New York City Football Club Signs Academy Product Maximo Carrizo Becoming the Youngest First Team Signing in MLS History
Published on February 28, 2022 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York City FC News Release
NEW YORK, N.Y. - New York City Football Club (NYCFC) today announced that the Club has signed Academy product Maximo Carrizo to a Homegrown contract through the 2027 season with an option year in 2028.
Turning 14-years-old today, Carrizo becomes the youngest player to sign a First Team contract in MLS History. The midfielder becomes the tenth Homegrown signing in Club history since the Academy was formed in 2015.
After impressing with local team FC Westchester, at nine years old Maximo attended an NYCFC Summer Camp in 2017. A Manhattan, NYC native of Argentinian heritage, Maximo joined the NYCFC Academy from FC Westchester in 2018 as a U-12 player, and after four years in the Academy was invited to NYCFC's First Team Preseason in 2022. Last season Carrizo played in the U-15 MLS Next Playoffs and earlier this year, he was called into the U.S. U-15 Youth National Team Camp in Chula Vista, Calif.
On signing a Homegrown contract, Carrizo said: "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. 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.
"I already feel part of this Club and I really believe that NYCFC is the perfect place for me to continue my development and grow on-and-off the pitch. It's inspiring to see how NYCFC produces talent and how Homegrown players get the opportunity to play in the First Team. I know this will take some time, but I am willing to be patient and learn from the amazing group of players and coaches that we have at this Club."
Carrizo breaks the previous record of forward Axel Kei of Real Salt Lake, who signed his first contract at 14 years and 15 days in January 2022. He will be eligible to play for NYCFC II that will compete in the newly formed MLS NEXT Pro League.
NYCFC Sporting Director, David Lee, said: "We're extremely happy to sign Maximo to his first professional contract, this is a historic moment for both the Club and MLS. He's a special and extremely talented player and it's been exciting to watch him develop over recent years in our Academy. Maximo is now at the very start of his journey as a professional and the next stages of his development over the coming years will be ensuring he maximizes his potential through working with our coaches and all the support staff in the Academy, NYCFC II and the First Team.
"After Christian McFarlane, Maximo is the second 14-year-old we've signed to the First Team in a matter of months which shows how much talent we have in that age group and throughout the Academy. There are so many talented midfielders at our Club that he can watch and learn from, and the addition of MLS Next Pro will also help Maximo and all our Academy talents become better prepared for First Team football.
"This signing is further proof that NYCFC is one of the best environments for talent to develop and thrive as we continue to provide young footballers a pathway to professional soccer. I'd like to thank everyone in the Academy for the incredible work they do in identifying talent and helping these young players take a step towards achieving their dreams. We have so many great role-models for these young players to learn from."
Transaction: New York City Football Club signs midfielder Maximo Carrizo to a Homegrown contract through the 2027 season with an option year in 2028.
Name: Maximo Carrizo
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 120lb
Date of Birth: 02/28/2008
Age: 14
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