Ryan Hollingshead Bio
Ryan Michael Hollingshead (born April 16, 1991) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a right-back for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall, he is recognized for his positional versatility, having lined up across the back line and on the wing during his professional career. A graduate of UCLA, Hollingshead has built a reputation as a reliable defender with a strong attacking presence, contributing both goals and assists from wide positions throughout his time in MLS.
After being selected in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, Hollingshead went on to spend the bulk of his early professional career with FC Dallas before joining Los Angeles FC in 2022. Along the way, he earned recognition for both his play and his humanitarian work.
Early Life and Background
Ryan Michael Hollingshead was born on April 16, 1991, in Sacramento, California. Growing up in the Sacramento area, he developed an early interest in soccer and spent his formative years refining the skills that would later carry him to one of the top college programs on the West Coast.
Hollingshead’s upbringing in Northern California exposed him to a competitive youth soccer environment, and he eventually became one of the most highly regarded prospects in his region. His family background includes a strong emphasis on faith and service, an influence that would later shape much of his off-field work, including charitable trips abroad and community outreach.
Path to Soccer
Hollingshead’s path to the professional ranks began at UCLA, where he played college soccer for the UCLA Bruins from 2009 to 2012. Over four seasons, he appeared in 81 matches, registering 16 goals and 21 assists for 53 points. His consistent production and leadership on the field made him one of the most decorated players in the program during that era.
In 2010, 2011, and 2012, Hollingshead earned All-Pac-12 honors, and in 2012 he was named the Pac-12 Player of the Year. He also received NSCAA All-America recognition in 2012 and was selected to the 2011 NCAA All-Tournament Team after helping lead the Bruins to the College Cup semifinals. That same year, he captained the Bruins to a 13–3–3 record and finished second in the Pac-12 with eight assists.
Following his senior season, FC Dallas selected Hollingshead in the second round, 20th overall, of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. Although the club extended a contract offer, he initially declined in order to assist his brother with building a church in Sacramento and to participate in charity work at an orphanage in Haiti. He ultimately signed with Dallas on December 9, 2013, officially launching his professional career.
Ryan Hollingshead Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
Hollingshead began his MLS career with FC Dallas in 2014, and over the next several seasons he worked to establish himself as a regular contributor. He earned a reputation for his ability to play multiple positions, lining up primarily as a fullback or winger on either side of the field. His adaptability made him a valuable piece of the Dallas roster, even as his role evolved from game to game.
During these early seasons, Hollingshead continued to develop his two-way game, contributing in both defensive phases and attacking transitions. He remained a steady presence in the locker room, and by the end of 2016 he had cemented his place as a versatile option for the club heading into the new year.
FC Dallas Tenure and Recovery (2017–2021)
On January 6, 2017, Hollingshead’s career nearly ended when he stopped to help a stranded motorist in icy conditions and was struck by a motor vehicle that had lost control. The collision launched him approximately 30 feet into the air and left him with three broken vertebrae in his neck. The injury forced him to miss the start of the 2017 MLS season.
Remarkably, Hollingshead recovered and returned to the field later that same year. In recognition of his off-field character and humanitarian contributions, including ongoing charity work in Haiti, he was named the MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year following the 2017 season. He continued to feature for FC Dallas through the 2021 campaign, further establishing himself as a fan favorite in Dallas for both his resilience and his consistency.
Los Angeles FC Era (2022–Present)
On February 10, 2022, Los Angeles FC acquired Hollingshead from FC Dallas in exchange for defender Marco Farfan. The move gave LAFC an experienced, versatile defender with a track record of performing in big moments, and Hollingshead quickly became a regular in the Los Angeles FC back line.
Wearing the number 24 jersey, Hollingshead has continued to provide positional flexibility, capable of slotting in at right-back, left-back, or higher up the field on the wing. His ability to read the game and contribute offensively has made him a steady option for the club as it competes at the top of the Western Conference.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hollingshead’s primary strengths lie in his versatility, his two-way work rate, and his comfort in a variety of wide positions. Coaches have valued his ability to read the game defensively while also contributing in the attack, both as a passer and as a finisher from wide areas. His composure and consistency, even after returning from a serious neck injury, have made him a trusted option for his managers.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most notable moment of Hollingshead’s career came in January 2017, when a serious car accident left him with three broken vertebrae. His recovery and return to MLS that same year is widely regarded as one of the more inspiring comeback stories in recent league history. He was subsequently honored as the MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year in 2017.
Ryan Hollingshead Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Hollingshead was raised in Sacramento, California, where his family placed a strong emphasis on faith and community service. His brother was involved in building a church in the Sacramento area, and Hollingshead himself has been active in faith-based initiatives, including charity trips to an orphanage in Haiti.
2025 Season Outlook
Heading into 2025, Ryan Michael Hollingshead remains a key part of the Los Angeles FC roster, providing experience, versatility, and defensive reliability on the back line. With LAFC continuing to compete among the top clubs in the Western Conference, Hollingshead is expected to play a meaningful role in both regular-season and postseason competition.
His familiarity with multiple wide positions gives his coaching staff tactical flexibility, and his track record of delivering in high-pressure situations makes him a valuable presence in the locker room. As the 2025 campaign unfolds, Hollingshead’s consistency and two-way production from wide areas will likely remain central to Los Angeles FC’s ambitions.