David Ruiz Bio
David Antonio Ruiz Ochoa, born on 8 February 2004, is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. Born in Miami, Florida, to Honduran parents, he represents the Honduras national team at the international level. Standing at 181 centimeters tall, he has quickly progressed through Inter Miami’s development system to become one of the club’s promising young talents.
Early Life and Background
David Antonio Ruiz Ochoa was born and raised in Miami, Florida, before his family moved to Honduras when he was five years old. He spent three years in Honduras before returning to the United States with his family. This transnational upbringing shaped his dual eligibility to represent either the United States or Honduras at the international level.
Ruiz began his football journey with the Miami United Stars, where he played youth soccer for seven years. This long stint with a local youth club helped him develop the foundational skills that would later catch the attention of professional scouts. Growing up in a household with Honduran roots gave him a strong connection to Central American football culture.
Path to Professional Soccer
In 2021, at the age of 17, Ruiz joined the Inter Miami CF academy, marking his entry into a structured professional development environment. That same year, he began playing with Fort Lauderdale CF, which was later renamed Inter Miami II, in USL League One before the team transitioned to MLS Next Pro. These early experiences in lower-division American soccer provided him with valuable minutes against older opponents.
His rapid development within the academy system prepared him for the transition to the senior team. By early 2023, his performances had elevated him to the cusp of Major League Soccer action, setting the stage for his historic debut season with Inter Miami’s first team.
David Ruiz Career
Early Career (2021-2022)
Ruiz began his professional career in 2021 with Fort Lauderdale CF, the affiliate team of Inter Miami CF, competing in USL League One. The club was later rebranded as Inter Miami II and moved to MLS Next Pro, giving Ruiz exposure to a higher competitive tier. During these developmental years, he established himself as a technically gifted midfielder with an eye for goal.
His time with the reserve team allowed him to mature as a player while training daily within the Inter Miami infrastructure. The experience of playing regular professional matches at a young age prepared him for the demands of Major League Soccer competition.
Inter Miami First Team Breakthrough (2023)
In March 2023, David Antonio Ruiz Ochoa joined the Inter Miami first team roster on a short-term four-day loan. He made his MLS debut the very next day, coming on as a substitute against the Chicago Fire. The brief but impactful spell demonstrated that the club viewed him as ready for top-flight American soccer.
On 21 April, he signed a second short-term loan with the club and featured in their match against the Houston Dynamo. Just a week later, on 28 April, Ruiz signed a homegrown player contract with Inter Miami CF, joining the Major League Soccer first team on a permanent basis through the 2025 season, with club options for 2026 and 2027.
On 13 May, he scored his first professional goal and recorded an assist against the New England Revolution. However, the match also saw him sent off after picking up a second yellow card in the 81st minute. At 19 years and 95 days old, he became the youngest player to record a goal and an assist for Inter Miami, cementing his status as a rising star within the organization.
Inter Miami Era (2023-Present)
Since signing his homegrown contract, David Antonio Ruiz Ochoa has remained a part of Inter Miami’s first-team roster. His contributions in his debut MLS season showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stage, and the club’s decision to include options through 2027 reflected their long-term confidence in his development. He continues to be regarded as one of the brightest products of the Inter Miami academy system.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ruiz operates primarily as a midfielder with a balanced skill set that combines technical ability with goal-scoring instincts. His comfort in the final third was evident in his debut MLS season, where he demonstrated the poise to both finish chances and create them for teammates. His early exposure to professional football in USL League One and MLS Next Pro helped him develop the tactical awareness required to contribute in Major League Soccer.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of David Antonio Ruiz Ochoa’s young career came on 13 May, when he became the youngest player to record a goal and an assist for Inter Miami. His homegrown contract signing in April 2023 represented another significant milestone, validating years of development within the club’s academy. His call-up to the Honduras senior national team in August 2023 further underscored his rising profile in the sport.
David Ruiz Career Wins
As a young midfielder early in his professional career, David Antonio Ruiz Ochoa is still building his list of team honours and individual accolades. His progression from the Inter Miami academy to a first-team homegrown contract represents a significant achievement in itself, and he has been recognized as a key part of the club’s developmental pipeline.
International Career Highlights
Ruiz has represented Honduras at multiple youth levels. In October 2022, he was called up to the Honduras U20 squad for a series of friendly matches against United States youth club teams. In January 2023, he attended a training camp with the United States U19, reflecting his dual national eligibility. In April 2023, he was called up to the Honduras U20 for a training camp and was subsequently named to their squad for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
During the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Ruiz scored his first international goal on a penalty kick in the second match of the group stage. He was later sent off after receiving a straight red card for slapping a South Korea U20 player. In August 2023, he was called up to the Honduras senior national team for the September CONCACAF Nations League group matches, making his senior debut on 12 September 2023 as a substitute against Grenada.
David Ruiz Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
David Antonio Ruiz Ochoa was born in Miami, Florida, to Honduran parents. His family’s Honduran heritage gave him dual citizenship eligibility, allowing him to choose between representing the United States or Honduras at the international level. He eventually opted to represent Honduras, honoring his parents’ country of origin.
Personal Life
Ruiz keeps his personal life largely private, focusing public attention on his football career. At just 20 years old, he remains in the early stages of his professional journey with Inter Miami CF. His social media presence includes an Instagram account where he shares updates related to his training and matches.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents the final year of David Antonio Ruiz Ochoa’s current contract with Inter Miami CF, with the club holding options for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. His performance during this campaign will be closely watched as he looks to solidify his role within a star-studded Inter Miami squad. Consistency in midfield and continued development of his goal-scoring ability will be key benchmarks for his growth.
As one of the homegrown products of the Inter Miami academy, Ruiz carries the responsibility of representing the club’s youth development pipeline. His familiarity with the team’s tactical system, developed over years in the academy and reserve team, provides him with an advantage as he competes for minutes. The 2025 season offers him a platform to demonstrate that he belongs in the club’s long-term plans.
On the international stage, Ruiz continues to be part of the Honduras national team setup following his senior debut in September 2023. His performances for Inter Miami during the 2025 MLS season could influence his standing with the national team selectors ahead of upcoming CONCACAF competitions. With several prime years ahead of him, the 2025 campaign marks an important chapter in his ongoing development as a professional footballer.