Diego Chara to return to the Portland Timbers in 2025

AUGUST 24, 2024 – PORTLAND, OR: MLS Regular Season match between Portland Timbers and St. Louis City (photos by Diego G Diaz).

Captain Diego Chara will return in 2025, with an option for 2026, as announced by the Portland Timbers on Wednesday, marking the return of one of the Rose City’s most iconic players.

This deal is for Portland’s captain and longest-serving player returning for a 15^th season.

Chara, 38, joined the Timbers in 2011 from his native club, América de Cali, in Colombia. He holds the MLS record for the most appearances (399) with a single club.

“We are delighted that Diego will continue his career as a Portland Timber. He possesses all the traits that as a player and person are important to our club,” general manager Ned Grabavoy said in a statement.

“His commitment and dedication as a professional have afforded him longevity in his career. Diego has been nothing short of remarkable in every way, and we are pleased he will continue playing a role with us next season.”

Chara helped Portland reach three MLS Cup finals, winning the title in 2015. He also won the MLS is Back Tournament in 2020 and earned MLS All-Star honors in 2019, along with MLS Best XI recognition in 2020.

“Diego Chara is a legend at this club,” head coach Phil Neville said in a statement. “The way he conducts himself, the way he behaves, and the way he trains every day is an incredible example to every footballer. It is an absolute honor and pleasure to work with him every single day.”

In the 2024 campaign, Chara made 32 appearances, including 28 starts, and logged a total of 2,431 minutes on the pitch. The Colombian native led the Timbers in completed passes with 1,284, achieving a passing accuracy of 92.1%.

His contributions were instrumental in helping Portland qualify for its eighth appearance in the MLS postseason. Throughout his Timbers career, Chara has 12 goals and 34 assists. He also holds the league record for fouls committed (894). Happy to see you back, Dieguito, with the Portland Timbers and looking forward to your retirement here in Rose City.

Diego Chara has participated in every postseason campaign in the club’s history, making 22 starts across eight playoff runs: 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2024.

The midfielder has recorded three postseason goal contributions, consisting of one goal and two assists. His only playoff goal came during the Timbers’ successful 2015 MLS Cup campaign when he scored in the second half to help lead the team to a 2-0 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC on November 8, 2015, at BC Place.

Source: Portland Timbers Communications