my teammates as family; I spend more time with them than with my own children or wife,” Dirussi said. “So, in my free time, I try to enjoy it with my family and my kids, being together, enjoying a meal, and always being together. It’s very important to me. My family is my support system.”

The warmer climates of Austin and its penchant for soccer provide Driussi with cultural familiarity. “I always say that Argentina and the United States, especially in Austin, are quite similar in terms of passion and how they live soccer,” he said. “In Russia, the country itself is kind of cold, and the people are quite cold, so I lived there for four years, but I never fully adapted to their culture.”

His commitment to family is demonstrated in his tattoo choices. “I have my children’s faces on my chest. I also have the faces and names of my parents, the initials of my siblings, and my wife’s name. When I met [my wife], I told her on our first date that she would be the mother of my children, and that’s how it turned out, so I got her name tattooed. My family is the most important thing for me.”

As for his favorite tattoo, Driussi turned to the lion he wears on his back. “It symbolizes strength. It always accompanies me and gives me strength. It’s one of my favorites because once in Argentina, I scored a goal against River’s rival, Boca Juniors, in their stadium and showed it to the whole crowd.”

As of July 2024, Driussi stands as Austin FC’s all-time leading goal scorer with 49 goals, a testament to his consistent brilliance and influence. His remarkable journey from River Plate to Zenit Saint Petersburg and now to Austin FC paints a portrait of a player who thrives in diverse environments.

As he continues to shine in MLS, Driussi remains a pivotal figure, embodying the spirit of his club and Austin’s broader soccer community. His ability to adapt and excel across different leagues, along with his deep connection to his family and cultural roots, makes him a standout player and a significant influence in the world of soccer.

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