Austin FC announced today that Sebastián Driussi, a 25-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder, will join the Club with immediate effect as a Designated Player (DP). Driussi becomes Austin FC’s third DP alongside his new teammates Cecilio Domínguez and fellow Argentine Tomás Pochettino.
Driussi joins Austin FC on a multi-year contract after opting to exercise a buyout clause in his former agreement with FC Zenit St. Petersburg shortly after helping his former team win the Russian Super Cup on July 17. With the recent attack-minded additions of Driussi as the Club’s third DP and Moussa Djitté as the third U-22 initiative player, Austin FC has maximized all three (3) DP roster slots and all three (3) U-22 initiative roster slots. Per Club policy, terms of Driussi’s acquisition were not disclosed.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sebastián to Austin,” commented Claudio Reyna, Austin FC Sporting Director. “Sebastián is poised to be an offensive difference maker in MLS. He has represented Argentina’s youth national teams, played in the UEFA Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and FIFA Club World Cup in addition to winning 14 trophies so far in his career. This is an impressive resume for any player, let alone at 25 years old. He is a world-class competitor, and we are excited to welcome him to Austin and our Club.”
Born in the San Justo enclave of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Driussi (pronounced “dree-U-see”) debuted as a 17-year-old in 2013 with Argentina’s famed Club Atlético River Plate, where he made 110 appearances and 81 starts in four (4) seasons, tallying 31 goals across all competitions. With River Plate, Driussi won South America’s vaunted Copa Libertadores (2015), Argentina’s Copa Campeonato Primera Division (2013-14) as well as the Copa Sudamericana (2014), one (1) Torneo Final (2014), two (2) Recopa Sudamericana titles (2015 and 2016), one (1) Suruga Bank Championship (2015), and one (1) Copa Argentina (2016). Driussi was part of the River Plate squad that finished second at the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup, falling to FC Barcelona in the final.
“I am excited to join Austin FC and continue my career in Major League Soccer,” commented Driussi. “I have followed the Club in this inaugural season, and I feel honored to represent Austin. The support for Austin FC is world-class, and it was a key factor in my decision to join Austin. I look forward to joining my teammates and coaching staff in making Austin proud and earning positive results.”
“Sebastián is a phenomenal and versatile player who will elevate our attack and make us more dangerous going forward,” commented Austin FC Head Coach, Josh Wolff. “We've had our eye on him for quite some time. We are confident that Sebastián’s international experience and pedigree will raise the level of our entire group and help us compete for a playoff spot this season.”
In 2017, Driussi moved to FC Zenit St. Petersburg in the Russian Premier League, where he registered 119 appearances and 102 starts, scoring 25 goals across all competitions. Driussi won six (6) trophies with the reigning Russian first division champions, including three (3) consecutive league titles (2019, 2020 and 2021), one (1) Russian Cup title (2020) and two (2) Russian Super Cup titles (2021-21 and 2021-22). Driussi made eight (8) starting appearances for Zenit over two (2) UEFA Champions League campaigns.
At the international level, Driussi played in 15 matches for the Argentina U-17 National Team and eight (8) matches for the Argentina U-20 National Team, scoring a combined eight (8) goals. Driussi helped Argentina win the South American U-20 Championship in 2015.
In accordance with current MLS protocols related to a players’ entry into the United States, Driussi is not available for selection in this Saturday’s match against the Colorado Rapids.
Transaction: Austin FC signs midfielder Sebastián Driussi to a Designated Player multi-year contract on July 29, 2021.
Player Details
Name: Sebastián Driussi (pronounced “dree-U-see”)
Position: Midfielder
Jersey Number: 25
Height: 5’11”
Date of birth: February 9, 1996
Age: 25
Born: San Justo, Argentina
Nationality: Argentina
Last Club: FC Zenit St. Petersburg
How acquired: Signed on July 29, 2021
Roster Designation: Designated Player (DP)
