Hannes Wolf joined New York City in January 2024 from Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach. A transfer with high expectations, the Austrian winger started 32 games last season but left a lot to be desired, totaling 11 goal contributions (five goals, six assists), the third-most on the team.
With the offseason departure of Santiago Rodríguez, Wolf's role increased in 2025. The 26-year-old became NYCFC's secondary scorer — someone the team turns to when Alonso Martínez isn't playing his A-game.
But with six goals and one assist in 16 starts, is Wolf living up to what is expected of him?
Fast start to 2025
Wolf had a rough end to 2024, totaling just one goal contribution after New York City's Leagues Cup run ended in August. But Wolf started 2025 strong, recording three goals and one assist in NYCFC's first six games of the season. He scored the game-winner in the home opener against Orlando City — a header assisted by Julián Fernández.
THE WOLF OF WALL STREET STRIKES BACK 🐺 pic.twitter.com/ClOvps2yxj
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) March 9, 2025
The Wolf of Wall Street continued to prowl, bagging a brace against Atlanta United. Both goals displayed Wolf's good positioning and ability to pounce on deflected shots or passes in the opponent's box.
A TIDY FINISH FROM OUR WOLF 🐺 pic.twitter.com/THzRzVfUbc
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) March 29, 2025
Wolf's second goal, in particular, showed him being in the right place at the right time, as he capitalized on an Atlanta turnover, once again assisted by Fernández.
HANNES BRINGING THE HEAT TO HOTLANTA 🔥 pic.twitter.com/O1zWscpFJ2
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) March 30, 2025
But after the Atlanta game on March 29, Wolf went nine games without any goal contributions, as New York City's attack relied solely on a struggling Martínez.
Form found after scoring drought?
Wolf ended that drought on May 25, giving NYCFC the lead in the second half against Chicago Fire FC. It was a great goal — Wolf gathered Fernández's overhit cross and did well to create space for a shot on his right foot, while also showcasing his dribbling skills.
The shot curled past the hands of the outstretched Chris Brady, as Wolf completed New York City's second-half comeback to earn its second straight win.
THE WOLF OF WALL STREET WITH A BEAUTY 🐺💫 pic.twitter.com/ABiLear8U6
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) May 25, 2025
Most recently, Wolf led NYCFC in stealing a point on the road against the best home team in MLS: Nashville SC. Down 2-0 at halftime, New York City looked dead in the water and set to lose its second straight game.
But out of nowhere, Wolf put NYCFC on his back and recorded a second-half brace to earn a tie that felt like a win, playing a team that was on a nine-game undefeated streak and outstanding at home.
The first goal came off a beautiful build-up play in the final third, started by a Thiago Martins drive up the pitch. After a great passing sequence, Keaton Parks laid it off for Wolf, who slotted the ball off the post and in.
Now that's called the beautiful game 😍 pic.twitter.com/SXurrMvJOl
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) May 31, 2025
The equalizing goal was less straightforward, though. Off a corner kick, Parks headed the ball into the ground, as Wolf volleyed it past the hands of Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis. It's hard to see Wolf get a touch on the ball, but it looks like he got the slightest of touches to get it past the goalkeeper.
NEVER STOPPED BELIEVING. pic.twitter.com/znOpR6R1PE
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) May 31, 2025
That goal was Wolf's sixth of the season, surpassing last year's tally of five with half of the season still to play. It was also his second brace of the season, with the first coming against Atlanta.
With three goals in his last three games, is Wolf back in good form? Or will we see him go on a long drought with no goal contributions again? Wolf similarly had a good stretch in May 2024, scoring three goals in six games. But he followed that up with just two goals in the summer and none from August to November.
One thing we know for sure, though, is that Wolf is aware of his importance to New York City's offense.
Hannes Wolf after the 3-1 win over Chicago
Hannes Wolf speaks on his goal, ending a nine-game scoring drought and the confidence the goal brings. #NYCFC pic.twitter.com/OdNQpNmJoD
— Matthew Mangam (@MatthewMangam) May 25, 2025
"I think, to be honest, there were some games I played a little bit more defensive than normal, but I know people expect me to score and I expect myself to score as much as possible," he said. "I'm happy that I scored once and keep going because the confidence is back ... It's like a mental thing when you don't score for some games. It's not so easy because you want to force it sometimes, but if you have the moment now, you keep going, and I think it will help you in the future.”
With Wolf in good form, it's hard to predict if he'll maintain that consistency throughout the summer or fizzle out again, just like he did last year. NYCFC needs Wolf to be the second player they turn to when Martínez isn't scoring, but he hasn't been reliable enough to be considered such.
Wolf's shown flashes of what he can bring, and if Head Coach Pascal Jansen can get that out of him every game, New York City will be in a much better spot in the Eastern Conference.
Midterm Grade: B
