Rooted in Venezuela, Rising in Cincinnati: The Journey of Ender Echenique

In keeping with this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month theme, “United, We Are More,” Latina Today and the Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati Foundation celebrate the stories of Latino leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals making their mark across the United States. Among them is Ender Echenique, a young Venezuelan soccer player whose journey reflects the power of perseverance, discipline, and pride in his roots.

In a special episode of the Latina Today Podcast, Ender discussed his path from Venezuela to Major League Soccer, his dreams of representing his country in the World Cup, and the fundamental role that family, community, and faith have played at every stage of his career.

Listen to Ender Echenique’s inspiring story in Spanish on the Latina Podcast in Spotify. Learn how leadership, a passion for soccer, hard work, resilience, and the trust and support of those around him paved the way to achieving his dreams.  HERE

From Maracay to the Professional Dream

Originally from Maracay, known as Venezuela’s “Garden City,” Ender grew up in a region where baseball is part of the cultural identity. However, from a very young age, he showed that his passion lay elsewhere.

With a laugh, he recalls a family anecdote that ended up shaping his destiny: while his relatives tried to steer him toward baseball, he preferred kicking balls rather than throwing them.

“Soccer was the first sport I truly fell in love with. From the moment I got a ball, I couldn’t stop kicking anything and everything in sight.”

Recognizing this natural inclination, his parents enrolled him in a youth academy called La Caimánera. That marked the beginning of a journey that, years later, would lead him to compete on some of the continent’s biggest stages.

He stood out for his competitive spirit from an early age. Later, he joined the Villa Sport Araguaacademy, where he spent eight years developing the athletic and personal foundations that continue to guide him today.

The Support That Made Him Believe

When talking about his career, Ender always returns to the same point: family.

For him, the unwavering support of his parents and loved ones was crucial in keeping his professional dream alive.

“I always say that even though I achieved a lot at a young age, I was never alone. My family’s support gave me the confidence to keep moving forward and believe I could reach my goals.”

At 16, he took one of his first decisive steps by joining Aragua FC. Later, at just 19, he was given the opportunity to join Caracas FC, considered one of Venezuela’s most important clubs.

“When I arrived in Caracas, I realized things were on a whole different level and that I had a tremendous opportunity in front of me. I wanted to make the most of it, so I worked hard and embraced the challenge.”

Growing Under Pressure

His rise was rapid, though not without challenges.

International competitions marked pivotal moments in his development. His debut in the Copa Sudamericana allowed him to showcase his talent to a much wider audience and confirmed that he was ready to take the next step.

“I saw it as positive pressure. I didn’t just want to step on the field and enjoy the moment. I wanted to show that I was ready for bigger challenges and the next step in my career.”

For Ender, competing in tournaments such as the Copa Sudamericana and Copa Libertadoresmeant far more than simply logging minutes on the pitch. It was an opportunity to prove that he could compete at the highest level and move ever closer to his professional goals.

A Dream Called FC Cincinnati

In July 2025, Ender Echenique signed with FC Cincinnati as a U-22 Initiative player, marking the most significant milestone of his career to date.

Moving to a new country brought exciting opportunities, but also major personal challenges.

“When I first got here, I was on my own. At the beginning, I felt a little isolated, which is natural when you’re in a new country away from your family,” he admits.

However, he notes that the club supported him from day one and that the affection shown by fans and the Latino community helped him feel right at home.

“Cincinnati has become like family to me. I feel the support from the fans every day. Hearing them chant my name during matches motivates me and means a lot to me,” he says.

For the Venezuelan player, the connection with fans extends well beyond the 90 minutes of play. Every message, photo, and word of encouragement serves as a reminder that he is not alone.

Representing Venezuela

Despite the distance, Ender maintains a strong bond with his homeland.

“I never forget where I come from or everything we’ve been through as Venezuelans. It makes me appreciate this opportunity and everything I’m experiencing today even more,” he says.

Representing Venezuela on and off the field is a responsibility he carries with pride.. He is also inspired by the opportunity to become a role model for young Latinos pursuing their own dreams.

Reflecting on the reality of his country, he highlights the ability of Venezuelans to remain united in the face of adversity.

“We’ve been through difficult times, but Venezuelans are resilient and always look out for one another. No matter the challenges, we find a way to keep moving forward,” he says.

The Next Big Goal

Although he has already achieved important milestones, Ender says his biggest dream has yet to be fulfilled.

“My biggest dream is to represent Venezuela at a World Cup and help our national team qualify for one.”

For him, wearing the Venezuelan jersey on the highest stage of world soccer would be the reward for years of hard work, sacrifice, and discipline.

A Message for Those Who Dream Big

Before ending the conversation, Ender shared a message for young people and their families.

“The first thing is to be completely convinced of what you want to achieve. You have to have a clear dream and work for it every day,” he says.

He also highlights the importance of family support in the development of children and young people.

“Many times a word of encouragement, advice, or simply being present can make a huge difference in a child’s life.”

His final reflection summarizes the essence of his story:

“Dreams are built with work and perseverance, but also with love, support, and the trust of those who walk alongside us.”

The story of Ender Echenique is the story of a Venezuelan boy who discovered his passion for kicking balls in the streets of Maracay and who, thanks to discipline, faith, and the support of his family, turned that dream into a reality.

Today, he continues to write new chapters in Cincinnati, carrying with him the pride of representing Venezuela and serving as a reminder that sometimes the biggest dreams begin with a simple game among friends.