Matthew Dos Santos’ encouraging play made it a no-brainer for Red Bull New York to hand him an MLS homegrown contract.
On Friday, Dos Santos signed a three-and-a-half-year MLS contract as a homegrown player through the 2028-29 season with options for the 2029-30 and 2030-31 seasons.
The 17-year-old defender looked the part in his first two career MLS matches against Orlando City SC and the New England Revolution. Dos Santos hit his short-term agreement limit after taking part in last Saturday’s 1-0 home victory over the Revolution.
Head coach Michael Bradley has shown his trust in Dos Santos by starting him at left-back in New York’s first two matches of the 2026 MLS season. Dos Santos has demonstrated poise and composure across 137 minutes of league play in all phases.
“Matty has worked hard every day to put himself in this position,” Bradley stated. “He’s shown a real willingness to learn, a good understanding of what we ask from players in his role, and the character we value in this group. This contract is a positive step for him, and now the focus is on continuing to push his development and helping the team in any way he can.”
Promising Left-Back Makes Red Bull New York History
Dos Santos has already made history early in his young career.
In the season-opening away victory against Orlando, he became the ninth youngest player to start an MLS match for Red Bull New York at 17 years and 261 days.
Dos Santos also became the youngest defender in club history (17 years, 268 days) to record an assist when he provided an in-swinging ball that was flicked on by Adri Mehmeti and finished with a Julian Hall header that proved to be the winning goal against New England.
De Guzman Praises Dos Santos’ Mentality and Growth Potential
“We’re very pleased to sign Matty to a first-team contract,” Red Bull New York head of sport Julian de Guzman said. “He’s a young player who has shown strong growth through our pathway and has earned this opportunity with his commitment and performances. We believe Matty has the mentality and potential to continue developing within our environment, and we’re excited to support the next step in his progression.”
It appears that Dos Santos is on the fast track for success, given the belief shown in him by de Guzman, Bradley and the coaching staff.
Dos Santos and Bradley helped Red Bull New York II to the reserve side’s first-ever MLS NEXT Pro Cup title last November.
Red Bull New York supporters are hoping that Bradley’s tactical acumen, combined with talented youngsters like Dos Santos, Mehmeti and Hall, will translate into trophies for the big club in the coming years.
Enjoyed this story? Follow us for the latest updates! | Bluesky | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Leave a Reply