Aziel Jackson Bio
Aziel Christopher Jackson (born October 25, 2001), also known as AZ, is an American professional soccer player who plays as an attacking midfielder. He currently plays in Major League Soccer for Vancouver Whitecaps, on loan from Polish Ekstraklasa side Jagiellonia Białystok. A product of the New York Red Bulls academy, Jackson has built a career that has taken him across the United States, France, and Europe.
Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, Jackson is known for his technical skill, vision, and attacking instincts from midfield. After progressing through several Major League Soccer clubs and reserve teams, he earned his first senior cap for the United States national team in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Aziel Christopher Jackson was born on October 25, 2001, in New York City, New York, in the United States. Growing up in New York gave him early access to competitive youth soccer, and he joined the New York Red Bulls academy in 2014 at the age of thirteen. He spent three formative years within the Red Bulls system, learning the structure and discipline of a top-flight American club.
In 2017, Jackson moved with his family to France, where he joined the academy of Toulouse. The move exposed him to a different style of European football and helped shape his development as a midfielder. After his time at Toulouse, he also gained senior experience with Championnat National 3 side Blagnac during the 2018 to 2019 season.
Jackson returned to the United States in 2019 and joined the Crossfire FC academy while continuing his development. In 2020, he also trained with Seattle Sounders FC, broadening his experience before signing his first professional contract.
Path to Soccer
Jackson’s path to professional soccer began with the New York Red Bulls academy in 2014, where he built his technical foundation. His progression continued at Toulouse in France, where he adapted to European tactical play between 2017 and 2018. The time in France gave him valuable exposure to senior football with Blagnac in the Championnat National 3.
Back in the United States, his academy work with Crossfire FC and training stint with Seattle Sounders FC prepared him for the next step. These experiences ultimately led to a homegrown contract with Major League Soccer, marking his transition to the professional level.
Aziel Jackson Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Jackson’s first senior experience came with Blagnac in France’s Championnat National 3 during the 2018 to 2019 season. That spell gave him meaningful minutes at the adult level and helped prepare him for the demands of Major League Soccer. On April 30, 2021, Jackson signed a homegrown player contract with Minnesota United FC, after the club acquired his rights from the New York Red Bulls in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft.
On August 24, 2021, Jackson was loaned to USL League One side North Carolina FC to gain further first-team experience. The loan allowed him to play regular senior football and continue his development as an attacking midfielder.
Minnesota United Era (2021–2022)
After returning from his loan at North Carolina FC, Jackson was assigned to Minnesota United 2 for the 2022 season. On March 23, 2022, it was announced he would spend the year with the club’s MLS Next Pro side, where he continued to sharpen his game. His time in the Minnesota system laid the groundwork for a move to an expansion franchise.
St. Louis City SC Era (2022–2024)
On November 7, 2022, Jackson was traded to St. Louis City SC ahead of the club’s inaugural Major League Soccer season, in exchange for 150,000 dollars in General Allocation Money. The move put him in position to be part of a brand-new franchise in 2023. On March 26, 2023, Jackson was loaned to St. Louis City 2 and made his debut against Tacoma Defiance in MLS Next Pro.
His time at St. Louis City SC gave him experience within a first-team environment and a reserve setup, helping him grow as a professional.
Columbus Crew Era (2024–2025)
On June 18, 2024, Jackson was traded to the Columbus Crew in exchange for a guaranteed 650,000 dollars in General Allocation Money, with St. Louis also retaining a conditional 250,000 dollars and a sell-on percentage. He made his first appearance for the club on July 20, 2024, as a substitute in a 2–1 loss to Atlanta United. On September 21, 2024, he scored his first goal for the Columbus Crew in a 4–3 win over Orlando City, announcing himself as an attacking option in midfield.
Jagiellonia Białystok Era (2025–Present)
On July 23, 2025, Polish Ekstraklasa club Jagiellonia Białystok signed Jackson on a three-year deal, with an option for a fourth year, for an undisclosed fee. He made his debut off the bench in a 3–2 win over Widzew Łódź on July 27, 2025. On January 30, 2026, Jackson returned to Major League Soccer on a five-month loan with an option to buy, joining Vancouver Whitecaps.
On February 21, 2026, Jackson scored the winning goal in his debut MLS match for Vancouver Whitecaps, marking a memorable return to the league.
Driving Style and Strengths
Not applicable for soccer.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jackson’s senior international debut for the United States came on January 20, 2024, in a friendly against Slovenia. He also scored the winning goal on his debut MLS appearance for Vancouver Whitecaps in February 2026, a memorable return to the league.
Aziel Jackson Career Wins
Across his professional career, Aziel Jackson has collected experience with clubs in the United States, France, and Poland. His career wins include team successes with St. Louis City SC and the Columbus Crew, where he contributed to competitive rosters in Major League Soccer.
Other Wins and Performances
Jackson made his senior United States debut on January 20, 2024, in a friendly against Slovenia. He has also featured in reserve competitions such as MLS Next Pro, representing Minnesota United 2, St. Louis City 2, Columbus Crew 2, and Jagiellonia Białystok II.
Aziel Jackson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Aziel Jackson is the son of jazz drummer and composer Ali Jackson Jr., giving him a creative musical background alongside his athletic path. His favorite player is Ronaldinho.
Personal Life
Jackson stands at 5 feet 9 inches tall and is known professionally by the nickname AZ. He moved with his family to France during his teenage years to continue his soccer development, before returning to the United States.
2025 Season Performance
Jackson began 2025 with Columbus Crew 2 before completing a move to Polish Ekstraklasa side Jagiellonia Białystok on July 23, 2025. He made his debut for the Polish club off the bench in a 3–2 win over Widzew Łódź on July 27, 2025. The move gave him a first opportunity to play senior football in Europe outside of France.
On January 30, 2026, he returned to Major League Soccer on a five-month loan with Vancouver Whitecaps. He scored the winning goal in his debut MLS match for Vancouver on February 21, 2026.
His outlook for 2025 and 2026 includes competing for minutes in Vancouver’s first team while continuing to develop at the Ekstraklasa and MLS levels.
