The best NYCFC Starting XI of all time

Honorable mentions

Ronald Matarrita- Defender

One of the more skilled players in the team, Ronald Matarrita was at the prime of his career during his time with NYCFC. From 2016-20, he made 121 appearances, scoring four goals, while being one of the top outside backs in the league. His tenure will always be remembered as he is now playing in his home country with Liga Deportiva Alajuelense in Costa Rica.   

Frank Lampard - Midfielder

No one can forget Frank Lampard’s short time with the club, playing his final two professional career seasons with the side. The Chelsea legend scored 15 goals with four assists in 31 appearances in all competitions, having played during their first-ever postseason in the league. Lampard has been out of the game for eight years now. However, lingering Lampard kits are still seen among the NYCFC supporters during games.  

Andrea Pirlo- Midfielder

The World Cup Italian legend Andrea Pirlo also ended his career with NYCFC, playing three seasons in the Big Apple. He made 62 appearances, having scored one goal with nine assists while also playing in two postseasons. The only goal that Pirlo scored with the team also came when Villa and Lampard also scored, which was the only time the three were on the score sheet together in one game. And spoilers... it was from a free kick.  

Jesús Medina- Forward

Jesús Medina was one of the young core players involved during the 2021 MLS Cup run. He played in four seasons with NYCFC, scoring 26 times in 118 appearances. The Paraguayan was also a fan favorite, but his inconsistency saw his playing time diminished. He is now getting plenty of minutes in Russia with Spartak Moscow, having joined them since his season-long stay with CSKA Moscow. 

Coaches

Ronny Deila 

Ronny Deila had the best winning percentage in NYCFC coaching history while coaching the third-most matches. Since taking over for Domènec Torrent, he led them to a 46-29-15 record while leading them to their very first MLS Cup. He helped develop Castellanos to be the player he is today, while also utilizing the veteran presence of Moralez to coach the midfield, with NYCFC dominating in counter-attacking goals that season. Deila eventually left MLS to coach in Belgium. His legacy will never be forgotten by bringing home the team’s first MLS Cup.

Patrick Vieira 

Patrick Viera is NYCFC’s second-longest reigned head coach with 90 games in charge of the team. He maintained a 40-28-22 record over two seasons, leading the side to a playoff run each time. It was easy to find success when he had Villa. Still, his time with the Pigeons launched a successful coaching career for Vieira, eventually managing OGC Nice, Crystal Palace F.C., and RC Strasbourg Alsace.