NEW YORK, N.Y., January 1, 2022 – Off the heels of winning its first-ever MLS Cup championship, New York City Football Club (NYCFC) today announced that midfielder Maximiliano ‘Maxi’ Moralez has signed a new contract with the Club through the 2022 season with an option for 2023.
The Argentine playmaker originally joined NYCFC ahead of the 2017 MLS season from Mexican side Club Leon and has been a vital part of the team since his arrival. Playing 144 MLS games, with 136 starts, and tallying 26 goals and 66 assists, Maxi helped deliver the Club its first silverware in 2020 with the MLS Cup.
Moralez said: “I am very happy, and my family is happy too which is the most important thing to me. This was what we were always looking for, to try to continue with NYCFC, especially after finishing a beautiful year.
“We’re in one of the best Cities in the world. I’ve been here five years now, the people have treated me marvelously, our fans have always shown me their affection. I feel very fortunate to be here longer at a Club and City that feels like home. I'm already looking forward to what this group can achieve together next season. We all want to have another incredible season.”
During the historic MLS Cup run, the ‘little genius’ played all four games contributing with three assists and a crucial 65th-minute goal in the Eastern Conference Final in Philadelphia to tie the game. In the regular season, Moralez played a key role to get the team into the playoffs, with three goals and 11 assists in 30 games.
“To have finished the objective that we set ourselves at the start of the year is very satisfying - to have won the Cup was a privilege and something I will never forget,” Moralez told NYCFC.com.
“I want to thank our fans, to the board, to David Lee, Brad Sims and Ronny Deila that made it possible for me to continue on another year at the Club. I want to thank the people that helped me and will continue to help me and that did everything possible for me to renew. Obviously to our fans, hopefully they enjoy their holidays, and next year we can continue to win trophies together.”
NYCFC Sporting Director, David Lee, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Maxi has signed a contract extension. Since arriving at the Club in 2017 he has been an integral part of this Club both on and off the field and him staying at the Club was one of the main priorities of this off-season. He will always have a very special place in the history of this Club after being so instrumental in bringing us our first piece of silverware.
“Throughout the past five seasons, Maxi has shown his quality and impact, not only for NYCFC, but proving that he has been one of the best MLS players during that period. Maxi is rightly a favorite amongst our fans and is very important to the attacking, possession football we want to play. Maxi is a senior player and a leader and his work ethic and professionalism sets an example to all here at the Club. We look forward to next season and the continued and unique impact he has on the team.
‘’I would like to thank Maxi and his family and I'm so excited that he will continue to be part of this special group.’’
The midfielder’s best season in the Bronx came in 2019, when he earned his first MLS All-Star call-up, made the MLS Best XI, and was named NYCFC Team MVP after finishing the season with seven goals and 20 assists, becoming just the third player in league history to make 20+ assists in a single season.
Moralez said: “The message to the fans will always be ‘thank you!’ They have supported us through bad moments, they supported us in the best moment in the history of the Club, which was the MLS Cup final. It was an amazing turnout in Portland despite a long flight, for us we were able to give them the best Christmas for the passion they show year after year, in the middle of a pandemic, coming out despite how difficult this has been. So, I just want to thank them, thank you for the support you give me, for the support towards my teammates, for supporting the Club. I hope next year we will be able to conquer new goals.”
TRANSACTION: New York City FC midfielder Maximiliano ‘Maxi’ Moralez signs contract extension
Name: Maximiliano ‘Maxi’ Moralez
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 115 lbs
Date of Birth: 2/27/1987
Age: 34
Hometown: Granadero Baigorria, Argentina
