Matthew Longstaff Bio
Matthew Ben Longstaff is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club CF Montréal. Longstaff made his first-team debut for Newcastle United on 28 August 2019, and he quickly garnered attention for his performance, notably scoring a goal in his Premier League debut against Manchester United. He has also spent time on loan at several clubs including Aberdeen and Mansfield Town before signing with Toronto FC in 2024, and subsequently being traded to CF Montréal in 2025.
Standing 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) tall, Longstaff is recognized for his work rate, passing range, and ability to strike from distance. He has represented England at under-20 level and continues to build his career in North American soccer.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Ben Longstaff was born on 21 March 2000 in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England. He was later raised in North Shields, Tyne and Wear, where his family settled during his childhood. This northern upbringing helped shape his identity as a dedicated, hard-working midfielder with strong ties to the northeast of England.
Longstaff attended John Spence Community High School, balancing his education with his growing commitment to football. He came from a sports-oriented family, which gave him early exposure to athletic discipline and competition. His father, David Longstaff, is a former Great Britain ice hockey player who featured over 100 times for the national side and is still active as a coach for the Whitley Warriors.
Growing up, Longstaff was a boyhood Newcastle United supporter, and his passion for the club was shared within his household. His older brother, Sean Longstaff, is also a professional footballer, currently playing for Leeds United. Their father David is the cousin of former England international Alan Thompson, extending the family’s sporting lineage across multiple disciplines.
Path to Soccer
Longstaff joined the Newcastle United youth academy and worked his way through the club’s development system from a young age. He progressed steadily through the age-group ranks, refining his skills as a central midfielder with an emphasis on ball distribution and late runs into the box. By 2019, he had broken into the senior setup, signaling the success of his long-term development pathway.
His opportunity at Newcastle came under manager Steve Bruce, who handed him his first-team debut in the EFL Cup against Leicester City on 28 August 2019. Just weeks later, he was given his Premier League debut against Manchester United, where he announced himself on the biggest stage with a long-range goal. That early breakthrough illustrated the trust the club had placed in its academy product and marked a defining moment in his path to professional football.
Longstaff’s rise through Newcastle’s academy also reflected his family’s deep roots in the sport. Surrounded by a father who competed internationally in ice hockey and a brother forging his own football career, Matthew developed a competitive mentality from an early age. His transition from youth prospect to first-team player represented the culmination of nearly two decades of dedication to the game.
Matthew Longstaff Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Matthew Ben Longstaff began his senior career with Newcastle United in the 2019–20 season, having come through the club’s academy. His first appearance came on 28 August 2019 in the EFL Cup against Leicester City, before he was handed his Premier League debut on 6 October 2019 against Manchester United. The opportunity arrived with Newcastle searching for fresh legs in midfield, and Longstaff seized the moment with a memorable performance.
During that debut match at St James’ Park, Longstaff scored the only goal in a 1–0 win over Manchester United, a powerful strike from outside the box in the 72nd minute. The goal was later voted Premier League Goal of the Month, instantly elevating his profile. He followed that up by scoring in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford, opening the scoring in a match that ultimately ended in a 4–1 defeat for Newcastle.
Newcastle United and Loans (2020–2023)
Following the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2019–20 season, Longstaff signed a new two-year contract with Newcastle United on 22 August 2020, reaffirming the club’s commitment to his development. Despite that show of faith, opportunities in the Premier League became limited, and Newcastle opted to send him out on loan to gain regular first-team experience.
On 27 August 2021, Longstaff joined Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen on a season-long loan. However, his time in Scotland was cut short, and he was recalled by Newcastle on 26 December 2021 after featuring only five times. On 31 January 2022, he moved to EFL League Two side Mansfield Town on loan for the remainder of the 2021–22 season, where he sought more consistent minutes.
Longstaff then joined another EFL League Two club, Colchester United, on 1 September 2022 on a short-term loan. His spell at Colchester was interrupted in December 2022 when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and he returned to Newcastle on 1 January 2023 to continue his rehabilitation. Newcastle United later released him at the end of his contract but continued to support his treatment and recovery.
Toronto FC Era (2024–2025)
On 29 February 2024, Major League Soccer club Toronto FC announced the signing of Longstaff as a free agent on a two-year contract, with an option for an additional year. The move represented a fresh start in North America after his injury setback in England, and Toronto offered him a platform to rebuild his career in a new league.
Longstaff made an immediate impact with Toronto, scoring his first goal for the club on 5 May 2024 against FC Dallas. Throughout his time in Canada, he established himself as a reliable presence in midfield, contributing energy, passing, and defensive work. His performances helped him regain full fitness and confidence after the long road back from his knee injury.
CF Montréal Era (2025–Present)
On 13 August 2025, Longstaff was traded to CF Montréal in exchange for Jules-Anthony Vilsaint and up to $275,000 in General Allocation Money. The move marked a new chapter in his Major League Soccer journey, joining a club looking to add competitive depth to its midfield. Longstaff wears the number 8 shirt for CF Montréal.
His transition within MLS has been smooth, and he has continued to feature regularly in central midfield. The trade reflects both his growing reputation in the league and CF Montréal’s belief in his potential to contribute to their ambitions going forward.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although a midfielder rather than a driver, Longstaff is recognized for his powerful left foot, ability to strike from distance, and intelligent reading of the game. He combines technical passing with disciplined positioning, allowing him to link defense and attack effectively. His work rate and willingness to press make him a valuable presence in central areas of the pitch.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Longstaff’s career came on his Premier League debut, when his long-range goal against Manchester United was named Premier League Goal of the Month. He also became the third Longstaff brother-era product to play for Newcastle United’s senior team, continuing a notable family tradition at the club.
Matthew Longstaff Career Wins
Matthew Ben Longstaff has accumulated valuable experience across multiple leagues, including the Premier League, Scottish Premiership, EFL League Two, and Major League Soccer. While his goal-scoring record is not extensive, his career wins and contributions reflect steady progression through English and North American football.
Toronto FC Highlights
Longstaff’s standout moment with Toronto FC came on 5 May 2024, when he scored his first goal for the club in a match against FC Dallas. The strike marked a personal milestone in his MLS career and helped him establish himself as a regular contributor in the squad.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his club appearances, Longstaff represented England at under-20 level, making his debut as a substitute in a 4–0 win over Portugal on 14 November 2019. He was first called up to the England U20 side on 8 November 2019, marking an important step in his international career.
Matthew Longstaff Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Matthew Ben Longstaff comes from a distinguished sporting family. His father, David Longstaff, is a former Great Britain ice hockey player who earned more than 100 caps for the national team and continues to coach the Whitley Warriors. David is also the cousin of former England international Alan Thompson, extending the family’s athletic pedigree.
Personal Life
Longstaff’s older brother, Sean Longstaff, is a professional footballer currently playing for Leeds United. The two brothers share a close bond shaped by their shared upbringing in North Shields and their mutual dedication to football. Matthew continues to focus on his playing career with CF Montréal, representing the latest chapter in a family deeply rooted in sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been one of transition for Matthew Ben Longstaff, beginning the year with Toronto FC before being traded to CF Montréal on 13 August 2025. His performances in the first half of the year with Toronto helped position him as a sought-after midfielder within the league. The trade itself, which included up to $275,000 in General Allocation Money and player Jules-Anthony Vilsaint, underscored his value to Toronto’s roster planning.
Since joining CF Montréal, Longstaff has continued to feature in central midfield, wearing the number 8 shirt. His technical quality and experience across multiple leagues have provided a steady presence for his new club as they pursue their competitive objectives in Major League Soccer.
Looking ahead, Longstaff’s future trajectory will depend on his ability to cement a regular role at CF Montréal and continue his recovery and form following his earlier injury setbacks. With his contract running through 2025 and a family legacy in sport to draw upon, he remains a player to watch in the ongoing MLS campaign.