Quick Facts
Biography
Sebastián Velásquez (born 11 February 1991) is a Colombian professional footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Real Monarchs in the United Soccer League.
Early life
Velásquez was born in the Colombian city of Medellín and moved to the United States at a young age, with his family settling in South Carolina. As a freshman in high school, he was instrumental in winning a state championship with Greenville High School (Greenville, SC), where they also finished the year ranked No. 1 in the nation by NSCAA. At the club level, he played alongside future Real Salt Lake teammate Enzo Martinez and they won a national championship in 2009. He then played at the junior college level for the Spartanburg Methodist Pioneers in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Career
Velásquez was selected 36th overall in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake. On March 10, 2012, Velásquez made his professional debut in a start for Real Salt Lake against LA Galaxy. In the 73rd minute, he provided a cross that was turned into the net by Galaxy defender Sean Franklin and Real went on to win the game 3–1. On November 8, 2013, Velásquez scored his first MLS goal with a header during the second leg of the 2013 Western Conference semifinals against LA Galaxy.
In December 2014, he was traded to New York City FC in exchange for allocation money. Velásquez was named NYCFC soccer player of the month by the Third Rail Supporters Club in March 2015.
On January 15, 2016, Velásquez became the first player to be signed by NASL expansion side Rayo OKC.
He's also the first player to make an appearance on the NYCFC Fan Podcast, on April 1st 2016. A milestone for the podcast.
Personal life
Velásquez was raised Catholic by his mother but left the Church in 2013 and joined another Christian denomination. His teammates nicknamed him the Colombian Lionel Messi.