Xavier Valdez: Rising Goalkeeper Star Shaping the Future of Dominican Football
From Harlem Roots to International Glory – The Remarkable Ascent of Xavier Valdez
Introduction to Xavier Valdez
Xavier Valdez has rapidly emerged as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the professional football world. Known for his towering height, agility, and international presence, Valdez has captured attention through his consistent performances for both club and country. Born in Harlem, New York, and representing the Dominican Republic on the international stage, he is a symbol of talent, dedication, and dual-heritage pride.
Valdez’s story is one of growth and transformation. Originally playing as a winger, he made a pivotal shift to the goalkeeper position during his teenage years. This decision marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would take him from youth academies to Olympic-level competition.
Quick Biography of Xavier Valdez
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Xavier William Valdez Derrig |
| Date of Birth | November 23, 2003 |
| Age | 21 years (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Harlem, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American & Dominican |
| Ethnicity | Mixed – Dominican father, American mother |
| Height | 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) |
| Weight | 82 kg (181 lbs) |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Current Club | Nashville SC (MLS) |
| Loaned To | Huntsville City FC |
| Previous Club | Houston Dynamo / Dynamo 2 |
| International Team | Dominican Republic (Senior Team) |
| Jersey Number | Varies (club-dependent) |
| Youth Clubs | Manhattan SC, Shattuck-Saint Mary’s |
| Pro Debut | 2022 (Houston Dynamo 2) |
| Known For | Height, Reflexes, Shot-stopping |
| Salary (2025) | $80,622 USD (approx.) |
| Net Worth (est.) | $300,000+ USD |
Early Life and Background
Xavier William Valdez Derrig was born on November 23, 2003, in Harlem, New York. Raised in a culturally rich household with a Dominican father and an American mother, he grew up experiencing both worlds. His early exposure to sport, combined with a supportive family environment, laid the foundation for his athletic pursuits.
Valdez joined Manhattan SC at a young age, initially playing as a winger. However, a significant growth spurt during his adolescence led to a role change—transforming him into a goalkeeper. This position would become the cornerstone of his athletic identity and open doors to national and international opportunities.
Education and Youth Development
Valdez honed his skills and discipline at the prestigious Shattuck-Saint Mary’s academy in Minnesota. Known for its elite athletic programs, the academy provided Valdez with high-level coaching and the structure necessary to sharpen his goalkeeping fundamentals. This experience prepared him for the next leap in his career.
In 2020, he joined the Houston Dynamo Academy. There, he trained alongside top-tier prospects and quickly made a name for himself. His performances earned recognition and ultimately led to his professional signing with the Houston Dynamo first team.
Professional Club Career
Houston Dynamo and Houston Dynamo 2
In February 2022, Xavier Valdez signed a Homegrown Player contract with Houston Dynamo. Although he did not make a senior team appearance, he played a key role in the club’s reserve side, Houston Dynamo 2, in MLS NEXT Pro. Over two seasons, he made 50 appearances and recorded multiple clean sheets, helping the team reach playoff qualification.
Valdez’s height, reflexes, and shot-stopping ability were instrumental in many close matches. Coaches praised his composure under pressure and his leadership in the defensive line, vital qualities for a goalkeeper at any level.
Nashville SC and Huntsville City FC
After Houston declined his contract option, Valdez was acquired by Nashville SC in December 2024 through the MLS End-of-Year Waivers. He officially joined the club in January 2025 on a one-year contract with options for further extensions. Valdez was immediately loaned to Huntsville City FC, Nashville’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, to gain regular match experience.
By mid-2025, he had made several starts for Huntsville, showcasing his growth and readiness for higher challenges. Nashville continues to monitor his development, and he remains in their rotation as a backup option.
International Career with the Dominican Republic
Valdez chose to represent the Dominican Republic internationally, honoring his paternal roots. His decision brought attention to the rising level of football in the Caribbean nation. He played for the U20 and U23 teams before making his senior debut in a friendly match against Chile on June 17, 2023.
Since then, he has earned 17 caps with the senior national team, participating in events such as the 2024 Paris Olympics and CONCACAF Nations League. His commanding presence in goal has brought stability to the national team, and he is seen as a long-term fixture in their lineup.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Standing at an imposing 1.95 meters (6’5″), Xavier Valdez has a clear physical advantage as a goalkeeper. His long reach and aerial dominance make him a formidable presence in the box. He is known for his excellent shot-stopping, quick reflexes, and ability to organize defenders during set-pieces.
Despite his size, Valdez is agile and quick off the line. His footwork has improved over the years, allowing him to play in systems that require distribution from the back. His communication and anticipation also contribute significantly to his effectiveness.
Financial Profile and Income Sources
As of 2025, Valdez’s estimated annual salary is approximately $80,000 USD, primarily earned through his Nashville SC contract. His total career earnings have crossed the $300,000 mark, a reflection of his growing professional value.
His primary source of income is professional football, with salaries from both MLS and international appearances. As his career progresses, sponsorships and endorsements are expected to become a part of his income stream.
Career Statistics Overview
Club Stats
| Club | Years | Appearances | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Dynamo 2 | 2022–2024 | 50 | 6+ |
| Houston Dynamo | 2022–2024 | 0 | 0 |
| Nashville SC | 2025–Present | 0 | 0 |
| Huntsville City FC | 2025 (loan) | 4+ | Pending |
| Team | Years | Caps | Tournaments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dominican Republic U20 | 2022–2024 | 6 | Youth Friendlies |
| Dominican Republic U23 | 2024 | 2 | Olympic Qualifiers |
| Senior Team | 2023–Present | 17 | Olympics, Nations League |
In July 2025, Valdez returned to Nashville after international duty. He was listed as a substitute in Nashville’s 5–2 victory over D.C. United. While he has yet to make his MLS debut, his steady development at Huntsville and consistent international call-ups suggest that a breakthrough may be on the horizon.
Coaches have continued to praise his work ethic and discipline, noting that his transition to a top-level professional is only a matter of time.
FAQ About Xavier Valdez
Q1: What is Xavier Valdez’s nationality?
A: He was born in the United States but represents the Dominican Republic in international football.
Q2: How tall is Xavier Valdez?
A: He stands 1.95 metres (6 feet 5 inches) tall.
Q3: What club does Xavier Valdez play for?
A: He is signed with Nashville SC (MLS) and is currently on loan to Huntsville City FC.
Q4: How many international caps does he have?
A: As of mid-2025, he has earned 17 caps for the Dominican Republic senior team.
Q5: When did he start his professional career?
A: He signed his first professional contract with Houston Dynamo in February 2022.
Conclusion
Xavier Valdez’s journey from a young winger in Harlem to a commanding international goalkeeper is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and talent. His transformation through elite academies, dedication to his craft, and pride in representing the Dominican Republic have shaped him into a rising figure in global football.
As he continues to develop with Nashville SC and Huntsville City FC, and garners caps for his national team, Valdez stands poised to make a lasting impact. With his physical attributes, growing experience, and unwavering focus, the future looks bright for this promising goalkeeper. Football fans and analysts alike would do well to keep an eye on Xavier Valdez as he climbs the professional ranks.
