Nkosi Tafari Bio
Nkosi Tafari Burgess (born March 23, 1997) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC. Standing 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), Tafari is recognized for his physical presence in the back line, his ability to read the game, and his composure in high-pressure moments. After a strong college career split between the University of Connecticut and Seattle University, he was selected in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft and went on to spend five seasons with FC Dallas before being traded to Los Angeles FC in January 2025.
Born in New York City and of mixed Ethiopian and Malagasy descent through his mother, Tafari brings an international background to his American soccer journey. He is also eligible to represent Ethiopia at the international level. In 2021, he chose to be known publicly by his middle name, Tafari, embracing his African heritage and stepping away from the family name associated with slavery.
Early Life and Background
Nkosi Tafari Burgess was born on March 23, 1997, in New York City, New York. Growing up in one of the most diverse cities in the world, Tafari was exposed to a wide range of cultures and athletic opportunities from a young age. His mother, who is of Ethiopian and Malagasy descent, played an important role in shaping his cultural identity and sense of heritage, values that would later influence both his personal choices and his public persona.
From his early years, Tafari showed an interest in soccer that blended athletic talent with a strong competitive drive. The vibrant youth soccer scene in New York provided him with a platform to develop his skills as a defender, particularly his aerial ability and positional awareness. His tall frame, which would eventually reach 6 ft 4 in, gave him a natural advantage in defense and helped set him apart as he progressed through the youth ranks.
Tafari’s upbringing in a multicultural household also gave him a deep appreciation for identity and self-awareness. These early lessons would later manifest in his decision to embrace his African roots by choosing to go by his middle name professionally.
Path to Soccer
Tafari’s journey to professional soccer began in the college ranks. He enrolled at the University of Connecticut in 2015, where he joined the UConn Huskies men’s soccer program. He redshirted his freshman season, preserving a year of eligibility while adjusting to the demands of Division I college soccer. Between 2016 and 2018, he became a regular contributor, making 46 appearances for the Huskies and recording 1 goal and 1 assist across those three seasons.
Seeking a fresh start for his senior year, Tafari transferred to Seattle University, where he played for the Seattle Redhawks during the 2019 season. He quickly established himself as a leader in the back line, making 20 appearances and contributing 1 goal and 1 assist. His strong performances were recognized with the WAC Defensive Player of the Year award, along with selection to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team. These accomplishments helped position him as a credible prospect ahead of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft.
On January 9, 2020, Tafari was selected 14th overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas, marking his official entry into professional soccer. He signed his first professional contract with the club on February 18, 2020, beginning the next phase of his career.
Nkosi Tafari Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Tafari made his professional debut on October 3, 2020, starting for FC Dallas’ USL League One affiliate, North Texas SC, in a match against Fort Lauderdale CF. The loan spell to North Texas SC gave him valuable first-team minutes and helped him adjust to the speed and physicality of professional soccer. Working closely with the Dallas coaching staff, he continued to refine his defensive craft and build match fitness.
During this developmental period, Tafari split his time between North Texas SC and the FC Dallas first team. He scored his first professional goal with FC Dallas on August 21, 2021, finding the net against the Houston Dynamo in a rivalry match. The moment signaled his growing comfort at the Major League Soccer level and hinted at the bigger contributions still to come.
FC Dallas Breakthrough (2021–2025)
After returning from his loan, Tafari gradually cemented his place in the FC Dallas starting XI as a reliable central defender. His combination of size, reading of the game, and willingness to step into tackles made him a key piece of the team’s defensive structure. Coaches leaned on him to organize the back line and to compete in aerial duels against opposing forwards.
One of the defining moments of his time at FC Dallas came on August 26, 2023, when he scored the game-winning goal in a 1–0 victory against rivals. The strike arrived at 96:49, making it the latest game-winning goal in club history. The dramatic finish underscored both his knack for stepping up in big moments and his value to the team during tight matches.
By 2024, Tafari had established himself as a steady presence for FC Dallas, regularly logging heavy minutes and contributing to the team’s defensive organization. His consistency helped him earn a call-up to the senior United States squad in January 2024 for a friendly match against Slovenia, a significant milestone in his career.
Los Angeles FC Era (2025–Present)
On January 23, 2025, FC Dallas traded Tafari to Los Angeles FC in exchange for $300,000 in General Allocation Money and an International Roster Slot. The move signaled a new chapter in his career, joining one of the most ambitious clubs in Major League Soccer. At LAFC, he wears jersey number 91 and is expected to bring defensive stability to a competitive squad.
Joining LAFC gave Tafari the opportunity to compete for trophies on a larger stage, including playoff runs and cup competitions. His early tenure with the club has been marked by a smooth transition into the team’s defensive system, and he continues to be recognized for his aerial strength and composure under pressure.
Defensive Style and Strengths
Tafari is widely regarded as a physically imposing central defender who excels in aerial duels and one-on-one defending. His 6 ft 4 in frame allows him to dominate in the air, both in defensive clearances and in attacking set pieces. He is also praised for his composure on the ball, his ability to read the game, and his leadership in organizing the back line.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Tafari’s most memorable career moments are his first professional goal against the Houston Dynamo in 2021, his record-setting 96:49 game-winner for FC Dallas in 2023, his January 2024 selection to the United States senior squad, and his January 2025 trade to Los Angeles FC. Each of these milestones reflects his steady rise within American professional soccer.
Nkosi Tafari Career Wins
While Nkosi Tafari has not yet captured a major team trophy at the professional level, his career is highlighted by consistent defensive performances and individual recognition. His selection to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team and his WAC Defensive Player of the Year award stand out as key honors that helped launch his professional path.
FC Dallas Highlights
During his time with FC Dallas from 2020 to 2025, Tafari developed into a reliable starter and contributed key goals, including his first professional goal against the Houston Dynamo in 2021 and his historic late game-winner in 2023. His consistency in central defense was a major reason the club remained competitive during his tenure.
Other Performances
Before turning professional, Tafari was a standout at both the University of Connecticut and Seattle University. His 2019 WAC Defensive Player of the Year award and United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team selection marked him as one of the top collegiate defenders in the country that season.
Nkosi Tafari Family
Family Background and Heritage
Nkosi Tafari Burgess was raised in New York City in a multicultural household. His mother is of Ethiopian and Malagasy descent, which connects him to East Africa and the African island of Madagascar. This heritage plays an important role in his identity, as reflected in his 2021 decision to be known publicly as Tafari rather than Burgess.
Personal Life
In 2021, Tafari announced that he would go by his middle name, Tafari, choosing to distance himself from the surname Burgess, which he described as having been passed down from master to slave. He explained that he wanted to reconnect with his African roots and take pride in his heritage. He remains eligible to represent either the United States or Ethiopia at the international level.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 Major League Soccer season represents a new beginning for Tafari following his January trade to Los Angeles FC. Joining a club with championship expectations, he is expected to play a central role in the defensive setup alongside the team’s existing core of experienced players. His early appearances with LAFC have showcased the same physical and tactical qualities that defined his time at FC Dallas.
As the season progresses, Tafari’s primary goals will be to maintain defensive consistency, contribute to LAFC’s push for a deep playoff run, and continue building chemistry with his new teammates and coaching staff. His leadership in the back line and his ability to deliver in key moments will be central to the club’s ambitions.
Looking ahead, Tafari’s performances in 2025 could also influence his standing with the United States national team program, following his senior squad call-up in early 2024. With his blend of size, composure, and experience, he is well-positioned to remain a key contributor for both club and country in the years to come.
