Delgado grew up watching his two older brothers soccer games and watching Liga MX games on television with his father.[2] Delgado began playing soccer at the age of four with children two to three years older, after a coach saw him playing with a ball while at his older brother's soccer game.[3] Delgado grew up playing in the Pomona United Youth Soccer League and when he was 14, switched to the Cosmos West Academy.[4] The next year, he joined U.S. Soccer's U-17 residency program, spending two semesters before returning home.[4]
In 2011, Delgado had established himself in the Southern California youth soccer scene and faced a difficult decision decided which Los Angeles–based MLS academy to join – Chivas USA or the LA Galaxy, ultimately deciding to join Chivas.[5] After attending the Generation Adidas Cup with the Chivas academy, he was invited to the first team training.[2] At age 16, he was playing with the Chivas U19 team and training with the MLS squad.[2]
Club career
Chivas USA
Delgado was signed by Chivas USA as a Home Grown Player on April 2, 2012.[6] Delgado made his professional debut on October 4, 2012, during a 4–0 defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps FC, coming on as a 73rd-minute substitute.[7]
He made his debut for Toronto FC in May 2015 in the 2015 Canadian Championship.[9] On July 12, 2015, he scored his first goal for Toronto in a 4–4 draw against New York City FC at Yankee Stadium. On July 20, 2015, Delgado was named to the MLS Team of the Week.[10]
Delgado was again named to the MLS Team of the Week on August 1 and August 22, 2016.[11][12] On October 18, 2016, Delgado re-signed with Toronto FC on a multi-year deal.[13]
LA Galaxy
On January 21, 2022, Delgado was traded to return to his home state to play for LA Galaxy.[14][15]
Los Angeles FC
On January 22, 2025, Delgado was traded to the crosstown rival club Los Angeles FC.[16]
International career
Delgado was born in the United States to Mexican parents, making him eligible to represent Mexico as well as the United States.[17] At 13, he spent time with the U.S. U15 team and was part of the American U-17 residency program in Bradenton, Florida in 2010 and 2011.[2] Delgado has represented the United States at the under-17, under-18 and under-20 levels.[18] On January 8, 2018, Delgado received a call-up for the senior team for a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.[19]
He made his USMNT debut in a 1–0 friendly win against Paraguay on March 27, 2018. He started the match and helped win the decisive penalty, which was converted by Bobby Wood; he came off in the 86th minute for fellow senior team debutant Timothy Weah.[20][21]