Maxi Moralez should return to NYCFC for one more season | OneFootball

2025 is officially here, which means Major League Soccer will be back before one knows it. New York City FC will be embarking on their 11th season of play as they celebrate ten years in MLS. The Pigeons will seek to have their best season since 2022 when they finished in third place in the Eastern Conference and won the Campeones Cup.

2023 was one of the worst years in recent memory since NYCFC did not make the playoffs. Their product on the pitch was not great. While 2024 was better, the Pigeons only finished in sixth. Nick Cushing’s coaching issues did not go away, and it was clear he struggled to lead the side to their full potential.

One player who helped the team perform better this past season was Maxi Moralez. The NYCFC legend returned in 2023, but unfortunately tore his ACL, missing the rest of the season. When he returned in 2024, he made a difference in the midfield. There were questions about whether he would be a starter, and he quickly proved he could and should be in the Starting XI. Of course, with his age, he was rested here and there. However, the veteran was still one of the better players on the roster.

Maxi Moralez should return to NYCFC

Currently, Moralez remains a free agent. When the roster decisions were announced, NYCFC said they were speaking with the Argentine about his future. Unless conversations occurred over the last few weeks, nobody knows whether he is leaning toward retiring or whether NYCFC wants to officially move on.

The club would be crazy to move on, for Moralez has been incredible and is a legend. Since they mentioned they were conversing with him about his future, it is easy to believe the question lies more with the midfielder.

Therefore, Moralez should come back to NYCFC. He can still play at a high level and always make those around him better players. Yes, he will probably need more rest as the season progresses, but his impact off the bench is still significant. The Argentine’s knowledge of the game would be a plus to have in the locker room as well.

Statistically, the veteran has decreased his goals and assists, for he had two goals and seven assists in all competitions. He did play fewer games, so that can be attributed to the numbers. He still does well with passing and picking out his teammates. Moralez also does well with moving the ball in the midfield and up the pitch. His IQ on the ball is one of the best in MLS.

When one mixes the NYCFC player's legend status and his ability to play well, it is easy to believe that he should return for at least one more season. If Moralez does want to retire, then he should do that as well. He has had a fantastic career, which is why the decision should lie with him. Ideally, he will be back in 2025.