Ender Echenique on Venezuelan football: 'It's too lively, fast, and strong'

Ender Echenique, a Venezuelan player for FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer (MLS), described the style of play in his home country's football league as "very lively, very fast, and also strong." He noted that Venezuelan players are accustomed to this demanding pace and physicality.

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It is a style of play that is too lively, too fast, and also strong. The Venezuelan player is always used to that.

In an interview with FC Cincinnati, Echenique discussed his journey from Venezuela to the MLS, emphasizing the increasing prominence and popularity of football in his nation. He shared that his family is his greatest source of strength and that their support motivates him to perform well in the competitive U.S. soccer landscape. Echenique joined FC Cincinnati in July 2025 and has since played in 29 matches, scoring two goals and providing six assists.

Before his move to the MLS, Echenique played for Caracas FC, where he recorded 16 goals and 15 assists in 81 games. His professional career also includes representing the Venezuelan national team, known as La Vinotinto, since his debut against Australia in 2025. He has since participated in friendlies against Canada, Turkey, and Iraq, contributing an assist in the victory against Turkey.

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My family is my greatest strength.

As the MLS enters a break for the 2026 World Cup, FC Cincinnati is currently seventh in the Eastern Conference. Echenique, who accumulated 900 minutes in 15 matches during the first half of 2026, scored one goal and provided five assists in MLS and CONCACAF Champions League play. He advised young talents to value their coaches' guidance, stating, "Each one adds and is of great importance."

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Each one adds and is of great importance.