Thiago Martins was named NYCFC's 2025 Defensive Player of the Year

Thiago Martins has not always had the best time with New York City FC. The big argument was that the defender was a Designated Player, and arguably should not have been. For the first few years with the Bronx side, he was not one of the best center-backs in Major League Soccer.

However, since Martins joined the team in 2022, he has gotten better. He makes fewer mistakes and has been critical in the backline. Truthfully, he had his best season yet in 2025 when one uses the eye test, and he is a great leader for NYCFC. Hence, he was named the Defensive Player of the Year for the Boys in Blue.

Thiago Martins is NYCFC's Defensive Player of the Year

The Brazilian received this honor one year after James Sands did for the 2024 season. It must be said, though, that there were a few players who could have received this honor. If anyone else had been named the Defensive Player of the Year, then Kevin O'Toole could have been in the running based on his offensive abilities. He was probably one of the more underrated players on the team.

Justin Haak also could have been given the honor. He was one of the best center-backs in MLS, but his departure might have eliminated him from contention. As such, Martins was named instead.

Nevertheless, the NYCFC defender still deserves the honor. He was critical in preventing attacking chances and goals. Often, he would utilize his speed to track the ball back. He was also composed with his defensive work, rarely giving referees a reason to card him or reprimand him. He was notorious for his clearances, in which he led NYCFC with 61. He also blocked over 30 shots throughout the season.

The center-back's ability to maintain possession and start the movement up the pitch showed he knows how to use offensive movement as a defensive mechanism. His ability to maintain possession, for he was the second-best on the team, aided the work in the backline.

And while Martins is not a common goal scorer, his lone goal came at the perfect time. In the final Hudson River Derby of the year, the Brazilian scored his only goal to give NYCFC the 3-2 lead and eventually win the derby. He was at the right place at the right time and tapped the ball into the goal after an initial save. The captain stepped up at the perfect time and reminded everyone why New York is blue.

Martins' leadership and defensive work led him to be the Defensive Player of the Year for NYCFC. While many can still argue about him being a DP, there is no question that he has grown into the team and is finally playing at a level expected from him.