If you’re an American soccer fan, you’re probably familiar with Sebastian Delussi. If not, you need to pay more attention. Drewsi’s impact on the Austin Football Club during his first three seasons in Major League Soccer (MLS) was profound.
Drussi’s soccer journey looks like a thrilling epic, showing his evolution from a promising talent to a mainstay in MLS. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1996, Drussi’s career began at River Plate’s famous youth academy, a springboard for many of Argentina’s best players. He made his debut on December 2, 2013, aged just 17, and made an important start, playing 73 minutes in a hard-fought 1–0 win against Argentina Juniors.
Drussi spent the following season securing a place in River Plate’s starting XI. He scored his first league goal for River Plate on 8 March 2015, in a dramatic 2–2 draw against Union de Santa Fe. This goal was just a hint of much more to come. During his time at River Plate, he was a key figure in the team’s rise to glory, contributing to victories such as the 2014 Argentine Primera División final, the 2015 Copa Libertadores and the 2016 Recopa Sudamericana. His time at River Plate cemented his reputation as a rising star in South American football.
His excellent performances caught the attention of European scouts and led to his transfer to Zenit St. Petersburg on July 8, 2017, for a reported €15 million, or $16.7 million. Drussi quickly adapted to his new surroundings, scoring two goals in his debut against FC Rubin Kazan. His influence in Russia has been significant, helping Zenit win three consecutive Russian Premier League titles (2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21), the domestic cup, and the Super Cup. His standout moment for Zenit was his late equalizer against FC Akhmat Grozny on 4 May 2019, which sealed Zenit’s victory in the 2018/19 Russian Premier League.
After a successful four-year stint in Russia, Drussi sought a new challenge and bought out the remainder of his contract with Zenit on 26 July 2021. His next adventure took him to MLS, where he signed with Austin FC on July 29, 2021. The move was a game-changer for the expansion team, which brought in a player with important European pedigree.
Drussi came on as a substitute in his MLS debut on August 7, 2021 and immediately made an impact. He started the next few games of the 2021 season, scoring his first goal for Austin FC in a 3-1 win over the Portland Timbers. He quickly established himself as a key player on the team, becoming the first Austin FC player to score 10 goals in a season and earning a spot on the 2022 MLS All-Star Team. His outstanding performances earned him the MLS Player of the Month award for April and July 2022, as well as being named to that season’s MLS Best Eleven.
Reflecting on another career milestone that followed, Drewsi said: It was something I always dreamed of, but I didn’t know when I would achieve it. So, for me, becoming a professional is something I’ve always dreamed of since I was a kid, and being able to reach that number is amazing for me. ” referring to his recent accomplishment of scoring his 100th career goal.
On February 14, 2023, Drussi reinforced his commitment to Austin FC with a three-year contract through the end of the 2025 season (with an option for 2026). His role as team captain emphasizes his importance and leadership within the team.
Off the pitch, Drussi’s family-oriented personality and Austin’s appreciation for his quiet lifestyle contrast with the intense scrutiny he faced in Argentina, but that hasn’t diminished his competitiveness. “I always say I spend more time at the club than I do with my family and teammates. That’s why I always consider my teammates to be family. I spend more time with my kids and my wife. I spend more time with them than I do,” DiRussi said. “So, in my free time, I try to spend time with my family and kids, enjoy food, and always enjoy being together. That’s very important to me. My family supports me. It’s a system that does that for you.”
Austin’s warm climate and soccer hobby provide Drussi with cultural familiarity. “I always say that Argentina and the United States, especially Austin, are very similar in terms of passion and the way they live football,” he said. “Russia is a cold country and its people are quite cold, so even though I lived there for four years, I couldn’t fully adapt to their culture.”
His dedication to his family is reflected in his tattoo choices. “I have my children’s faces on my chest. I have my parents’ faces and names, my siblings’ initials, and my wife’s name. When I met (my wife), on our first date, I said, ‘She’s mine. She’s going to be the mother of my child.” And that’s exactly what happened, so I got her name tattooed. Family is the most important thing to me. ”
As for his favorite tattoo, Drussi turned to the lion he has on his back. “It symbolizes strength. It always stands by me and gives me strength. Once I went to Argentina and I scored a goal in their stadium against River’s rivals, Boca Juniors. This match is one of my favorites because I scored it and showed it to the whole crowd.”
As of July 2024, Drussi is Austin FC’s all-time leading scorer with 49 goals, a testament to his consistent talent and influence. His remarkable journey from River Plate to Zenit St. Petersburg and now Austin FC paints a portrait of a player who thrives in diverse environments.
As Drussi continues to shine in MLS, he continues to be a pivotal figure in the spirit of the club and Austin’s broader soccer community. His ability to adapt and excel in different leagues, along with his deep connections with his family and cultural roots, makes him an outstanding player and a huge influence in the world of football.
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