The best NYCFC Starting XI of all time

New York City FC is playing in their tenth season in Major League Soccer after they were founded back on May 21, 2013. Since they kicked off their inaugural season in 2015, NYCFC has accomplished an MLS Cup and Campeones Cup while also building their very own stadium set to open in 2027.  

The fans of the club have been blessed with so many talented players in their small history, from World Cup winners to rising European stars. They even won the MLS Cup without any big-name stars, with most of its talent recognized and started in MLS.  

As NYCFC continues to play in the 10th season, here is the best all-time Starting XI, including bench players and coaches. 

Goalkeeper

Sean Johnson

Sean Johnson currently sits number two for the most appearances ever for an NYCFC player at 206 from 2017-22. He secured 60 clean sheets in all competitions in six seasons. This includes his 15 in 2022, which was just one shy of the league lead. Johnson captained the side for a few seasons as he grew into a club legend.

His heroic performances during the 2021 MLS Cup finals led the team to their first star, making two huge saves during the penalty kick shootout in Portland. Johnson has now moved on from the team as he currently plays for Toronto FC. However, his contribution to NYCFC will never be forgotten as it also helped him get regular call-ups to the USMNT.

Defenders

Alexander Callens 

Center-back Alexander Callens was also one of the longest members of the team, making a total of 193 appearances since 2017. He was a pivotal part of the back line for six seasons, scoring 15 goals for the Pigeons. His Peruvian roots attracted a huge fan base to the stadium, especially after re-entering the Peruvian National Team following his form with NYCFC.  

Callens also scored the game-winning penalty kick during the shootout against the Portland Timbers, while also scoring during the 2-0 win during the Campeones Cup against Atlas F.C. in 2022. The defender has moved on from NYCFC as he now plays for AEK Athens in Greece, scoring two goals in 28 appearances thus far.

Maxime Chanot 

Next to Johnson, Maxime Chanot is the third-longest tendered player for NYCFC, having played a total of eight seasons while making 199 appearances, just one shy of 200. He was the center of the defense, having to adjust to the style of play of several players who had come and gone from the team.  

Chanot had restarted his career since joining the Boys in Blue after a disappointing time in Europe. He put the team on the back of his shoulders and sent them to their first-ever MLS Cup, tattooing himself to its club history. After an alleged disagreement with Nick Cushing's style of play, he moved back to Europe but has since returned to MLS as he is now part of LAFC.   

Thiago Martins 

NYCFC Designated Player Thiago Martins was heavily criticized during his first seasons in MLS, making key mistakes in the back line while also lacking speed. However, he quickly turned it around and has become one of the best defenders in the league. He was named an All-Star and started against Liga MX All-Stars last month, being the sole representative for NYCFC.  

Martins is set for a career-best season, with the defense for the team stronger than ever, especially with the help of Matt Freese. He has already won some hardware with the club with the Campeones Cup in 2022. However, the defender will look to lead the club to more success in the next few seasons.

Anton Tinnerholm

The Swedish defender was part of NYCFC from 2018-22, playing as the right-back for five seasons. He made 136 appearances, scoring nine goals while winning the MLS Cup in 2021. Before Tayvon Gray, Anton Tinnerholm was the top right-back for the team that showed solid defense and lethal attack on that side of the pitch.  

He was also part of one of the best NYCFC teams, especially the ones from 2021-22. Tinnerholm is still playing at the highest level, but with Sweden’s top team, Malmö FF. Although, he has missed a lot of time due to injury this season.

Check out midfielders and forwards on the next page.