NYCFC sign 14-year-old academy product Maximo Carrizo as youngest player in MLS history

New York City FC cracked the record books on Tuesday by making the youngest senior team signing in Major League Soccer history when midfielder Maximo Carrizo put pen to paper with the MLS Cup winners on his 14th birthday. Carrizo penned a homegrown contract through the 2027 season with an option for 2028. A talented 14-year-old midfielder of Argentine heritage joined the NYCFC academy back in 2018 as a U-12 player. Carrizo was with NYCFC during the 2022 preseason.

“It’s an honor for me and my family to make MLS history by becoming the league’s youngest player to sign a first team contract,” Carrizo said in a statement. “This is an incredible Club with amazing people, I’d like to thank everyone at NYCFC for believing in me and helping me take the next step in my career. I know I’m young and I have a lot to improve, but I am ready for the challenge and will work hard every day to show everyone what I am capable of.”

The previous record for youngest signing was that of Axel Kei of Real Salt Lake back in January and Carrizo beat him by 15 days. Before 2022, the youngest signing ever made dates back to 2004 when Freddy Adu signed a contract with D.C. United in 2004.

As for when we might see Carrizo on an MLS field, patience will be needed as he could have a bright future ahead. NYCFC said he will be eligible to play for NYCFC II in the new MLS Next Pro league.