Maximo Carrizo Bio
Máximo Augusto Carrizo Ballesteros (born February 28, 2008) is an American soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club New York City FC and its developmental side, New York City FC II, in MLS Next Pro. In 2022, he signed with New York City FC, becoming the youngest player ever to sign a professional contract in American top-flight history. Born in the United States and raised in a household of Argentine heritage, Carrizo is eligible to represent either the United States or Argentina at international level.
Carrizo wears jersey number 29 for New York City FC and operates primarily as a central midfielder. His precocious contract, youth international experience, and steady progression through age-group teams have made him one of the most closely watched young American prospects of his generation.
Early Life and Background
Máximo Augusto Carrizo Ballesteros was born on February 28, 2008, in New York City, New York, United States. He grew up in a family of Argentine heritage, a background that has shaped his dual international eligibility for both the United States and Argentina. From an early age, Carrizo was immersed in environments that blended American and South American footballing cultures.
During his formative years, Carrizo joined the youth setup of FC Westchester, a New York-area development club known for nurturing young talent. There, he refined his technical foundation as a midfielder before attracting the attention of Major League Soccer scouts. His progress through FC Westchester positioned him for a historic move to a professional first team while still in his early teens.
Path to Professional Soccer
Carrizo’s path to professional soccer accelerated rapidly during his early teenage years. After developing with FC Westchester, he was identified as a top prospect within the New York City FC academy ecosystem. The club moved to integrate him into first-team plans, recognizing his poise, vision, and maturity beyond his age.
In 2022, at just 14 years old, Carrizo signed a professional contract with New York City FC of Major League Soccer. The deal made him the youngest player ever to sign a professional contract in American top-flight history, surpassing previous benchmarks set by other teenage debutants in MLS. The contract formalized a transition that had been years in the making through youth football in the New York area.
Maximo Carrizo Career
Early Career (2022–2024)
After signing his historic professional contract with New York City FC in 2022, Carrizo spent his initial seasons training with the senior squad while continuing to represent the club at academy level. The club managed his development carefully, balancing exposure to first-team environments with the need for consistent playing time at appropriate age groups.
Throughout 2022, 2023, and 2024, Carrizo trained alongside established Major League Soccer professionals and participated in reserve and MLS Next Pro fixtures with New York City FC II. This period allowed him to adapt to the physical and tactical demands of professional soccer while remaining eligible for youth international duty.
Major League Soccer Debut (2025–Present)
Carrizo made his Major League Soccer debut on March 22, 2025, appearing as a 73rd-minute substitute in a 0–0 draw against Columbus Crew. The appearance marked the realization of the potential that had been evident when he signed his professional contract three years earlier, and it signaled his arrival as a first-team contributor for New York City FC.
Operating as a midfielder wearing number 29, Carrizo began building his senior résumé during the 2025 Major League Soccer campaign. His role with New York City FC II in MLS Next Pro complemented his senior-team minutes, providing regular competitive opportunities to refine his game.
Driving Style and Strengths
Carrizo is listed as a midfielder with a developing frame, listed at 1.3 m in early career records. His strengths lie in his technical composure, distribution, and reading of the game, attributes that have allowed him to operate in central midfield areas despite his youth. His comfort in possession and ability to link play between defensive and attacking phases have been central to his progression through New York City FC’s pathway.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining milestone of Carrizo’s young career is his 2022 signing with New York City FC, which made him the youngest player ever to sign a professional contract in American top-flight history. His Major League Soccer debut on March 22, 2025, against Columbus Crew marked his transition from promising academy talent to active senior professional.
Maximo Carrizo Career Wins
As a developing professional whose senior Major League Soccer career began in 2025, Maximo Carrizo is still building his catalog of competitive victories. His most significant competitive milestones to date are his professional contract with New York City FC and his first senior appearance in Major League Soccer.
Major League Soccer Highlights
Carrizo’s Major League Soccer highlight to date is his debut on March 22, 2025, in a 0–0 draw against Columbus Crew, in which he entered as a 73rd-minute substitute. The appearance represented his first senior minutes in the American top flight and confirmed his place within New York City FC’s first-team plans.
Other Wins and Performances
In addition to his club duties, Carrizo has represented the United States at multiple youth international levels. He made his youth international debut in June 2023 with the United States U16s, playing in two friendly matches at the International Dream Cup in Japan. In May 2024, he captained the United States U16s in a 2–2 draw against Argentina U16s at the Argentine Football Association National Training Center.
Maximo Carrizo Family
Family Background and Heritage
Maximo Carrizo was born and raised in New York City in a household of Argentine heritage. This dual cultural background gives him eligibility to represent either the United States or Argentina at international level. His family connections to Argentina have also influenced his early football development and his participation in Argentina youth training camps.
Personal Life
Carrizo maintains an active presence on social media, where he is publicly accessible under his Instagram profile. As a young professional in the earliest stages of his senior career, his personal life remains largely outside the public spotlight, with attention focused on his development as a midfielder for New York City FC.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents Maximo Carrizo’s first full year as an active member of the New York City FC senior squad. After years of training with the first team and competing for New York City FC II in MLS Next Pro, he made his Major League Soccer debut on March 22, 2025, against Columbus Crew. The club continues to balance his senior minutes with developmental opportunities at the MLS Next Pro level.
Carrizo’s season storyline centers on his gradual integration into New York City FC’s midfield rotation. Wearing jersey number 29, he has featured as a substitute and rotational option, gaining valuable experience against established Major League Soccer opposition. His dual registration with New York City FC II ensures consistent playing time while he adapts to senior-level demands.
Looking ahead across the remainder of the 2025 campaign, Carrizo is positioned to expand his role within New York City FC’s first team as he continues to accumulate senior minutes. The combination of first-team training, Major League Soccer appearances, and MLS Next Pro fixtures provides a structured environment for his continued growth as a central midfielder in American soccer.