Andrés Perea Bio
Andrés Felipe Perea Castañeda (born November 14, 2000) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defensive midfielder for Major League Soccer club New York City FC. Born in Tampa, Florida, Perea is the son of former professional soccer player Nixon Perea and holds dual citizenship with the United States and Colombia. He has represented both national teams at various youth levels, showcasing his skill and versatility on the field.
Early Life and Background
Andrés Perea was born in Tampa, Florida, where he lived for the first five years of his life. During this time, he began playing soccer for local clubs such as Old Mars FC and West Florida Premier. At the age of six, Perea moved to Colombia, where he enrolled in the Atlético Nacional youth academy. His early exposure to soccer in both the United States and Colombia laid the foundation for his future career in the sport. In 2013, Perea was part of the Atlético Nacional team that won the prestigious national youth tournament, Torneo de Pony Fútbol, marking a significant achievement in his youth career.
Path to Soccer
Perea’s journey in soccer began at a young age, and he quickly progressed through the ranks of Atlético Nacional. His dedication and talent were evident as he honed his skills in the youth academy. On July 10, 2017, he made his senior debut for Atlético Nacional as a substitute in a match against Santa Fe, becoming the first player born in the 21st century to play for the club. This milestone marked the beginning of his professional career. Perea scored his first goal for Atlético Nacional on April 19, 2019, in a 4–0 victory over Patriotas, further establishing himself as a promising talent in Colombian soccer.
Andrés Perea Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
After making his debut for Atlético Nacional, Perea continued to develop as a player, gaining valuable experience in the Colombian league. His performances caught the attention of Major League Soccer teams, leading to a loan move to Orlando City in December 2019. He made his debut for Orlando City on February 29, 2020, in a season opener against Real Salt Lake. Perea’s first start came a week later, where he registered an assist on the team’s first goal of the season. His contributions during his debut season were significant, as he made 28 appearances and solidified his place in the squad.
Breakthrough (2021–2022)
Perea’s breakthrough moment came when his loan move to Orlando City was made permanent on December 2, 2020. He continued to impress with his performances, scoring his first goal in U.S. Open Cup competition on May 10, 2022, which was the winning goal in a match against the Philadelphia Union. His consistent play helped Orlando City reach the playoffs, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Perea has been recognized for his contributions on the field. His signature work includes his performances in both the Colombian and U.S. youth national teams, where he demonstrated his versatility and skill.
Andrés Perea Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Andrés Perea has been nominated for various awards, reflecting his impact and contributions to the teams he has played for.
Andrés Perea Awards Won
Perea has achieved notable recognition during his career, including honors with Orlando City. His contributions to the club have been instrumental in their successes.
Andrés Perea Family
Andrés Perea is the son of Nixon Perea, a former professional soccer player and coach. His family background in soccer has played a significant role in shaping his career and passion for the sport.
Personal Life
Perea holds dual citizenship with the United States and Colombia, allowing him to represent both national teams at various youth levels. His unique background and experiences have contributed to his development as a player and his understanding of the game on an international scale.