He plays as a defensive midfielder or central defender for the Ecuador national team.
Gruezo became the first Ecuadorian to score in the Bundesliga during his time with VfB Stuttgart.
Carlos Gruezo is an Ecuadorian footballer born in 1995.
Biography
Early Life
Carlos Armando Gruezo Arboleda, born in 1995, is an Ecuadorian professional footballer known for his versatility as a defensive midfielder or central defender. He is the son of Carlos Armando Gruezo Quiñónez, which hints at a family background that may have influenced his athletic pursuits.
Club Career
Gruezo began his football journey with Independiente del Valle in 2011 before moving to Barcelona S.C., where he played until 2014. His career took a significant turn when he signed with VfB Stuttgart, becoming the first Ecuadorian to score in the Bundesliga during a match against Freiburg in November 2014. After a challenging period at Stuttgart, he transferred to FC Dallas in January 2016, where he continued to develop his skills in Major League Soccer. In July 2019, Gruezo returned to Germany, joining FC Augsburg on a five-year deal. Most recently, he returned to the United States in January 2023 to play for the San Jose Earthquakes, although he mutually terminated his contract in February 2025 to join L.D.U. Quito.
International Career
Gruezo has represented Ecuador at various levels, starting with the U17 team at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He made his senior debut in May 2014 and was part of Ecuador's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. His international experience includes participation in multiple Copa América tournaments, showcasing his importance to the national team. As of 2024, he was named in the squad for the upcoming Copa América, further solidifying his role in Ecuadorian football.
Personal Life
In February 2019, Gruezo obtained a U.S. green card, allowing him to be classified as a domestic player in MLS, which reflects his commitment to his career in the United States. His journey through various clubs and national teams illustrates his dedication and adaptability in the world of football.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Club
As of match played on 19 October 2024
International
As of match played 19 November 2024
Gruezo played for the Ecuador U17 national team at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup and at the 2013 South American Youth Championship. He made his debut for the senior national team on 17 May 2014, coming in as a second-half substitute for Christian Noboa against the Netherlands. On 6 June, he was named in Ecuador's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Gruezo was selected in the 23 player Ecuador squad for the Copa América Centenario. Gruezo was selected in the 23-man Ecuador squad for the 2019 Copa América, released on 20 May 2019. Gruezo was selected in the 28 player Ecuador squad for the 2021 Copa América. Gruezo was named in the Ecuadorian squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Gruezo was called up to the final 26-man Ecuador squad for the 2024 Copa América.
Gruezo began his career with Independiente del Valle before joining Ecuadorian club Barcelona SC. Gruezo went on trial for VfB Stuttgart in their pre season friendlies in South Africa. On 30 January 2014, he signed a four-year contract with Stuttgart. He scored his first goal for the club in a 4–1 victory over Freiburg on 28 November 2014, becoming the first Ecuadorian to score in the Bundesliga. In 2015 however, he lost his spot in the starting lineup and only had a few more appearances for Stuttgart. He moved to FC Dallas on 23 January 2016. On 2 July 2019, Gruezo returned to Germany, joining FC Augsburg on a five-year deal. On 31 January 2023, Gruezo returned to the United States, joining San Jose Earthquakes on a three-year deal. San Jose and Gruezo mutually agreed to terminate his contract with the club on 4 February 2025 and joined L.D.U. Quito soon after.
- Club
- Barcelona S.C. (2012–2014)
- Club
- VfB Stuttgart (2014–2016)
- Club
- Independiente del Valle (2011–2011)
- Club
- VfB Stuttgart (2014–2016)
- Club
- FC Dallas (2016–2019)
- Club
- Ecuador national under-17 football team (2011–2011)
- Club
- Ecuador men's national under-20 association football team (2013–2013)
- Club
- Ecuador men's national football team (2014–)
- Club
- FC Augsburg (2019–)
- Club
- Santos Laguna
- League
- Bundesliga
- League
- Major League Soccer
- National team
- Ecuador
Personal
In February 2019, Gruezo obtained a U.S. green card, which qualified him as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes.
Clubs
- Ecuador men's national football team2014current
- FC Augsburg2019current
- Santos Lagunacurrent
- Ecuador national under-17 football team2011–2011
- Independiente del Valle2011–2011
- Barcelona S.C.2012–2014
- Ecuador men's national under-20 association football team2013–2013
- VfB Stuttgart2014–2016
- VfB Stuttgart2014–2016
- FC Dallas2016–2019
Played together with
Aaron GuillenFC Dallas · 2016–2017
Aaron PitchkolanFC Dallas · 2005–2009- Aaron ZehnterFC Augsburg · 2022–2024
- Aarón GalindoSantos Laguna · 2011–2014
- Aarón SandovalSantos Laguna
- Abdelaziz AhanfoufVfB Stuttgart
Abe ThompsonFC Dallas · 2005–2008
Abel AguilarFC Dallas · 2018–2018- Abiodun ObafemiFC Augsburg · 2000–2001
- Achim GlücklerVfB Stuttgart · 1983–1984
Adam HloušekVfB Stuttgart · 2014–2016- Adam HloušekVfB Stuttgart · 2014–2016
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Carlos Armando Gruezo Arboleda is an Ecuadorian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or central defender for the Ecuador national team. He is the son of Carlos Armando Gruezo Quiñónez.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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