Seymour Reid Bio
Seymour Garfield-Reid, born on 4 March 2008, is a Jamaican professional footballer who plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club New York City FC. Recognized as one of the most exciting young prospects in the league, Reid became the youngest player in New York City FC’s MLS history when he made his first-team debut in March 2025. Known for his physical presence, technical control, and composure in front of goal, he has drawn early comparisons to seasoned professionals despite his teenage years.
Early Life and Background
Seymour Garfield-Reid was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on 4 March 2008. He grew up in a supportive environment that nurtured his early interest in football, with the sport becoming a central part of his childhood in the Jamaican capital. When he was nine years old, his family relocated to the United States, a move that would prove pivotal in shaping his footballing future.
After settling in the United States, Reid began playing youth football for Progressive Soccer Club, where his talent quickly stood out among his peers. His performances caught the attention of scouts, leading to a move to Cedar Stars Academy, one of the respected development programs in the New Jersey youth football landscape. This progression through competitive youth ranks helped him sharpen the technical and tactical skills that would later define his professional career.
Path to Soccer
Reid’s transition into elite-level American soccer development came in fall 2024, when he joined the New York City FC Academy. The move from Cedar Stars Academy in New Jersey to one of Major League Soccer’s most established academy systems represented a significant step up in competition and training quality. It also placed him on a direct pathway to professional opportunities within the New York City FC organization.
During his time in the NYCFC Academy, Reid continued to develop the attacking instincts and physical attributes that made him a promising prospect. The academy’s structure, paired with his dedication, allowed him to train in an environment designed to prepare young players for the demands of professional soccer. By early 2025, his progress was sufficient to earn him a professional contract with NYCFC II in MLS Next Pro.
Seymour Reid Career
Early Career (2024–2025)
Reid’s first notable steps in the professional game came through the New York City FC Academy beginning in fall 2024. His performances in the academy ranks earned him a professional opportunity, and in March 2025, he signed an MLS Next Pro contract with NYCFC II through 2025, with a scheduled promotion to a first-team Homegrown contract in 2026. The contract reflected the club’s confidence in his long-term potential.
He made an immediate impact at the professional level, scoring three goals in his first two matches for NYCFC II, including a brace and a game-winning strike. Across his first 11 appearances, he tallied seven goals, demonstrating a natural ability to find the back of the net and contribute to his team’s attacking output. These early performances cemented his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in the NYCFC pipeline.
New York City FC Breakthrough (2025–Present)
Reid’s breakthrough to the senior team came through three Short-Term Agreements with New York City FC’s first team, which allowed him to train and play with the senior squad while remaining primarily with NYCFC II. He debuted as a substitute in March 2025, in a 0–0 draw against Columbus Crew, becoming the youngest player in club MLS history to appear in a match. The moment marked a historic milestone for both Reid and the franchise.
On 27 May 2025, Reid signed a Homegrown Player contract through 2029, with an option extending to 2030, becoming NYCFC’s seventeenth homegrown player. The deal made him immediately eligible for first-team call-ups and confirmed the club’s long-term commitment to his development. On 13 September 2025, he scored against Chicago Fire FC, becoming the youngest player in the history of the club to score, accomplishing the feat at just 17 years old.
Jamaica National Team (2023–Present)
Reid has represented Jamaica at the youth international level, featuring for the Jamaica U17 national team from 2023 to 2025. During his time with the U17 side, he scored three goals in four appearances, contributing meaningfully to the team’s attacking play. His performances at the youth level helped establish him as a player worthy of senior international consideration.
In October 2025, Reid received his first call-up to Jamaica’s senior national team, a significant milestone in his young career. The call-up reflected his rapid rise through the footballing ranks and his growing reputation as a forward with international potential. It also signaled his emergence as a player capable of contributing at the highest levels of the sport for his country.
Driving Style and Strengths
Reid plays as a traditional number nine, relying on his physical presence, technical control, and composure in front of goal to lead the line for his team. His ability to combine strength with skill makes him a difficult matchup for defenders, while his calm finishing has drawn praise from coaches and analysts. NYCFC coach Matt Pilkington has described him as a young player with a lot of qualities, highlighting his maturity and potential for continued growth.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Reid’s most notable achievements is becoming the youngest player in New York City FC’s MLS history to debut in a match, doing so in March 2025. He later added another record by becoming the youngest goalscorer in club history when he netted against Chicago Fire FC in September 2025. His rapid ascent from academy prospect to first-team contributor and senior international call-up underscores his status as a generational talent in the making.
Seymour Reid Career Wins
While Reid’s professional career is still in its early stages, his accomplishments already include several club records and individual milestones. His consistent goal-scoring form for NYCFC II and his historic contributions to the first team have positioned him as one of the most promising young players in Major League Soccer.
New York City FC Highlights
Reid’s most celebrated moments have come in a New York City FC shirt, including his record-setting debut as the youngest MLS player in club history and his record-breaking goal against Chicago Fire FC. His Homegrown Player contract signed in May 2025 underscored the club’s belief in his long-term importance to the franchise. Each milestone has added to a growing legacy that places him among the most notable young players in the organization’s history.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his club achievements, Reid has made his mark with the Jamaica U17 national team, scoring three goals in four appearances and helping to elevate the team’s attacking threat. His October 2025 call-up to Jamaica’s senior national team represents the latest in a series of achievements that have defined his rapid rise. These international accomplishments complement his domestic success and signal a bright future for the young forward.
Seymour Reid Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Seymour Garfield-Reid was raised in Kingston, Jamaica, before his family relocated to the United States when he was nine years old. The move was a pivotal moment in his life, providing him with access to stronger football development pathways and higher levels of competition. While specific details about his parents and family are not publicly documented, the family’s support for his athletic development has been evident throughout his progression.
Personal Life
At 17 years old, Reid remains focused on his burgeoning professional football career, balancing the demands of training, matches, and national team duty. His early move to the United States with his family shaped both his personal and athletic development, grounding him in a supportive environment that allowed his talent to flourish. As a young public figure, he continues to represent both his Jamaican heritage and his adopted American footballing community.
2025 Season Performance
Seymour Reid’s 2025 season has been defined by historic achievements and rapid development across multiple levels of professional football. Beginning with a professional contract at NYCFC II in March 2025, he quickly established himself as a prolific scorer, tallying seven goals in his first 11 appearances in MLS Next Pro. His performances drew the attention of the first-team coaching staff, leading to three Short-Term Agreements and his record-breaking senior debut.
By late May 2025, his form had earned him a Homegrown Player contract through 2029, making him a permanent member of the first-team squad and eligible for regular senior call-ups. He continued to deliver memorable moments, including becoming the youngest goalscorer in club history with his strike against Chicago Fire FC in September 2025. The milestone reinforced his status as a key piece of New York City FC’s long-term plans.
On the international stage, Reid’s selection to Jamaica’s senior national team in October 2025 marked the culmination of a breakthrough year, following his successful tenure with the U17 side. The call-up signaled his readiness to compete at the highest level and provided a glimpse of his potential future with the Reggae Boyz. With several years remaining on his contract and his trajectory pointing upward, Reid’s 2025 campaign has laid a strong foundation for sustained success in the seasons ahead.
