Reaching 377: Honoring Diego Chara's Remarkable MLS Career

As the Portland Timbers captain, Diego Chara is on the cusp of setting a remarkable MLS record by playing in his 377th regular season match - a testament to his unwavering dedication and impact on the club and the local community.

Over the course of 14 seasons, Chara has amassed more than 33,000 minutes on the field, every single one of them wearing the iconic green and gold of the Portland Timbers. It’s a staggering achievement that speaks volumes about his resilience, consistency, and deep-rooted connection to the club and its fans.

The journey began on April 23, 2011, when a young Chara, fresh from Colombia, made his MLS debut against the LA Galaxy. Little did anyone know then that this was the start of a record-setting career that would cement his status as a true Timbers legend.

One of the things that sets Chara apart is his commitment to the community. Whether it’s playing soccer with local kids during Stand Together Week or welcoming his family from Colombia, the midfielder has always been a pillar of the Portland community, using his platform to inspire and connect with fans of all ages.

“It’s hard to find a single photo that summarizes this, but this image from a Stand Together Week event in 2018 shows him playing soccer with a group of kids at a Portland park, making everyone’s day happier,” the article’s author notes.

Chara’s impact extends far beyond the field of play. His teammates and coaches speak of his unwavering professionalism, his tireless work ethic, and his ability to lead by example. “He is always doing the right things, taking care of his body, and putting in the work to be one of the best to ever do it,” the article states.

The article’s author has been fortunate enough to document Chara’s journey, capturing over 7,000 photos of the Timbers captain. From celebrating MLS Cup victories to welcoming his own children onto the field, these images tell the story of a player who has become synonymous with the heart and soul of the Portland Timbers.

One of the most poignant moments captured was the day Chara became a U.S. citizen in August 2019. Surrounded by people from all over the world, the judge at the naturalization ceremony even acknowledged Chara’s presence, having attended a Timbers match the night before and losing his voice.

As Chara approaches this historic milestone, the author reflects on the privilege of documenting his career: “There might never be another Diego Chara. I’m incredibly thankful I’ve been able to document the career thus far of such a legend.”

With each passing match, Chara’s legacy continues to grow, solidifying his place as one of the most influential and respected players in MLS history. As the Timbers faithful prepare to celebrate this remarkable achievement, the city of Portland can take immense pride in calling Diego Chara one of their own.