He came out of a Mapuche community, played for River and now has a job in Greece

Football can open doors to more than one, especially if it passes through top clubs like River Plate. This sport not only offers the possibility of shining on the court, but also allows us to build a future full of opportunities, as demonstrated by the history of Daniel “Indio” Vega.

This archer began his path in a Mapuche community of Neuquénand his time at El Millonario marked a before and after in his career, giving him international projection and taking him to places as far away as Greecewhere he works today after retiring as a professional player.

What was Daniel “Indio” Vega’s career like?

Daniel Mario Vega was born in Cutral Co, Neuquéna town known as the oil region of Patagonia. His childhood was marked by a strong connection with mapuche culturesomething he always considers a fundamental part of his identity. Inspired by local figures and his cultural environment, Vega began to excel in football from an early age.

His first steps in sports were in the club Cutral Co Allianceunder the guidance of local coaches. In his adolescence, he decided to move to Buenos Aires to train in New Chicagowhere he made his professional debut in the 2003/04 season. Despite the team’s relegation in 2004, the goalkeeper remained at the club and became one of the key figures in the team. promotion achieved in 2006.

In 2007, his performance caught the attention of River Plate, which incorporated him into their squad as a substitute goalkeeper. His opportunity came in Opening 2008, when an injury to the starting goalkeeper allowed him to debut in the Millonario goal. During 2009 and 2010, Vega alternated between ownership and substitution, but his commitment and dedication never went unnoticed.

Despite the ups and downs in his career, “Indio” was always proud of his origins. His connection with the Mapuche community was a driving force that helped him stay focused, even in the most difficult moments of his professional life.

The rise with River

He River Plate’s relegation in 2011 It was one of the hardest moments in the club’s history. However, it was also a stage of transformation for the team and for players like Vega, who was once again a starter under the technical direction of Matias Almeyda. In the second half of the season, the goalkeeper consolidated his position, being key piece in the campaign that took River back to the First Division in 2012.

“It was a huge challengebut also an opportunity to show what he could give,” Vega recalled in an interview years later. The pressure of defending the club’s goal at such a critical moment was not easy, but his performance was fundamental to achieving promotion.

After returning to Primera, the arrival of Marcelo Barovero the club relegated Vega again to the substitute bench. Finally, in 2013, he decided to close his time at River to seek new horizons abroad.

What is the current situation of Indio Vega?

After leaving River, the footballer continued his career in minor teams. Between 2013 and 2015 he played for the Anorthosis Famagusta from Cyprusand then moved to USAwhere he defended the arches of Miami FC, Tampa Bay Rowdies and San Jose Earthquakes. His official retirement as a player came in 2021, closing a career of almost two decades in professional football.

However, the “Indian” did not move away from the sport. After hanging up the gloves, joined Matías Almeyda’s coaching staff as a goalkeeper coach. This collaboration began in the San Jose Earthquakes and, as of 2022, continues in the AEK of Athens, Greece.

Despite being far from his native Neuquén, Vega remains connected to his roots. He actively participates in cultural activities and maintains his commitment to the Mapuche communities, promoting their history and values. Today, from Greece, he combines his love for football with his passion for culture, proving that roots are never forgotten, no matter how far one goes.