Rising USMNT Star Captures MLS Young Player of the Year Award

United States men's national team defender Alex Freeman claimed the MLS Young Player of the Year honor following an outstanding campaign with Orlando City.

Freeman edged out Diego Luna and Obed Vargas for the recognition. Luna, his USMNT colleague, had aimed to become the first player in MLS history to capture the award on two occasions. The 21-year-old becomes only the second Orlando City player to earn this distinction, following Cyle Larin's achievement in 2015.

For eligibility in this year's MLS Young Player of the Year recognition, candidates needed to be born on or after January 1, 2003. Freeman featured in 29 regular season matches, netting six goals and recording three assists from his right-back position. Orlando secured ninth place in the Eastern Conference, earning a wild card playoff berth.

Despite the Florida club's elimination by Chicago, Freeman has positioned himself among the top emerging talents in American soccer.

Freeman Aims for Key Role in 2026 World Cup

Freeman's displays secured him a spot in the USMNT squad during the summer for the Concacaf Gold Cup.

The Orlando City fullback made his international debut in a friendly defeat against Turkey. Following another bench appearance in a loss to Switzerland, Freeman began staking his claim for a 2026 FIFA World Cup squad position.

Freeman featured in all six Gold Cup fixtures under Mauricio Pochettino as the USMNT fell to Mexico in the championship match. However, his showings were sufficient to maintain his involvement with the national team.

The 21-year-old received call-ups for September and October international windows, facing South Korea, Japan, Ecuador and Australia. Results were inconsistent across the four encounters, but Pochettino clearly trusted Freeman again after tactical adjustments.

While primarily deployed at right-back for his club, Freeman operated as a wing-back in a 3-4-3 system for his country. Should Freeman earn selection in November, it suggests Pochettino considers him part of his 2026 blueprint, injury permitting.

MLS Young Player of the Year: Last 10 Winners

*2019 represents the last year of the MLS Rookie of the Year award. It was renamed to Young Player of the Year in 2020.