The best NYCFC Starting XI of all time

Midfielders

James Sands  

The first Homegrown James Sands has been one of the co-captains for a few seasons at such a young age, just turning 24 this season. He has made over 100 appearances, being one of the most consistent defensive midfielders, while also being part of the 2021 MLS Cup win.  

Shortly after, he spent a year and a half on loan to Rangers F.C. in Scotland, where he made 41 appearances while also winning the FA Cup during the 2021/22 campaign. Because of his earned success, Sands may depart in the future for bigger and better things as he also works his way back to the USMNT pool. 

Keaton Parks 

Keaton Parks had started his career with S.L. Benfica's youth organization. However, after failed attempts to crack into the senior side, he decided to return to the States to turn things around. He has been a solid rock in the defensive midfield since joining in 2019, being an instant fan favorite.  

Parks has 16 goals to his name while winning the MLS Cup and Campeones Cup during his time with NYCFC. His consistency and durability make him one of the best players to play for the crest, and at the age of 27, Parks could remain in the Big Apple for the next few years.

Maxi Moralez

Legend Maxi Moralez has been the heart of NYCFC's midfield since 2017. He has made the most appearances with 211. Moralez has scored 37 goals and 64 career assists for the team, being named an All-Star in 2019. The Argentine is also a very passionate player, leaving everything on the line for the team.

He is often known as a magician on the pitch, being able to make any pass while also being a genius when it comes to set piece situations. His decision to return to NYCFC after he originally signed back to his boyhood club, Racing Club de Avellaneda, was rooted in his love for the fans and the team, making him one of the most loved players in NYCFC history.   

Forwards 

Santiago Rodríguez

In the past two seasons, the versatile Santiago Rodríguez has been able to fill in the shoes of many NYCFC players who had left, making him one of the best to wear the kit. He’s made 132 appearances in all competitions since 2021, recording 29 goals with 26 assists. This season alone, he started and played all 24 games in MLS while scoring eight goals with four assists.  

Rodríguez is a fan favorite as he continues to lead NYCFC back up the table, with the team in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. He has also led the Boys in Blue to a promising run in the Leagues Cup this year, scoring in three of the five games.

David Villa 

There is no doubt that David Villa is one of the club's on-the-field legends, having been one of their first signings to the team. The World Cup and Champions League winner brought a huge fan base to the club, while also playing with the likes of Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard.  

The Spaniard scored 80 goals in all competitions over four seasons. He also won the MLS MVP during the 2016 season after recording 23 goals with five assists in 33 appearances. Despite not winning a trophy during his time with the club and not deciding to retire with NYCFC, Villa will always be a grandfather to the team as his legacy paved the way for future players to join the side.  

Valentín "Taty" Castellanos

The only player that can be argued to be NYCFC’s best player of all time is Valentín Castellanos. He had made a mark on the team as a legend to the organization after spending four seasons in the Big Apple. He scored a total of 59 goals in over 130 appearances in all competitions, winning the Golden Boot for the 2021 season. During the run to the Cup, Castellanos scored in each playoff game, including one during the final.  

His success with NYCFC led him to become a top striker, moving on from the team after joining Girona FC on loan in 2022. One of his biggest accomplishments was scoring four goals against Real Madrid two seasons ago. Overall, Castellanos’ legacy will always be a part of the club as one of their best players to ever wear the NYCFC blue kit as he embarks on a new journey in his career playing in Italy with S.S. Lazio.    

Check out the bench players on the next page.