Maxi Moralez is back with New York City FC for another year.
The 38-year-old signed a contract that will keep him at NYCFC through 2026, making this his 10th season with the club. Moralez, who first joined New York City on February 15, 2017, is coming off a remarkable 2025 season in which he was one of two players on the team to start all 34 regular-season games (Justin Haak was the other), and at the same time was the 10th-oldest player to see minutes in Major League Soccer.
Moralez will turn 39 on February 27.
Writing in these pages, Abe Shire gave Moralez an A for the 2025 season, citing his seven assists in league games (the most on the team) and his 3,129 minutes across all competitions. "No matter how you look at Maxi Moralez’s season, you’ll arrive at the same conclusion: He’s ageless," Shire wrote. "The 38-year-old Argentine maestro arguably had his best season with New York City FC since winning MLS Cup in 2021, and he’s been at the forefront of NYCFC’s playoff success this year."
Abe Shire
The return of Moralez brings a measure of stability to a New York City midfield that could be without Andrés Perea and Keaton Parks as they continue rehabilitate after suffering season-ending injuries in 2025.
The full statement from New York City is below:
New York City FC Re-Signs Midfielder Maxi Moralez
NEW YORK – January 12, 2026 – New York City FC today announced that it has re-signed Midfielder Maxi Moralez for the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
During the 2025 MLS regular season, Moralez made 34 starts, providing 11 assists and scoring two goals. At age 38, the Midfielder became the oldest field player to start every match since the league adopted the 34-game format in 2011. In the 2025 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, Moralez became the oldest player in Club history to record a postseason goal and assist and now stands as New York City FC’s all-time leader in each category in MLS Cup Playoffs.
Drawing on championship experience, Moralez once again played a key role in helping the ‘Boys in Blue’ reach the Eastern Conference Final, starting all five playoff matches while providing two assists and a Conference Semifinal goal against Philadelphia.
“Maxi produced a stellar season in 2025, demonstrating the consistency, creativity, and leadership that have defined his time with the Club,” said Sporting Director Todd Dunivant. “Maxi continues to impact games in meaningful ways, and beyond the on-field contributions, Maxi’s experience, competitiveness, and approach around the locker room help reinforce the Club’s identity. We’re pleased to have Maxi back with New York City for another season.”
The Argentine first joined New York City in 2017 as the Club’s fourth Designated Player and quickly established himself as a key figure with the ‘Boys in Blue.’ The Midfielder played a pivotal role in New York City FC’s historic 2021 MLS Cup run, appearing in all four postseason matches, recording one goal and three assists, and converting a decisive penalty in the shootout to help secure the Club’s first-ever championship.
“I’m very happy to be back with New York City FC for another season,” said Midfielder Maxi Moralez. “This Club is home for me, and I’m motivated to keep helping the team and working toward our objectives. We know what we’re capable of as a group, and my focus is on giving everything I have to help us compete and win trophies this season.”
Following the 2022 season, Moralez returned briefly to Racing Club before rejoining New York City in 2023. Since returning, the Midfielder has remained a cornerstone of the team, providing consistent leadership and quality in the midfield. The Argentine is the only player in New York City FC history to surpass 200 MLS appearances, totaling 240, and leads the Club in all-time appearances across all competitions. The Midfielder also tops the Club’s all-time charts in goal contributions with 139 across all competitions, making Moralez one of only two players, alongside David Villa, to record over 100 goal contributions in Club history.
Transaction: New York City FC re-signs Midfielder Maxi Moralez for the 2026 Major League Soccer season.
