Malachi Jones Bio
Malachi Jones (born 23 September 2003) is a Sierra Leonean professional footballer who plays for Major League Soccer club New York City FC. He began his youth soccer career after moving to the United States in 2013 and has since made a significant impact in collegiate soccer at Lipscomb University before turning professional.
Early Life and Background
Malachi Jones was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone. In 2013, he moved to the United States from Sierra Leone, along with his seven siblings, after they were all adopted by an American family from Thompson’s Station, Tennessee. There, he played youth soccer with Nashville United Soccer Academy. Jones attended Grace Christian Academy in Tennessee, where he led the Lions to a Division I State Title in 2019, a Division II State Runner Up in 2021, and capped off his high school career with a Division II State Title in 2022. In June 2022, he was named the Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year and was a four-time First Team All-State selection, helping his team win the Division II, Class A soccer state championship in 2022.
Path to Soccer
In November 2021, Malachi Jones committed to attend Lipscomb University to play for the men’s soccer team in the fall of 2022. He made his collegiate debut on 25 August 2022 against the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons, scoring his first collegiate goal on 10 September 2022 in a victory over the Jacksonville Dolphins. On 4 October 2022, he scored a brace in a 3–1 victory over the Mercer Bears, earning ASUN and TSWA Player of the Week honors. At the end of his freshman season, he was named to the ASUN All-Freshman Team, the All-ASUN Conference First Team, and a College Soccer News Third Team All-Freshman. Ahead of his sophomore season in 2023, he was named to the ASUN All-Preseason Team and led the ASUN Conference in assists that year.
Malachi Jones Career
Early Career (2023)
In 2023, Malachi Jones played with Tennessee SC in USL League Two. At the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, he was selected in the first round (8th overall) by New York City FC. In January 2024, he signed a two-year contract with the club, with options for 2026 and 2027. Jones began his career quickly for New York City, making 14 appearances in the season’s first 20 games, including four starts, often ahead of players signed for a substantial transfer fee. He scored his first Major League Soccer goal on 11 May 2024 in a 3–2 victory over Toronto FC and finished the season with one goal and three assists.
Breakthrough (2024)
Malachi Jones’s breakthrough came with his selection in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft and subsequent signing with New York City FC. His early performances showcased his potential, and he quickly became a key player for the team. However, on 28 June 2024, he suffered a severe injury, breaking his right tibia and fibula in a collision with Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar. Following surgery, he began his recovery process, with New York City announcing further surgery on his right tibia on 18 March 2025. As of 4 September 2025, he was still working towards regaining fitness and had not made another appearance in a match.
Notable Works and Milestones
Malachi Jones’s signature work includes his impactful performances at Lipscomb University, where he earned multiple accolades, including the Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year. His transition to professional soccer with New York City FC marked a significant milestone in his career, demonstrating his potential as a forward in Major League Soccer.
Malachi Jones Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Malachi Jones has received several nominations and accolades, particularly during his time at Lipscomb University, where he was recognized for his outstanding performances on the field.
Malachi Jones Awards Won
Malachi Jones has achieved notable awards, including the ASUN All-Freshman Team and the All-ASUN Conference First Team, reflecting his talent and contributions to his teams during his early career.
Malachi Jones Family
Malachi Jones was adopted along with his seven siblings by an American family, which significantly shaped his early life and career in soccer.
Personal Life
In June 2024, Malachi Jones got engaged to his long-time girlfriend, whom he met at Lipscomb University, where she played volleyball for the Bisons.