Luis Suarez

The young and talented Uruguayan soccer star Luis Surez has been a perennial focus of the international press. It's not hard to understand why. Surez has something to offer just about anyone who follows the game: controversy, brash talk, inspired play, and, above all, goals. This indomitable forward, who was born in the city of Salto and later moved to Montevideo, is the protagonist of one of the most compelling stories in the annals of Uruguayan soccer. Raised along with six siblings by a single mother, Surez rose through the ranks of Uruguay's Club Nacional before vaulting to international fame during the 2010 World Cup, held in South Africa. Now recognized as a star in the elite leagues of Europe, the man whose shooting skills earned him the nickname "e;El Pistolero"e; seems certain to accomplish much more before his career is done.