New York City FC has confirmed that midfielder Maxi Moralez is set to return for his ninth season in 2025. At 37 years old, the Argentine international stands out in the club's history for being one of only two players, alongside David Villa, to have achieved over 100 goal contributions, with his record consisting of 27 goals and 74 assists across 183 MLS games since he first appeared for the team in 2017.
In the previous season, Moralez made a comeback from a torn ACL, participating in 17 matches where he scored once and assisted five times. His return was marked by a strong performance that helped the team secure a spot in the playoffs, showcasing his leadership skills and creativity on the field, which were acknowledged by sporting director David Lee. Lee emphasized the importance of Moralez's role not just in the games, but also within the team dynamic, particularly in guiding younger players in the locker room.
Moralez has been recognized for his exceptional skills in the past, earning selection as both an MLS All-Star and a member of the MLS Best XI in 2019. Additionally, he played a crucial role in NYCFC's victory in the MLS Cup in 2021 and the Campeones Cup in 2022. Expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, Moralez shared his appreciation for the club, stating that it feels like a second home to him and highlighting the trust he has received from coaches, teammates, and fans alike.
6 Comments
Karamba
With his age and injury history, this seems more sentimental than strategic. We need focus!
Matzomaster
Players like Moralez should be phased out, not celebrated for their past. They need to move on.
Rotfront
His ACL injury makes me question if he can perform at a high level again. This could backfire.
Karamba
Moralez still has it! His creativity and vision have always been top-notch. Let’s go!”
Katchuka
What a testament to his hard work that he’s still around! Excited to see him play again!
Comandante
It's nice to have 'club legends,' but at some point, we need to prioritize winning over sentiment.