Inter Miami signed midfielder David Ruiz to a First Team contract, making him the sixth Academy product to sign as a Homegrown for the Club.
After signing his deal, the Honduran American expressed pride in the opportunity to represent his hometown.
“I feel really happy, really proud to have this opportunity… I was born here and I feel really proud to sign for the First Team in my home city,” said Ruiz.
Ruiz, 19, passed through the stages of Inter Miami’s development pathway en route to this moment. He first joined the Academy U-17 team in 2021 before signing professionally with Inter Miami CF II, and going on to represent the First Team this season, now culminating in his official Homegrown signing.
The midfielder highlighted the work done at these levels, and the proximity to the First Team as the motivation that helped get him to this point. He recognized the help of his former U-17 coach and current First Team assistant coach Javi Morales, as well as the help of Inter Miami CF II head coach Federico Higuaín as instrumental to his growth.
“Training next to the First Team motivated me a lot, and it’s something I set as a goal for myself, that that’s where I wanted to be. Everything from the facilities to the coaching… they helped with recovery, nutrition, everything.
“Javi was the first coach I had at Inter Miami and he’s somebody that really helped me advance, he helped me with the intensity and competitiveness. Fede also really helped me get to this point with the opportunity to sign for the First Team.”
Ruiz may have officially just signed for the First Team, but the young midfielder has already made two appearances in MLS on short-term loans. He made his MLS debut on March 25, coming off the bench to feature against Chicago Fire FC at DRV PNK Stadium. Then on April 22, he again came off the bench again in a road match against Houston Dynamo FC.
“I felt really proud to be there that night playing against Chicago Fire FC when I made my debut. I was really, really proud to touch the field.
“The support of the fans is what gave me the motivation and confidence to play that match. They helped me a lot, they eased the nerves of my first match.”
Now, Ruiz is ready to hit the ground running and make the most of his opportunity with the First Team.
“I’m ready to compete and fight for a place in the team. We have a lot of people who work hard here, so I’m really proud to be here and ready to keep pushing forward.”
