Starts: 26
Minutes: 2,254
Age: 25
Key Stat: 98th percentile for aerial duels won per 90 of all MLS midfielders (2.38)
In one of New York City’s most important wins of the season, one particular moment will always be remembered — and not for good reason.
It was in the 70th minute of NYCFC’s 3-1 playoff win over Charlotte FC. That’s when Andrés Perea went up for a header but landed awkwardly on his right leg and suffered a significant injury. It was later announced as a right lower leg fracture.
That gruesome injury shouldn’t overshadow Perea’s impressive season, in which he started 26 games and played 2,254 minutes, both career highs. The 25-year-old, who became a staple in Head Coach Pascal Jansen’s lineup, added three goals and two assists.
A rapid rise
Although Perea ended the year as a staple in New York City’s lineup, he started the year quietly. A hip seemingly suffered injury in preseason limited him to a handful of late substitute appearances until the 1-0 win over FC Cincinnati on May 4, when he made his first start of the season.
From that game on, Perea was irreplaceable: He started 19 of the remaining 20 MLS games and quickly became one of NYCFC’s most important players.
Perea is not like your typical midfielder. He’s not a passer, or sharp on the ball. Instead, he’s good in the air, helps defensively, and likes to get forward.
The 6-foot midfielder won 53 aerial duels and averaged 2.38 aerials won per 90 this season, which put him in the 98th percentile of the league. Looking specifically at New York City, only defender Thiago Martins won more aerial duels (64).
Perea won 27 tackles, tied for fourth-most on the team. He recorded 26 blocks (sixth), 17 interceptions (seventh), and 47 clearances (sixth).
But Perea’s greatest contributions came when getting forward: A total of 260 of his 993 touches were in the attacking third, and 43 were in the opponent’s penalty area. Perea scored three goals in 2025, equalling the career-best mark he set last year. This three goals also tied for the third-most on NYCFC this season. His most recent goal, which came in the 3-2 win over Red Bull New York, showed his ability to contribute to the attack as an aerial threat: Raul Gustavo sent a low cross that Perea headed to catch goalkeeper Carlos Coronel off his line and miraculously find the top corner.
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Jansen spoke highly of Perea all season, but had the most to say after his goal against the Red Bulls in September.
“He brings height,” Jansen said. “His physical capacity is high level: He runs 11, 12 Ks per game, gives us the fluidity that we need in midfield, also with Aiden (O’Neill) — it’s a good pair. Aiden is one of the first options in the build-up sequences. (Perea) is starting to see better and better when he has to join in as a second one, or stay away. And he can cover ground. He’s also capable of getting himself into the box.”
Will Perea return?
It’s clear that Jansen trusts Perea and sees him as a key starter. But will he return next season?
The club declined his option after the end of the 2025 season, but remain in talks with Perea over his future. With new Sporting Director Todd Dunivant at the helm, it’s expected that a deal will be worked out.
When will Perea return? It’s hard to say. But bringing him back is a priority: He’s quickly become one of New York City’s best players and brings more than your typical midfielder. If Keaton Parks starts the season in good health, he might start alongside Aiden O’Neill while Perea recovers from his injury.
“It’s been a crazy season,” Perea said back in September. “At the beginning, it was a little bit tough with my injury. Then I started to play, and right now, I’m just enjoying my role in the team. I have been really flexible, playing in the wing, playing in the inside. I work every day to be available to the team, and right now I’m just happy for the place I have in the team.”
