Kyle Duncan Bio
Kyle Barri Duncan (born August 8, 1997) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a right-back for Major League Soccer club Minnesota United. Standing 5 ft 10 in tall, Duncan has built his career around pace, defensive awareness, and overlapping runs down the right flank. After progressing through the New York Red Bulls Academy, he spent time in Europe before returning to MLS and establishing himself as a reliable starter.
Early Life and Background
Kyle Barri Duncan was born on August 8, 1997, in Brooklyn, New York, in the United States. Growing up in New York City placed him within reach of one of the country’s strongest youth soccer ecosystems, and he joined the New York Red Bulls Academy at a young age. The academy is well known for producing top-level American players, and Duncan quickly moved through its age-group ranks.
On August 6, 2014, Duncan played with the Red Bulls reserve team against United Soccer League side Harrisburg City Islanders, an early sign of his readiness for senior football. He went on to start all 13 games for the Red Bulls under-18s during the 2014 fall season, reinforcing his reputation as a committed and attack-minded full-back.
Path to Soccer
Rather than sign a professional contract with New York Red Bulls II in 2015, Duncan chose to pursue opportunities in Europe, a decision that reflected his ambition to test himself abroad at a young age. In October 2015, he signed a two-year contract with Ligue 2 side Valenciennes, a well-known French second-division club with a strong record of developing young talent.
During his first season in France, Duncan played for Valenciennes II in Championnat National 3, making his debut on May 14, 2016, as a starter at right-back in a 2–1 loss to Olympique Noisy-le-Sec. He was promoted to the Valenciennes first team for the 2016–17 season but did not appear in Ligue 2 matches that year, gaining instead a deeper understanding of the professional environment.
Kyle Duncan Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
Duncan’s first professional chapter unfolded in northern France with Valenciennes. After breaking in with the reserve side in 2015–16, he trained with the first team the following season and absorbed the demands of a competitive European club. Although he did not feature in Ligue 2 fixtures, the experience sharpened his tactical reading of the game.
Following two seasons in France, Duncan returned to the United States in January 2018 for pre-season training with the New York Red Bulls. On March 9, 2018, the club announced that it had signed him to an MLS contract, citing his attitude and work ethic during pre-season. The next day he started the Red Bulls’ season opener against Portland Timbers, a 4–0 victory in which commentator Jonathan Yardley described him as “dominating” against experienced winger Sebastián Blanco.
New York Red Bulls Breakthrough (2018–2021)
Duncan made an immediate impression in 2018, recording his first MLS assist against Minnesota United on March 24, 2018, before an ACL injury against Orlando City SC on March 31 cut his debut campaign short. After working his way back, he was loaned to New York Red Bulls II for the 2019 season, where he scored his first professional goal on August 21, 2019, in a 2–1 win over Nashville SC. He was recalled to the senior side and netted his first MLS goal on September 19, 2019, in a 2–0 victory at Portland Timbers.
The 2020 season marked Duncan’s full arrival as a starter. On March 1, 2020, he scored the opening goal of the MLS season and added two assists in a 3–2 win over FC Cincinnati. He later scored the lone goal in a 1–0 Hudson River Derby victory over New York City FC on August 20, 2020, and opened the scoring in a 2–2 draw at Chicago Fire FC on October 24, 2020. His consistent two-way play earned him the New York Red Bulls Defensive Player of the Year award for 2020.
In 2021, Duncan appeared in 33 matches for New York, scoring once and adding three assists. On June 18, 2021, he found the net in a 2–0 win over Nashville SC, capping a campaign that confirmed his status as one of the team’s most dependable performers.
Oostende Era (2021–2022)
On November 26, 2021, Duncan joined Belgian First Division side Oostende on a free transfer, seeking regular minutes in a top European league. He made his debut on January 21, 2022, starting as a right wing-back in a 2–1 loss to Antwerp and playing the full match. On February 19, 2022, he featured for 73 minutes in a famous 1–0 victory over Standard Liège, helping Oostende to one of its most memorable results of the campaign. He finished his first Belgian season with seven appearances, all as a starter.
New York Red Bulls Return (2022–2025)
On August 5, 2022, Oostende announced that Duncan would return to the New York Red Bulls on loan through the end of the 2022 season, and on January 15, 2023, he was loaned back to the Red Bulls for the 2023 MLS campaign. At the end of 2023, the Red Bulls exercised the permanent transfer option on Duncan through the 2025 MLS season, signaling their long-term commitment to the right-back.
Duncan scored his first goal of the 2024 season on July 20, 2024, in a 3–1 victory over FC Cincinnati. On November 26, 2025, the club announced that it had declined his contract option, opening the door for a new chapter in his career.
Minnesota United Era (2026–Present)
On February 13, 2026, Minnesota United FC announced the signing of Kyle Barri Duncan on a free transfer. The deal runs through the 2026 season with a club option extending through June 2027. Duncan quickly settled into the squad and scored his first goal for the Loons against San Diego in a 2–1 victory, an early sign of his attacking contribution from the right flank.
Driving Style and Strengths
Duncan is best known as an attack-minded right-back who thrives on overlapping runs, crossing, and linking play with wide forwards. His pace allows him to recover defensively, while his comfort in possession supports build-up from the back. Pairing defensive responsibility with regular attacking output has been the foundation of his MLS career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his career highlights, Duncan scored the first goal of the 2020 MLS season, netted the lone goal in a Hudson River Derby win over New York City FC, and was named New York Red Bulls Defensive Player of the Year for 2020. He also made his senior international debut for the United States on December 9, 2020, in a 6–0 friendly win over El Salvador.
Kyle Duncan Career Wins
Kyle Barri Duncan has built a career highlighted more by consistent selection, key goals in marquee matches, and individual recognition than by major trophies. His most celebrated individual honor is the 2020 New York Red Bulls Defensive Player of the Year award.
Major Competition Highlights
Duncan’s most prominent club stage has been Major League Soccer, where he has been a regular starter for the New York Red Bulls across multiple seasons. He has also featured in Ligue 2 with Valenciennes, in the Belgian First Division with Oostende, and in the USL with New York Red Bulls II. His standout moments include opening-day goals against Portland Timbers and FC Cincinnati, a Hudson River Derby winner, and a debut assist against Minnesota United in 2018.
Kyle Duncan Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kyle Barri Duncan was raised in Brooklyn, New York. He is a cousin of fellow professional soccer player Timothy Weah, a connection that ties the defender to a wider family with a clear presence in the sport.
Personal Life
Duncan has spent much of his professional career in the New York City area, the region where he grew up and developed as a player. His social media presence, including an active Instagram account, reflects his connection to fans in the New York and Minnesota soccer communities.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 MLS season represented Duncan’s final year under contract with the New York Red Bulls following the club’s earlier decision to exercise the permanent transfer option. He continued to feature as a regular option at right-back, contributing defensively and in the attacking third. His experience alongside younger defenders helped provide stability on the right side of the Red Bulls back line.
On November 26, 2025, the New York Red Bulls announced that they had declined his contract option, ending his second long spell with the club. The decision cleared the path for Duncan to evaluate his next move in Major League Soccer or abroad.
Heading into 2026, Duncan joined Minnesota United FC on February 13, 2026, on a free transfer through the 2026 season, with a club option through June 2027. An early goal against San Diego suggested a smooth transition, and his familiarity with MLS systems positioned him as a likely contributor for the Loons across multiple competitions.
