New York, NY – New York City Football Club has made a significant move in securing its future talent by signing 15-year-old homegrown forward Zidane Yañez through the 2028 MLS season, with an additional option for 2029. Announced on Friday, this strategic signing marks Yañez as the 13th homegrown player to join the club’s ranks.
NYCFC’s Sporting Director, David Lee, expressed his enthusiasm about Yañez’s addition to the team. “We are thrilled to have Zidane, a product of our academy, step up to a professional level with NYCFC,” Lee said. He praised Yañez for his well-rounded skill set as a forward, highlighting his technical ability, tactical understanding, and exceptional work rate, which are crucial in today’s fast-paced game. Lee also emphasized Yañez’s proven record as a clinical goal scorer across various age groups.
Yañez’s journey with NYCFC started in 2021 when he joined the academy and quickly became a regular feature in the U17 team. His talent shone through during his participation in the MLS NEXT Fest Tournament earlier this month, showcasing his potential at a national level.
Apart from his contributions to NYCFC, Yañez has gained international experience at a young age. He has been capped at the youth level for both Chile and Puerto Rico’s U15 national teams and was recently invited to a U.S. U16 training camp this year, indicating his growing prominence in the youth soccer circuit.
Upon signing his first professional contract, Yañez expressed his gratitude and excitement. “It’s an honor to start my professional journey with NYCFC. This is a dream come true, and I am committed to working hard to realize my full potential both on and off the field,” Yañez stated. He acknowledged the opportunity as just the beginning of his professional career and is determined to continue his development.
This move by NYCFC not only secures a promising talent for the club’s future but also reinforces its commitment to nurturing and integrating homegrown players into its professional setup. Yañez’s signing is a testament to the effectiveness of NYCFC’s youth development program and its potential to produce high-caliber players for the first team. As the young forward embarks on his professional career, all eyes will be on his development and contribution to NYCFC in the upcoming seasons.
