Dani Pereira takes winding road to Venezuela & Copa América: “I never give up”
The winding road Dani Pereira has traveled to this point is marked with moments, snapshots interspersing the journey like mental milestones.
Pereira joined Austin FC as a Generation adidas selection with the first overall pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft, and has since become a key part of the team's midfield. Across the 2021, 2022, and 2023 MLS seasons, Pereira recorded two goals and 12 assists across 90 total MLS appearances, 75 of which were starts. In 2023, he tied for the team lead with eight (8) assists, while leading Austin in completed passes (1,338), duels (321), and interceptions (32).
Pereira made his debut for the Venezuelan Senior Men’s National Team on June 15, 2023, coming on as a substitute in the team’s 1-0 win over Honduras. He made his first international start three (3) days later in a 1-0 win over Guatemala.
Prior to signing for Austin, Pereira played two seasons of collegiate soccer at Virginia Tech, where he tallied six goals and six assists in 26 matches. As a young player, he played for Northside High School in Roanoke, Virginia. He was named Timesland Player of the Year as a senior, scoring 44 goals and leading the team to the Class 3 state final.
A native of Caracas, Venezuela, Pereira immigrated to the United States as a teenager with his family.