Since its inception in 2015, New York City FC (NYCFC) has quickly become a prominent force in Major League Soccer (MLS). From global superstars to homegrown talents, the club has seen some truly exceptional players take to the pitch.
We count down the 10 best NYCFC players of all time, highlighting their contributions, statistics, and impact on the club’s history.
10. Alexander Ring
Alexander Ring was the engine of New York City FC’s midfield for several seasons. The Finnish international joined NYCFC in 2017 and quickly established himself as one of the club’s most consistent and dynamic players making 128 appearances for the club across four seasons.
Known for his work rate, tackling, and leadership, Ring earned himself an All-Star appearance in 2018. His ability to break up opposition attacks and his relentless pressing made him one of the most valuable midfielders in the club’s history.
9. Alexander Callens
A defensive stalwart, Alexander Callens has been a mainstay in the heart of New York City FC’s defense since joining in 2017. The Peruvian center-back played over 193 games for the club, providing stability and leadership at the back.
Across his six seasons Callens has scored 15 goals and contributed in key moments, both defensively and offensively. His solid positioning, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game make him one of the club’s most reliable defenders. Callens helped guide the club to the MLS Cup in 2021, and Campeones Cup the following year.
8. Keaton Parks
Since arriving at NYCFC in 2019, Keaton Parks has emerged as one of the most technically gifted midfielders in the club’s history. The American-born, Portuguese international has made 182 appearances for NYCFC at the end of the 2024 season, scoring 16 goals in the process.
Parks’ composure on the ball, vision, and long-range passing ability have made him a standout performer in the midfield. His contributions in key matches, including his role in the team’s 2021 MLS Cup win, helped elevate NYCFC to new heights. Parks’ versatility—able to play as a holding midfielder or more advanced—has been a key asset for NYCFC.
7. Andrea Pirlo
One of the greatest midfielders of his generation and Juventus legend, Andrea Pirlo brought star power and elegance to New York City FC during his three-season stay at the club from 2015 to 2017. The legendary Italian playmaker made 62 appearances for NYCFC.
While Pirlo’s impact was not always reflected in raw statistics, his class on the ball, vision, and ability to dictate tempo were invaluable. His ability to deliver pinpoint passes and orchestrate the game from midfield made him an iconic figure, and his presence brought global recognition to NYCFC. Pirlo’s time in New York may have been brief, but his influence was undeniable.
6. Maxime Chanot
A solid and dependable center-back, Maxime Chanot was a key figure in New York City FC’s defense since his arrival in 2016 and his six seasons at the club. The Luxembourg international made 144 appearances for the club. Chanot’s intelligence, physicality, and strong aerial presence have been critical in maintaining the team’s defensive structure.
His leadership and partnership with players like Alexander Callens formed the backbone of a defense that was among the top in MLS. Chanot’s composure and ability to read the game made him one of the club’s most reliable defenders and one of the best NYFC players in history.
5. Sean Johnson
Sean Johnson has been New York City FC’s rock in goal for nearly a decade, and his importance to the team cannot be overstated. The American goalkeeper joined NYCFC in 2017 and quickly established himself as one of the top shot-stoppers in MLS. With 206 appearances for the club, Johnson made numerous key saves and provided consistent leadership between the sticks.
He registered 54 clean sheets in six regular MLS seasons helping guide NYCFC to multiple playoff appearances, including their 2021 MLS Cup victory which he was named MVP. Johnson’s quick reflexes, strong distribution, and experience make him one of the club’s greatest players of all time and he earned an All-Star appearance in 2022.
4. Frank Lampard
A player whose pedigree was unmatched, Frank Lampard brought an air of class to New York City FC upon joining in 2015. The Chelsea legend made 31 appearances for NYCFC, scoring 15 goals and registering 8 assists. Lampard’s intelligence, passing range, and ability to score from midfield were crucial to the club’s early success.
While his time in New York was relatively short, Lampard’s influence on the field and his ability to mentor younger players like Jack Harrison and Kekuta Manneh made a lasting impact on NYCFC’s development. His contributions helped raise the profile of the club both in the U.S. and internationally.
3. Valentín Castellanos
Valentín Castellanos, also known as Taty Castellanos, has solidified himself as one of the best forwards in NYCFC history. The Argentine striker joined the club in 2018 and quickly became a star. Castellanos scored 58 goals in 124 appearances for the club, with his standout season coming in 2021, when he won the MLS Golden Boot with 19 goals.
Castellanos was integral to NYCFC’s success, playing a vital role in their 2021 MLS Cup victory. His pace, technical ability, and clinical finishing made him one of the most feared strikers in MLS during his time with the club. Castellanos’ rise to prominence ensured his place as one of NYCFC’s most important players ever.
2. Maxi Moralez
Arguably one of the most skilled playmakers to ever grace the MLS, Maxi Moralez had been the heartbeat of New York City FC’s midfield for six seasons in his first stint. The diminutive Argentine has made 194 appearances for the club, scoring 35 goals and was an assist king.
Moralez is known for his exceptional dribbling, vision, and ability to dictate play. His precise passing and leadership on the field have been crucial to NYCFC’s success, including their 2021 MLS Cup victory. Moralez’s technical ability, combined with his intelligence and creativity, makes him one of the best players to ever wear the NYCFC shirt, rejoining the club in 2023 after a stint at Racing Club.
1. David Villa
David Villa is undoubtedly the greatest player in New York City FC history. The Spanish international joined NYCFC in 2014 as the club’s first designated player, and he made an immediate impact, both on and off the field. Villa scored 80 goals in 126 appearances, making him the club’s all-time top scorer. His ability to score from anywhere on the pitch, combined with his leadership and experience, was pivotal in shaping NYCFC’s early years in MLS.
Villa’s exceptional finishing, technical brilliance, and football IQ made him a standout star in the league and earned him four All-Star appearances and 2016 MVP award. He helped the club reach the playoffs multiple times and provided invaluable guidance to younger players. His legacy as one of the best strikers in the world, as well as his immense contributions to NYCFC’s success, cement his place as the best player in the club’s history.
Conclusion
New York City FC’s journey has been marked by an incredible list of talented players. From the commanding presence of Sean Johnson in goal to the majestic vision of Maxi Moralez in midfield, these 10 players have each left a unique mark on the club’s history.
Whether through leadership, goals, or unforgettable moments, these stars helped establish NYCFC as a force in Major League Soccer and laid the foundation for the club’s future success.
