The New York Red Bulls, one of Major League Soccer’s most storied franchises, have seen some incredible players grace the field since their inception. Whether they were blazing a trail in the early days as the MetroStars or competing at the highest level of the sport in the Red Bulls era, these players have helped define the club’s identity. From legendary goal scorers to midfield maestros and stalwart defenders, the history of the Red Bulls is rich with talent.
In this article, we rank the 10 best New York Red Bulls players of all time, showcasing those who have had the most significant impact on the club’s legacy. These are the players who have contributed to the Red Bulls’ success both domestically and internationally, solidifying their place in the team’s history.
10. John Wolyniec
Arriving in 2006, John Wolyniec’s career with the Red Bulls is one marked by loyalty and hard work. As a forward, Wolyniec wasn’t the most flashy player, but his commitment and ability to score important goals made him a fan favorite.
Wolyniec was with the team during its MetroStars days, providing a gritty, blue-collar work ethic in the attack. He may not be remembered as the club’s most talented striker, but his contributions in the early years of the franchise laid the groundwork for future success and he retired with 138 total appearances, a then-record in 2010.
9. Tim Cahill
Tim Cahill brought a wealth of experience and skill to the New York Red Bulls when he joined in 2012. The Australian international’s box-to-box energy, aerial ability, and knack for scoring crucial goals made him one of the most influential midfielders in the club’s history.
Cahill was a leader on and off the field, contributing to the Red Bulls’ success in the MLS regular season and helping guide the team to the 2013 Supporters’ Shield. All up he played 72 games and scored 16 goals, making a habit of scoring at crucial times. His impact was undeniable, and his fiery passion for the game made him a beloved figure in New York.
8. Clint Mathis
Clint Mathis was an electrifying presence for the Red Bulls in the early 2000s. As a gifted playmaker and creative midfielder, Mathis brought flair and vision to the team’s attacking play and even scored five goals in a game against the Dallas Burn.
His ability to score from distance, combined with his quick feet and inventiveness on the ball, made him one of the most exciting players to watch and even caught the eye of Bayern Munich. He was named in the 2000 MLS Best XI and earned All-Star selection.
7. Amado Guevara
Amado Guevara was the engine in the midfield for the Red Bulls during his time in New York after arriving in 2003. The Honduran international was a dynamic playmaker, known for his exceptional vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game.
Guevara’s creativity helped shape the Red Bulls’ attacking style, and his consistency earned him the 2004 MLS MVP crown. Although his time with the club was relatively short, Guevara’s influence on the field was undeniable, and he remains one of the most talented midfielders in the franchise’s history.
6. Giovanni Savarese
Giovanni Savarese is one of the earliest stars in New York Red Bulls’ history, playing during the club’s MetroStars days. The Venezuelan forward was a deadly striker, capable of scoring from almost any position on the field, and holding the franchise goal scoring record for over ten years with 41 goals in three seasons.
Savarese’s clinical finishing, combined with his leadership on the pitch, helped make him a fan favorite and a crucial part of the team’s attack during the late 90s and early 2000s. He remains a significant figure in the club’s legacy, and his name is forever tied to the MetroStars and Red Bulls after scoring the franchises first ever goal.
5. Daniel Royer
Daniel Royer’s time at the Red Bulls saw him establish himself as one of the club’s most consistent attacking players. The Austrian winger’s pace, skill, and ability to create goal-scoring opportunities made him a key component of the Red Bulls’ offensive setup.
Royer’s contributions in both the regular season and playoffs helped the club remain competitive throughout his tenure. His chemistry with fellow attackers made him an integral part of the team’s success in the late 2010s, and he appeared in 156 games, scoring 50 goals.
4. Juan Pablo Ángel
Juan Pablo Ángel was a revelation when he arrived at the New York Red Bulls in 2007. The Colombian striker was an elite goal scorer, combining poise in front of goal with an innate ability to find space in the box. He went on to score 62 goals in four seasons and was named in the MLS Best XI in his debut season.
Ángel’s clinical finishing helped lead the Red Bulls to the 2008 MLS Cup final, where the team fell just short. Throughout his time in New York, Ángel helped transform the Red Bulls into one of the most dangerous teams in the MLS and he remains one of the club’s most prolific players of all time.
3. Luis Robles
Luis Robles is regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers in New York Red Bulls history. The American shot-stopper was a mainstay between the posts for the Red Bulls for nearly a decade, and he currently holds the record for most consecutive MLS regular-season starts (183).
His performances during the 2013, 2015 and 2018 seasons, where he helped lead the team to multiple Supporters’ Shield titles, solidified his place as one of the best in Red Bulls history. Robles’ longevity and remarkable reflexes earned him the respect of fans and teammates alike.
2. Bradley Wright-Phillips
Bradley Wright-Phillips is widely regarded as one of the greatest goal scorers in New York Red Bulls history, renowned for his ability to dominate fierce rivals NYCFC. The English striker’s sharp finishing, positioning, and ability to score goals in tight spaces made him one of the most prolific forwards in MLS during his time in New York.
Wright-Phillips set a franchise record for goals scored with 126 in total, and was an essential part of the Red Bulls’ attack for several years. His performances in his seven seasons, particularly during his 2015 MLS Golden Boot season, made him one of the most feared strikers in the league.
1. Thierry Henry
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is undoubtedly the greatest player in New York Red Bulls history. The Frenchman, known for his blistering pace, exceptional technical ability, and goal-scoring prowess, elevated the Red Bulls to new heights during his time in the club. Henry’s vision, passing, and creativity on the field made him a joy to watch, while his leadership and experience were crucial in guiding the team to success.
Under his stewardship he scored 52 times in five seasons, and the Red Bulls reached the MLS Cup playoffs in every season he played. Henry’s status as an international icon and his memorable performances for the Red Bulls make him the undisputed #1 on this list.
Conclusion: The Best New York Red Bulls Players Who Shaped the Franchise
These 10 players represent the pinnacle of New York Red Bulls’ history, each contributing in their own unique way to the club’s development and success. From the early days of Giovanni Savarese to the international stardom of Thierry Henry, these individuals have helped make the Red Bulls one of the most prominent teams in MLS.
Whether it’s Luis Robles’ incredible shot-stopping, Bradley Wright-Phillips’ clinical goals, or Tim Cahill’s leadership, each player on this list has had an enduring impact on the club’s legacy.
As the New York Red Bulls continue to build on their history, the players featured in this article will forever be remembered as the foundation upon which the club’s success was built.
