New York City FC mainstay Maxi Moralez will be back with the club for another season.
The 37-year-old Argentinian midfielder signed a new contract with NYCFC through the 2025 season, marking his ninth year with the MLS club which included being a part of the 2021 championship-winning team.
Moralez appeared in 183 MLS matches for City scoring 27 goals and 74 assists since he made his MLS debut in 2017.
“We are thrilled to have Maxi back with New York City FC for the upcoming season,” sporting director David Lee said in a statement. “Maxi showed incredible resilience to return from injury and demonstrated his quality with some outstanding performances last year. His leadership and creativity on the field helped us return to the playoffs and rallied those around him. Maxi’s impact extends beyond what everyone sees during matches, he plays a vital role in the locker room and mentoring our young players. As we continue to build, having a player of Maxi’s caliber and experience is pivotal, and we’re excited to see his contributions this season.”
Moralez’s contract with NYCFC expired after last season, but Lee had indicated earlier in the offseason that the club had remained in talks with the Argentinian international over his future.
The midfielder has carved out a place in NYCFC lore through his time with the club, including recording a goal and three assists during their 2021 MLS Cup run.
Moralez had briefly departed NYCFC in 2023 for Racing Club in Argentina before coming back in the middle of the 2023 MLS season, but he suffered a season-ending injury after just four appearances following the return.
He made his 2024 debut on May 31 and recorded a goal and five assists in 17 matches following his return from the torn ACL.
“I’m very excited to continue my career with New York City FC for another season,” Moralez said in a statement. “This club has become a second home to me. I’m incredibly grateful for the trust and support I’ve received from everyone here, from the coaching staff to my teammates and, of course, our amazing fans.“Coming back from injury last season was a challenging but rewarding experience. Being able to contribute to the team’s success again meant so much to me. I’m looking forward to next season and am determined to help the club achieve even more in 2025.”
Morález holds the distinction of being just one of two players in NYCFC franchise history to record 100 career goal contributions — a combination of goals and assists by a player — with European soccer legend David Villa being the other.
NYCFC returned to the training pitch this week in preparation for the upcoming 2025 season, which kicks off for City on Feb. 22 in Miami.