David Ayala (footballer, born 2002)

About

David Ayala (born 26 July 2002) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.

David Ayala made his professional debut in the Argentine Primera Division on Dec. 10, 2019 at the age of 17. He spent three seasons with Estudiantes de La Plata logging 32 appearances. The Portland Timbers acquired Ayala on February 1, 2022 as an MLS U22 Initiative signing. He made his debut on March 12th as a substitute in a home win over Austin FC. On April 29th, 2023, Ayala suffered a torn ACL in the 21st minute of an away match against St. Louis, which caused him to miss the remainder of the season. On August 1st, 2024, he scored his first goal as a Timber with a back post header from a flicked on corner kick in a Leagues Cup match against Colorado Rapids. His first MLS goal came a month and a half later in similar fashion against the same opposition. He earned a spot in MLS Team of Matchday 8 for his performance in a 4-2 win at Sporting KC, where scored the opener in the 10th minute before taking a shot that deflected off a teammate and in, registering as an assist. On June 8th, 2025, Ayala scored a 92nd minute winner in…