Who are the best New York Red Bulls players in history? Founded in 1994 as the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, the club underwent a transformation when it was sold to energy drinks giant Red Bull in 2006.
One of the most popular MLS teams with a storied history of legendary stars, here are the ten best players to feature for Red Bull New York:
10. John Wolyniec
Arriving from LA Galaxy in 2006, John Wolyniec is one of the best New York Red Bulls players. By the time he retired he featured for a then-record 138 total appearances demonstrating hustle, grit, and clutch scoring.
Wolyniec joined during a transformative period for the club as it rebranded to Red Bull New York with his versatility allowing him to contribute both as a forward and winger, and his leadership in the locker room earning the respect from teammates and fans.
9. Tim Cahill
Australian international Tim Cahill’s time with the Red Bulls was short and sweet. In just three seasons however he made an immense impact as the attacking midfielder brought a strong work rate, determination and a strong personality.
Cahill made 72 appearances in total and scored goals at a crucial time with 16 in total. His aerial ability is legendary and he crucially added a different dimension to the team’s offense.
8. Clint Mathis
Clint Mathis is one of the best New York Red Bulls players ever due to his dynamic playmaking, flair, and ability to deliver in big moments. Known for his powerful shots, creativity, and vision, Mathis was a constant offensive threat.
His performances in the 2000s during the MetroStars era were phenomenal and included a five-goal haul against the Dallas Burn. He earned 2000 MLS Best XI and All-Star selection and even attracted interest from Bayern Munich.
7. Amado Guevara
Honduran midfielder Amado Guevara was a major figure in the early days of the Red Bulls franchise. Joining the club in 2003, Guevara’s skills and leadership were vital to the team’s success across his four seasons at the club.
Guevara was known for his vision, technical skill, and ability to score from midfield. He was named the MLS MVP in 2004 on the back of his creativity and work rate which helped elevate the Red Bulls.
6. Giovanni Savarese
Giovanni Savarese is one of the best New York Red Bulls players ever due to his exceptional technical skill, vision, and leadership on the field. The Venezuelan forward brought creativity, intelligence, and had a knack for scoring key goals.
Savarese scored the club’s first ever goal and his influence helped shape the club’s identity in the early years. He earned a reputation as a “super sub” and held the club-record for MLS goals for over ten years with 41 goals in three seasons.
5. Daniel Royer
Before Austrian winger Daniel tore it up at New York Red Bulls he featured in the German and Austrian Bundesliga. In 2016 he joined the New York side and pushed the side as far as the eastern conference finals two years later.
In six seasons he earned the adoration of fans with his work rate, energy and consistency. All up he would appear in 156 games, scored a very efficient 50 goals and helped Red Bulls to the 2018 Supporters’ Shield.
4. Juan Pablo Angel
Juan Pablo Ángel brought Premier League experience to New York Red Bulls arriving from Aston Villa in 2007. Immediately given the captain’s armband, the Columbian striker’s technical brilliance was on show from the get go, hitting the ground running by scoring in six consecutive games.
His debut season would end with Angel being named in the MLS Best XI. In four seasons he went on to score 62 goals for the club, a New York Red Bulls record he held until Bradley Wright-Phillips surpassed his record in 2016.
3. Luis Robles
Luis Robles arrived at Red Bulls in 2012 after four seasons in the German second division and went on to become one of the best New York Red Bulls players of all time. In eight seasons the shot stopper helped the club to three Supporters’ Shields.
Robles won Save of the Year in 2014, was Goalkeeper of the Year the following year, and was ever-consistent, currently holding the record for most consecutive MLS regular-season starts with 183 in total.
2. Bradley Wright-Phillips
English striker Bradley Wright-Phillips arrived in New York from Charlton Athletic in 2013 and in seven seasons made Major League Soccer his own. One of the most prolific goal-scorers in MLS history he became a fan favorite especially as he was a constant thorn for fierce rivals NYCFC.
Wright-Phillips went on to score 126 goals in all competitions for the Red Bulls and is the club’s all-time leading scorer. His time with the club was marked by consistency, winning the MLS Golden Boot twice. A two-time MLS All-Star, he also helped the club win the Supporters’ Shield three times.
1. Thierry Henry
Not only is Thierry Henry the greatest Arsenal player of all time, he’s also the greatest player in New York Red Bulls history. The elegant Frenchman arrived in 2010 to much fanfare following his brilliance at Arsenal, Barcelona and Juventus.
Henry made an immediate impact and helped elevate the profile of both NYRB and the MLS. In five seasons he totalled 135 games with a return of 52 goals. The 2003 Ballon D’Or runner-up also guided the club to a Supporters’ shield, two MLS Eastern Conference titles, and was named in the MLS Best XI team three times.
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