Andrés Perea Bio
Andrés Felipe Perea Castañeda (born November 14, 2000) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defensive midfielder for Major League Soccer club New York City FC. Born in Tampa, Florida, Perea is the son of former professional soccer player Nixon Perea and holds dual citizenship with the United States and Colombia. He has represented both national teams at various youth levels, showcasing his skill and versatility on the field.
Early Life and Background
Andrés Felipe Perea Castañeda was born on November 14, 2000, in Tampa, Florida, in the United States. He spent the first five years of his life in Tampa, where he began playing organized youth soccer for Old Mars FC and West Florida Premier. These early experiences in Florida’s youth soccer scene helped him develop the technical foundation that would shape his future in the sport.
At the age of six, Perea relocated to Colombia with his family, where he enrolled in the prestigious Atlético Nacional youth academy. The move immersed him in one of South America’s most demanding development systems. In 2013, he was part of the Atlético Nacional squad that won the Torneo de Pony Fútbol, one of Colombia’s most respected national youth tournaments.
Path to Soccer
Perea’s progression through the Atlético Nacional academy marked his transition from youth player to professional prospect. He worked his way through the club’s age-group teams, training in an environment known for producing top Colombian talent. His performances in the academy earned him recognition as one of the most promising midfielders in the country’s development pipeline.
On July 10, 2017, Perea made his senior debut for Atlético Nacional, entering as a 77th-minute substitute in a 1–0 defeat to Santa Fe. In doing so, he became the first player born in the 21st century to appear for the historic club. He scored his first senior goal for Atlético Nacional on April 19, 2019, in a 4–0 victory over Patriotas, confirming his growing role within the first team.
Andrés Perea Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Perea’s first three senior seasons were spent entirely with Atlético Nacional in Medellín, where he balanced senior appearances with continued youth international duty. His early outings gave him exposure to high-level Colombian league football and Copa Libertadores competition. The experience of training and playing alongside established professionals accelerated his development as a defensive midfielder.
Orlando City Era (2020–2022)
On December 9, 2019, Perea joined Major League Soccer side Orlando City on loan ahead of the 2020 season. He made his debut for the club as a substitute on February 29, 2020, in the season opener, a 0–0 draw with Real Salt Lake. One week later, he earned his first start, providing an assist on the team’s first goal of the season in a 2–1 away loss to the Colorado Rapids.
After making 28 appearances in his debut MLS campaign, Orlando City converted Perea’s loan into a permanent transfer on December 2, 2020. On May 10, 2022, he scored his first U.S. Open Cup goal, netting the winner in a 2–1 round-of-32 victory over the Philadelphia Union. His contributions helped establish him as a reliable midfield presence in Major League Soccer.
Philadelphia Union Era (2022–2023)
On December 6, 2022, Perea was traded to Philadelphia Union in exchange for $750,000 in General Allocation Money, with the potential for an additional $100,000 based on contract conditions. The Union also retained a portion of any future transfer fee. The move gave Perea an opportunity to compete for one of MLS’s most consistent contenders.
New York City FC Era (2024–Present)
Perea joined Major League Soccer club New York City FC, where he continues to feature as a defensive midfielder. His move to New York added a new chapter to his MLS career, bringing his versatility and tactical awareness to one of the league’s most prominent clubs.
Driving Style and Strengths
Perea is recognized for his composure in possession, positional discipline, and ability to break up opposition attacks from the central midfield. His background in the Atlético Nacional system gave him a strong tactical foundation, and his MLS experience has sharpened his reading of the game. He combines defensive responsibility with the capacity to contribute in buildup play.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Perea’s early career came on July 10, 2017, when he became the first player born in the 21st century to appear for Atlético Nacional. His first U.S. Open Cup goal against Philadelphia Union in 2022 also stands out as a notable milestone, and his one-time FIFA switch to represent the United States in 2021 marked another career highlight.
Andrés Perea Career Wins
Andrés Perea has collected team and tournament honors across his career, beginning with the 2013 Torneo de Pony Fútbol title with Atlético Nacional’s youth setup. His senior trophy contributions have come primarily through his time with Orlando City, where he was part of the club’s competitive rosters in Major League Soccer.
Orlando City Highlights
During his time with Orlando City, Perea played a steady role in the midfield, making 28 appearances in his debut 2020 season before signing permanently. He contributed to the club’s U.S. Open Cup run, scoring the decisive goal in a 2–1 round-of-32 win over the Philadelphia Union on May 10, 2022.
Other Wins & Performances
Perea was part of the Atlético Nacional team that won the 2013 Torneo de Pony Fútbol, a prestigious Colombian national youth tournament. His senior appearances for Atlético Nacional and subsequent contributions across multiple MLS clubs reflect a career built on consistent performances at competitive levels.
Andrés Perea Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Andrés Perea is the son of Nixon Perea, a former professional soccer player who also served as a coach of the Atlético Nacional under-20 team. Growing up in a household with deep ties to the game shaped his early path and influenced his decision to join the Atlético Nacional youth academy as a child.
Personal Life
Perea holds dual citizenship with the United States and Colombia, having been born in Tampa, Florida, and raised partly in Medellín. His Colombian roots and American upbringing have given him a unique perspective that has been reflected in his international career choices.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 Major League Soccer season, Andrés Perea continues his role with New York City FC as a defensive midfielder. His experience across multiple MLS clubs, including Orlando City and Philadelphia Union, provides the team with a versatile option in the center of the park. The 2025 campaign represents an opportunity for Perea to cement his place within New York City FC’s long-term plans.
With a full preseason behind him, Perea is expected to compete for regular minutes as part of New York City FC’s midfield rotation. His familiarity with the league’s tactical demands and his international pedigree make him a valuable piece of the squad. Consistency in selection and continued health will be key factors in determining his impact during the season.
Looking ahead, Perea’s blend of South American development and MLS experience positions him well to contribute to New York City FC’s push for playoff contention. His ability to read the game and contribute in defensive phases will remain central to the team’s structure. The 2025 season offers a fresh stage for him to build on his career trajectory.