David Ruiz

Biography

David Antonio Ruiz Ochoa (born 8 February 2004) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. Born in the United States, he represents the Honduras national team. Born in Miami, Ruiz later moved to Honduras at age five, before moving back to the United States three years later. Ruiz played youth soccer with the Miami United Stars for seven years. In 2021, he joined the Inter Miami CF academy. In 2021, Ruiz began playing with Fort Lauderdale CF (later renamed Inter Miami II) in USL League One, later in MLS Next Pro. In March 2023, Ruiz joined the Inter Miami first team roster on a short-term four-day loan. He made his MLS debut the next day, in a substitute appearance against the Chicago Fire. On 21 April, he signed a second short-term loan with the club, playing in their match against the Houston Dynamo. On 28 April, Ruiz signed a homegrown player contract with Inter Miami CF for him to join their Major League Soccer first team on a permanent basis through the 2025 season, with club options for 2026 and 2027. He scored his first professional goal on 13 May and recorded an assist against the New England Revolution, also being sent off in the match, after picking up a second yellow card in the 81st minute. He became the youngest player to record a goal and an assist for the club at 19 years and 95 days. Born in the United States to Honduran parents, Ruiz is eligible to represent the United States or Honduras. In October 2022, he was called up at youth level with the Honduras U20 ahead of a series of friendly matches against US youth club teams. In January 2023, Ruiz was called up to a training camp with the United States U19. In April 2023, he was called up to the Honduras U20 for a training camp. He was then subsequently named to their squad for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. In their second match of the group stage, he scored his first goal in the first half on a penalty kick, before later being sent off after receiving a straight red card after slapping a South Korea U20 player. In August 2023, Ruiz was called up to the Honduras senior national team for the upcoming September CONCACAF Nations League group matches. He made his senior debut on 12 September 2023, in a substitute appearance against Grenada.