New York City FC Squad 2025
Introduction
As the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season approaches, New York City FC (NYCFC) has assembled a dynamic and ambitious squad poised to compete for domestic and international honors. Under the guidance of their visionary coaching staff, the team has meticulously built a roster that blends youthful exuberance with seasoned experience. The 2025 squad reflects a strategic mix of homegrown talent, shrewd acquisitions, and marquee signings, all aimed at maintaining NYCFC’s status as one of the league’s elite clubs. This post delves into the depth and quality of the 2025 roster, breaking down the squad into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, while providing detailed insights into each player’s background, achievements, and contributions to the team.
Goalkeepers
- Luis Barraza
- Nationality: United States
- Former Clubs: Marquette University (college), Real Salt Lake
- Transfer Fee: Free (Homegrown signing)
Luis Barraza continues to be a reliable presence between the sticks for NYCFC. A product of the club’s academy, Barraza has grown into a commanding goalkeeper with exceptional reflexes and distribution skills. Standing at 6’2”, he combines athleticism with a calm demeanor under pressure. His performances in the 2024 season, including a league-leading 12 clean sheets, solidified his reputation as one of MLS’s top shot-stoppers. Barraza’s ability to organize the defense and make crucial saves in high-stakes moments makes him an indispensable asset.
- Alexandros Katranis
- Nationality: Greece
- Former Clubs: Panathinaikos, Sint-Truiden
- Transfer Fee: $1.2 million
Acquired in the 2024 summer transfer window, Alexandros Katranis brings European experience and a competitive edge to NYCFC’s goalkeeping department. Known for his agility and quick decision-making, Katranis has quickly adapted to the demands of MLS. His performances in the UEFA Europa League with Panathinaikos showcased his ability to perform on the big stage. At 28, he is in the prime of his career and provides strong competition for Barraza, ensuring depth and quality in the goalkeeping position.
- Jacob Jackson
- Nationality: United States
- Former Clubs: Loyola Marymount University (college)
- Transfer Fee: Free (SuperDraft pick)
A promising young goalkeeper, Jacob Jackson was selected in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. At 22, he represents the future of NYCFC’s goalkeeping corps. Jackson’s collegiate career was marked by his shot-stopping ability and leadership qualities. While he is still developing, his potential is evident, and he has already shown glimpses of his talent in preseason fixtures. Jackson’s presence adds depth and ensures the club is well-prepared for the long MLS season.
Defenders
- Thiago Martins
- Nationality: Brazil
- Former Clubs: Yokohama F. Marinos
- Transfer Fee: $4 million
Thiago Martins remains a cornerstone of NYCFC’s defense. The Brazilian center-back is known for his composure, aerial dominance, and ability to read the game. Since joining from Yokohama F. Marinos in 2022, Martins has been a consistent performer, earning plaudits for his leadership and defensive acumen. His partnership with other defenders has been instrumental in NYCFC’s success, and his experience in high-pressure situations makes him a vital component of the squad.
- Maxime Chanot
- Nationality: Luxembourg
- Former Clubs: Kortrijk, FC Metz
- Transfer Fee: $500,000
A veteran presence in the backline, Maxime Chanot continues to defy age with his consistent performances. The Luxembourg international brings a wealth of experience and tactical intelligence to the team. Chanot’s ability to play out from the back and his knack for scoring crucial goals from set-pieces make him a unique asset. Despite being 35, his fitness and commitment remain unmatched, and he serves as a mentor to younger defenders.
- Tayvon Gray
- Nationality: United States
- Former Clubs: NYCFC Academy
- Transfer Fee: Free (Homegrown signing)
Tayvon Gray is one of the brightest talents to emerge from NYCFC’s academy. The 22-year-old right-back has established himself as a regular starter, thanks to his blistering pace, defensive tenacity, and ability to contribute in attack. Gray’s development has been rapid, and he has already attracted interest from European clubs. His performances in the 2024 season, including 5 assists, highlight his growing influence on the team.
- Malte Amundsen
- Nationality: Denmark
- Former Clubs: Vejle Boldklub
- Transfer Fee: $750,000
Malte Amundsen’s versatility makes him a valuable asset for NYCFC. Capable of playing as a left-back or center-back, the Danish defender is known for his technical ability and tactical awareness. Since joining from Vejle Boldklub in 2021, Amundsen has been a consistent performer, contributing both defensively and offensively. His ability to deliver pinpoint crosses and his work rate make him a fan favorite.
- James Sands
- Nationality: United States
- Former Clubs: NYCFC Academy, Rangers FC (loan)
- Transfer Fee: Free (Homegrown signing)
James Sands returned to NYCFC in 2024 after a successful loan spell at Rangers FC. The versatile defender, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, brings a unique blend of technical skill and physicality. Sands’ ability to break up play and initiate attacks from deep has been crucial to NYCFC’s tactical setup. At 24, he is entering his prime and is expected to play a pivotal role in the 2025 season.
Midfielders
- Keaton Parks
- Nationality: United States
- Former Clubs: Benfica, Varzim (loan)
- Transfer Fee: $1 million
Keaton Parks is the engine of NYCFC’s midfield. The towering Texan is known for his elegant passing, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game. Parks’ journey from Benfica to NYCFC has been marked by consistent growth, and he has become one of the league’s most complete midfielders. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him indispensable to the team.
- Santiago Rodríguez
- Nationality: Uruguay
- Former Clubs: Montevideo City Torque
- Transfer Fee: $2.5 million
Santiago Rodríguez is the creative heartbeat of NYCFC. The Uruguayan playmaker is known for his dribbling, vision, and ability to unlock defenses with incisive passes. Since joining from Montevideo City Torque in 2021, Rodríguez has been a key figure in NYCFC’s attacking play. His performances in the 2024 season, including 10 goals and 12 assists, underscore his importance to the team.
- Alfredo Morales
- Nationality: United States
- Former Clubs: Ingolstadt, Fortuna Düsseldorf
- Transfer Fee: Free
A seasoned campaigner, Alfredo Morales brings grit and experience to NYCFC’s midfield. The 34-year-old defensive midfielder is known for his tackling, positional awareness, and leadership. Morales’ ability to shield the defense and break up opposition attacks has been crucial to NYCFC’s success. Despite his age, he remains a vital part of the squad.
- Talles Magno
- Nationality: Brazil
- Former Clubs: Vasco da Gama
- Transfer Fee: $8 million
Talles Magno continues to dazzle with his flair and creativity. The Brazilian winger, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, is known for his dribbling, speed, and eye for goal. Since joining from Vasco da Gama in 2021, Magno has been a fan favorite, delivering moments of magic on the pitch. His performances in the 2024 season, including 8 goals and 7 assists, highlight his growing influence.
- Justin Haak
- Nationality: United States
- Former Clubs: NYCFC Academy
- Transfer Fee: Free (Homegrown signing)
Justin Haak is a product of NYCFC’s academy and has steadily risen through the ranks. The 23-year-old midfielder is known for his work rate, versatility, and ability to contribute in both defense and attack. Haak’s development has been impressive, and he is expected to play a more prominent role in the 2025 season.
Forwards
- Valentín Castellanos
- Nationality: Argentina
- Former Clubs: Universidad de Chile, Torque
- Transfer Fee: $2 million
Valentín Castellanos returned to NYCFC in 2024 after a successful loan spell in Europe. The Argentine striker is known for his clinical finishing, movement, and ability to link play. Castellanos’ goal-scoring exploits, including 15 goals in the 2024 season, make him one of the league’s most feared forwards.
- Gabriel Pereira
- Nationality: Brazil
- Former Clubs: Corinthians
- Transfer Fee: $3.5 million
Gabriel Pereira is a dynamic winger with a penchant for scoring spectacular goals. The Brazilian’s pace, dribbling, and creativity have made him a key player for NYCFC. Since joining from Corinthians in 2022, Pereira has consistently delivered, contributing 9 goals and 6 assists in the 2024 season.
- Mounsef Bakrar
- Nationality: Algeria
- Former Clubs: NK Istra 1961
- Transfer Fee: $1.8 million
Mounsef Bakrar is a rising star in NYCFC’s attack. The Algerian forward is known for his physicality, hold-up play, and ability to score from difficult angles. Bakrar’s performances in the 2024 season, including 7 goals, have shown his potential to become a key player for the club.
- Jovan Mijatović
- Nationality: Serbia
- Former Clubs: Red Star Belgrade
- Transfer Fee: $2.2 million
Jovan Mijatović joined NYCFC in 2024 and has quickly made an impact. The Serbian forward is known for his technical ability, movement, and finishing. Mijatović’s versatility allows him to play across the front line, making him a valuable asset for the team.
Conclusion
The 2025 New York City FC squad is a testament to the club’s commitment to excellence and ambition. With a blend of experienced veterans, emerging talents, and marquee signings, the team is well-equipped to challenge for titles on multiple fronts. Each player brings unique qualities to the table, contributing to a cohesive and dynamic unit. As the season unfolds, NYCFC fans can look forward to thrilling performances and memorable moments from this talented roster. The future looks bright for the Boys in Blue.