- Years with Minnesota United: 2023–2024
- Position: Defender (full-back/right-back)
- Nationality: Puerto Rican/American
- Acquisition: Signed a one-year contract with Minnesota United FC on December 8, 2022, which included a club option for 2024.
Zarek Valentin is an MLS veteran who joined Minnesota United late in his career, bringing extensive experience from multiple MLS teams and a successful run in Norway. He appeared in over 200 regular-season matches across his 14 seasons in MLS.
Key stats with Minnesota United (MNUFC):
- MLS regular season appearances: 24
- MLS regular season goals/assists: 0 goals, 2 assists
- 2023 season: Appeared in 20 regular-season matches (15 starts) and assisted two goals.
- Departure: Retired at the end of the 2024 MLS season.
Memorable moments and honors (Overall career):
- MLS SuperDraft: Selected 4th overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by Chivas USA.
- MLS Cup final: Started in the 2018 MLS Cup Final for the Portland Timbers.
- Norwegian league winner: Helped FK Bodø/Glimt win the Norwegian second division (OBOS-ligaen) in 2013, securing promotion to the top-flight.
- Collegiate champion: Helped University of Akron win the 2010 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship title.
- International career: Was a member of the Puerto Rico National Team, earning nine caps after playing for the U.S. at various youth levels. He scored his first international goal in a Concacaf Nations League match.
Where is he now?:
- Zarek Valentin retired from professional soccer at the end of the 2024 season.
- He currently works in the Minnesota United FC front office as a Player Transition and Development Associate. In this role, he coaches and mentors academy and draft players, hosts the club’s official podcast, and provides live Spanish translation for teammates.