The New York Red Bulls have promoted 17-year-old defender Matthew Dos Santos from their youth development program to a full professional contract, the Major League Soccer team announced Friday.
Dos Santos will remain with the organization through the 2028-29 MLS season, with the club holding additional contract options for the 2029-30 and 2030-31 seasons.
“We’re very pleased to sign Matty to a first-team contract. He’s a young player who has shown strong growth through our pathway and has earned this opportunity with his commitment and performances,” head of sport Julian de Guzman said. “We believe Matty has the mentality and potential to continue developing within our environment, and we’re excited to support the next step in his progression.”
The teenage defender has already appeared in the Red Bulls’ opening two games of the current season while playing on temporary agreements with Red Bulls II, the team’s MLS NEXT Pro development squad, contributing one assist during those appearances.
Head coach Michael Bradley praised the young player’s work ethic and attitude in earning his promotion to the senior roster.
“Matty has worked hard every day to put himself in this position,” head coach Michael Bradley said. “He’s shown a real willingness to learn, a good understanding of what we ask from players in his role, and the character we value in this group.”
