New York City FC today announced that midfielder Maxi Moralez has agreed to a new two-year Designated Player contract. The extension will keep the Argentine in New York through the 2021 season.
Moralez has scored 20 goals and assisted 45 times in MLS play since arriving from Mexican side Club León ahead of the 2017 season.
Recently, he became the third player in MLS history to record 20+ assists in a single season. With one match to play, Moralez leads the league by four assists and looks likely to become the first NYCFC player to top the charts in that category.
Additionally, his 45 assists are the most in Club history. Moralez also ranks second behind David Villa for most goals scored as a NYCFC player.
Moralez said: “I’m very happy to extend my contract with the Club for two more years. I want to thank the Club and the fans for letting me be a part of this team. The decision was easy because we are a family and when you feel that way it makes it easier.
“To the fans, thank you for all the support you have given me. I hope you continue to enjoy watching us playing game after game as we try to accomplish our goal of becoming champions.”
His influential role in the midfield played a key part in the 2019 NYCFC season, earning the top seed in the Eastern Conference and clinching a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League for the first time in Club history.
In June, Moralez was named to the 2019 MLS All-Star team—his first-ever appearance in the match. He joined David Villa, Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard, and current Club captain Alex Ring as the only NYCFC players to feature in league’s mid-season marquee event.
Moralez was also named MLS Player of the Month for June when he finished with three goals and six assists across three matches. The Club finished undefeated in league play in June and won two U.S. Open Cup matches in which Moralez started both.
NYCFC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna said: “We’re very excited to have Maxi extend his contract with NYCFC. Since he joined our Club three years ago, his contributions on and off the pitch have been clear to everyone. He’s a role model, a top professional and the best compliment I can give him is that he makes every player around him better.
“He’s accepted his role as a leader within the team and his influence on the pitch has been tremendous. I know how much Maxi loves the Club and how motivated he is to bring championships to NYCFC.”
Moralez is the sixth core NYCFC player to sign a contract extension in the past 12 months. He joins midfielder Alex Ring, defenders Alex Callens, Maxime Chanot, and Anton Tinnerholm, and goalkeeper Sean Johnson as players who have committed their long-term futures to the Club.
NYCFC Head Coach Doménec Torrent said: “Maxi is an incredible football player. He’s having one of the best seasons in MLS history, but for him it’s about more than the individual performance. He cares so much about the other players on the pitch. He always wants what’s best for New York City FC.
He works extremely hard and deserves everything that football has given him. We’re happy he has signed with us for two more years.”
Transaction: Maxi Moralez agrees to new two-year Designated Player contract extension.
Name: Maxi Moralez
Position: Midfielder
DOB: 02-27-1987
Height: 5’3”
Weight: 115 lbs
Hometown: Granadero Baigorria, Argentina
Citizenship: Argentina
