Who are the best New York City FC players ever? Even before the club made its MLS debut in 2015 the club created shockwaves with big name signings.
The club quickly shaped its identity with some of the biggest names in the world. We take a look at the ten best NYCFC players of all time:
10. Alexander Callens
Peruvian international central defender Alexander Callens dedicated six seasons to New York City FC and was a rock at the back. A strong tackler, he was also an aerial threat in attack.
In 193 total games for the club he managed to grab 15 goals and was instrumental in helping the club win their first MLS Cup in 2021, and the Campeones Cup the following year.
9. Alexander Ring
Alexander Ring arrived from German club FC Kaiserslautern in 2017 and became a standout for NYCFC due to his dynamic midfield presence, tactical intelligence, and relentless work ethic.
The Finnish international’s leadership on and off the pitch was an inspiration and his tenacity in battles for possession made him a fan favorite and is one of the best New York City FC players ever.
8. Keaton Parks
Keaton Parks became a central figure in NYCFC’s midfield after joining in 2019 from Portuguese giants Benfica. The American midfielder played part of his youth career in Portugal and is known for his ability to control the game.
Parks helped New York City FC to their first MLS Cup in 2021 and backed it up the following season winning the Campeones Cup over Mexican side Atlas.
7. Maxime Chanot
Maxime Chanot is one of the best NYCFC players in history with the Luxembourg international forming one of strongest defensive partnerships in the MLS alongside Alexander Callens.
Lining up at centre back for six seasons, Chanot was an important part of NYCFC consistently displaying strong tackling, aerial prowess and excellent positioning after arriving from the Belgian Pro League in 2016.
6. Andrea Pirlo
His stay may have only been for three seasons after arriving from Juventus, but Italian maestro Andrea Pirlo’s arrival in 2015 created a dream team playing alongside Frank Lampard and David Villa.
The AC Milan legend brought his trademark vision and passing ability to NYCFC, elevating the profile of the MLS worldwide. From 62 games he created 18 assists and in his debut season became the first MLS player nominated to the FIFPro World XI shortlist.
5. Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard is one of the greatest midfielders in history and joining the MLS at 36 years of age was a major coup for the league. In his first season beginning 2015, he netted 13 goals and 3 assists from 19 games.
Lampard retired after only two seasons, 31 appearances and 15 goals. Despite his limited time, his presence and performances made him one of the best New York City players ever, and drew attention to the MLS.
4. Sean Johnson
After arriving from Chicago Fire in 2017, Goalkeeper Sean Johnson excelled with crazy shot-stopping ability and was commanding presence in the box for six seasons, starring in over 200 games for the club.
Johnson played a crucial role in NYCFC’s playoff run towards MLS Cup victory in 2021 in which he was awarded MVP. He also earned an All-Star appearance the following season.
3. Valentín Castellanos
Argentine striker Valentín Castellanos emerged as a breakout star for NYCFC after arriving from Uruguayan club Torque in 2018. In 2021 he won the MLS Golden Boot with 19 goals and led NYCFC to a first MLS Cup.
After five seasons and 58 goals in all competitions, Castellanos’ speed, skill, and finishing translated over to Europe with a successful season at Girona, before a move to Lazio in 2023 and his first cap for Argentina the following year.
2. Maxi Moralez
Argentinian attacking midfielder Maxi Moralez is a NYCFC club legend arriving in 2017 from Liga MX club Club León. Two years later he became an All-Star and helped New York City FC to their first MLS Cup in 2021.
After six seasons of consistently orchestrating the NYCFC attack, Moralez left the club as arguably the greatest in club history, returning to boyhood club Racing. Shortly after he returned for a second stint much to the delight of fans.
1. David Villa
By the time David Villa joined New York City in 2014, he’d already won the World Cup, the European Championship, three La Liga titles and the Champions League. After four seasons he left as the best New York City FC player ever.
NYCFC’s first ever signing, Villa finished with 80 goals from 126 games. He also earned All-Star appearances in all four seasons, the 2016 MLS MVP, and is the franchises most iconic figure helping raise the profile of the league and team worldwide.