Where Are They Now: Javier Morales

Javier Morales played for Real Salt Lake from 2007 to 2016. He last had his option declined by his new team, FC Dallas, following the 2017 MLS season. During Morales’ time in Salt Lake he scored 49 goals and had 81 assists.

Morales was a regular starter for Real Salt Lake for the better part of a decade, playing in 261 MLS matches for the team. However, at the end of the 2016 season, Morales was not offered a new contract and would ultimately find himself having to move himself and his entire family to Dallas for the 2017 season.

For Dallas in 2017 Morales started just 8 games, notching two assists. He was brought in due to FC Dallas star Mauro Diaz getting an injury in the 2016 season. Morales didn’t have a large amount of success with Dallas, and the club announced at the end of the season that Morales has had his 2018 contract option declined.

While adjusting to life in Dallas, Morales has tried to become a part of the community. Quickly becoming friends with his teammates, specifically Maximiliano Urruti and Mauro Diaz, he has certainly found a new niche.

In addition to making friends in Dallas Morales also put his oldest son, Santiago Morales, in the FC Dallas academy. Santi Morales plays midfielder like his father and has been on the academy team since Morales was signed in Dallas. In an FC Dallas video, Santiago Morales said he “just wants to tell his dad, thanks for everything.” To Santiago, Javier is a huge inspiration to him and he wants to be just like his dad.

Morales has two kids and a wife with him in Dallas. Both his children were born in the Salt Lake area, but his family now resides in Frisco.