The armband changes hands in New York
New York City FC lose their captain. The club confirmed earlier today that Thiago Martins, the 31-year-old Brazilian centre-back, is leaving after five seasons with the club.
He signed as a designated player on 7 February 2022, arriving from Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos after earlier years at Palmeiras. He made 174 appearances for NYCFC, scoring three goals and setting up five. Not a scorer, then. A defender who set the tone.
That is how sporting director Todd Dunivant framed it too. He thanked Martins for his contribution and praised the standard he set through his competitiveness and tenacity, wishing him and his family well for whatever comes next.
no renewal
Free for 2 weeks.
Silverware, an All-Star nod, then a hard season
His time in New York had its peaks. NYCFC won the Campeones Cup in his first year, 2022, and reached the Eastern Conference finals that season and again in 2025. Martins was named an MLS All-Star in 2024.
This year was a different story. NYCFC missed the MLS Cup Playoffs, finishing four points short of the cut line in the East, and the club has already moved on from head coach Pascal Jansen this month. Losing the captain as well makes this a genuine reset.
Martins sounded emotional in his own farewell. He called wearing the armband an honour, thanked his teammates, the staff and the supporters, and said the city would always hold a special place for him and his family.
No destination has been announced.
Discover the rest of our Football news on MathODDS!
in your pocket.
Real-time notifications & alerts
Leave a Reply