Thiago Martins, New York City FC's captain and center-back, is having an up-and-down 2025 season. After being named to the MLS All-Star Team last year, the Brazilian has committed some crucial errors this season and has struggled with consistency.
Still, he remains the foundation of a defense that allowed 20 goals through the first 17 games, fourth-fewest in the Eastern Conference and seventh-fewest in Major League Soccer. New York City has six clean sheets compared to three at this same point last year.
Unlike most of NYCFC's roster, Thiago Martins is a highly experienced player, playing in Brazil and Japan before joining the club in 2022. The 30-year-old has made 122 appearances and has been a consistent starter for New York City.
Rough start to 2025
Thiago Martins missed a majority of the preseason after suffering a calf injury. He didn't play in the season opener against Inter Miami and came off the bench against LAFC, but since then, Martins has played the full 90 minutes of every MLS game this season.
His first poor performance came in March against the New England Revolution, scoring an own goal to give the visitors the lead. He finished the game with two blocks, six clearances, two interceptions, and four recoveries, but his second-ever NYCFC own goal was a crucial mistake, despite being an impressive finish.
Thiago Martins own goal vs New England Revolution | Courtesy Apple TV
Just two games later, Thiago Martins would commit the most significant error in his New York City career. NYCFC led 3-1 against Atlanta United early in the second half, but a collapse started by a Keaton Parks own goal was capped off with a huge mistake from Thiago Martins, gifting Emmanuel Latte Lath the game-winning goal to complete Atlanta's 4-3 comeback.
Atlanta United's Emmanuel Latte Lath scores against New York City FC Courtesy Apple TV
It all started with a Brad Guzan goal kick. The kick almost reached New York City's box, but instead of trying to clear the ball with his head, Thiago Martins let it bounce back toward his net.
Thiago Martins then called for Matt Freese to retrieve the bouncing ball, but the miscommunication between the two led to Latte Lath stealing the ball and poking it into the back of the net.
Thiago Martins began to find his footing after that game, leading NYCFC to five clean sheets in the following eight games — three against top-five Eastern Conference teams. But poor performances against CF Montréal and Houston are holding him back from playing at the level that we've seen in years past.
Matthew Mangam
Style of play
Thiago Martins doesn't put up impressive numbers when it comes to tackles (completing 11 out of 14), interceptions (12), and blocks (21). But he shines in four categories: Long passes, clearances, aerial duels, and speed.
Thiago Martins has completed a team-high 123 out of 197 attempted long passes (greater than 30 yards), which is the eighth-most in MLS. At the same time, Thiago Martins is comfortable with the ball at his feet and can move the ball up the pitch from the backline.
Thiago Martins has cleared the ball out of the danger zone a team-leading 107 times, with fellow centerback Justin Haak following behind with 79 clearances. Those 107 clearances are also the sixth-most in MLS.
The defender is great in the air, winning 32 of his 50 aerial duals per FBRef. That leads NYCFC, setting him up to surpass the 62 duels won in 26 appearances in 2023.
Top speed: 1) Emiro Garces (23.54 mph) 2) Jayden Nelson (22.74 mph) 3) Peyton Miller (22.51 mph) 4) Mounsef Bakrar (22.35 mph) 5) Alonso Martínez (22.33 mph) 6) Miles Robinson (22.31 mph) 7) Joseph Paintsil (22.25 mph) 8) Thiago Martins (22.22 mph)
— Ben Wright (@benwright.bsky.social) June 2, 2025 at 2:52 PM
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But by far the most impressive attribute Thiago Martins possesses is his pace, clocking in at a top speed of 22.22 miles per hour, the eighth-best in MLS. He's the third-fastest center-back in the league, only behind LA Galaxy's Carlos Emiro Garcés and FC Cincinnati's Miles Robinson.
Experience counts
Players like Freese, Haak, Birk Risa, and Tayvon Gray have contributed significantly to the defensive improvements, but Thiago Martins plays an instrumental role by providing a veteran presence on the backline.
This season, New York City has an average age of 24.7, making it the second-youngest team in MLS. Thiago Martins has excelled as captain, mentoring younger players like Jonny Shore and Mitja Ilenič.
Despite some poor performances this season, Thiago Martins continues to prove his worth. If he performs like he did in the shutout results against Columbus, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and Red Bulls, New York City could have one of the best defenses in MLS, and have a strong end to the season.
