D.J. Taylor Bio
David Justin Taylor, known professionally as D.J. Taylor, is an American professional soccer player who plays as a full-back for Major League Soccer club Minnesota United. Standing at 173 centimeters tall, he has built his career on a steady climb from youth academies in North Carolina to professional competition on both sides of the Atlantic. A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Taylor has represented the United States at the youth international level.
Early Life and Background
David Justin Taylor was born on August 26, 1997, in Raleigh, North Carolina, in the United States. Growing up in a region with a strong youth soccer culture, Taylor developed his early skills in local clubs before advancing to more competitive environments. The North Carolina soccer scene provided him with a foundation that would eventually launch his professional career.
As a young player, Taylor spent four years with CASL Chelsea, one of the prominent youth soccer organizations in the Raleigh area. This period allowed him to hone his abilities as a defender and gain exposure to higher levels of competition. His performances with CASL Chelsea caught the attention of professional scouts, leading to his entry into the academy system at North Carolina FC, then known as Carolina RailHawks.
Path to Soccer
Taylor’s transition toward a professional soccer career began in earnest when he signed an amateur contract with the Carolina RailHawks first team in May 2015. Although he did not make a senior appearance for the club, the deal marked his first formal connection with a professional organization. Seeking greater opportunities and a chance to test himself abroad, Taylor made the bold decision to move to Europe later that same year.
That opportunity came when Taylor signed with Torre Levante, a club competing in Spain’s Tercera División, and joined their youth side. The experience of training and competing in Spain broadened his tactical understanding of the game and exposed him to a different style of soccer. In 2017, he transferred to another Spanish club, Buñol, continuing his development in the lower tiers of Spanish football before returning to the United States.
D.J. Taylor Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
Taylor’s professional journey began in 2015 with his amateur signing at Carolina RailHawks, though his appearances for the senior squad were limited. His first sustained taste of competitive action came in Spain, where he played for Torre Levante and then Buñol, gaining valuable experience in the Tercera División. These formative years abroad allowed him to adapt to a new football culture while continuing to grow as a full-back.
In 2015, Taylor also earned a call-up to the United States under-18 national team, making two appearances at the Copa Chivas Tournament in Mexico and scoring one goal. That international exposure at a young age further validated his potential and gave him additional confidence heading into the next phase of his career.
North Carolina FC Era (2017–2020)
On July 27, 2017, Taylor returned to the United States and signed a professional contract with North Carolina FC in the North American Soccer League. Just days before the signing, he had already appeared for the club in a friendly match against Swansea City as a guest player, giving him a preview of senior action. His official debut came on August 13, 2017, against the Jacksonville Armada, where he started and played 65 minutes in a 2–2 draw.
After appearing in just two matches in his first NASL season, Taylor broke through the following year as North Carolina FC made its debut in the USL Championship. He established himself as the starting right-back, playing 32 matches and demonstrating consistency on the defensive flank. He started 33 matches the following season, cementing his role as a reliable presence in the lineup. On January 6, 2020, Taylor signed a contract extension that kept him at North Carolina FC for a fourth season, a sign of the club’s confidence in his abilities.
Minnesota United Era (2021–Present)
On February 16, 2021, Taylor joined Major League Soccer club Minnesota United, marking his entry into the top tier of American professional soccer. He made his MLS debut on July 3, 2021, entering the match as a substitute in a 2–2 home draw against the San Jose Earthquakes. The debut represented the culmination of years of steady progress from youth soccer to the highest level in the United States.
During his time with Minnesota United, Taylor continued to develop as a defender and contributed to the club’s back line. He scored his first MLS goal on May 22, 2022, against FC Dallas, a memorable moment that highlighted his growth as an attacking full-back. Since then, he has remained a part of the Minnesota United roster, contributing to the team’s efforts in Major League Soccer competition.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the standout moments of Taylor’s career are his professional debut with North Carolina FC in 2017, his breakout USL Championship season the following year with 32 starts, and his first MLS goal for Minnesota United in 2022. His international appearances with the United States under-18 side in 2015 also stand as an early career highlight.
D.J. Taylor Career Wins
Throughout his career, D.J. Taylor has been recognized for his consistency and reliability as a full-back across multiple leagues. While specific championship victories are not highlighted in available records, his progression from Spanish lower-division football to Major League Soccer reflects sustained professional achievement.
Other Wins and Performances
Taylor’s most notable individual performances include his 32-match campaign in the USL Championship with North Carolina FC, his 33 starts the following season, and his contributions to Minnesota United in MLS competition. His goal against FC Dallas in 2022 remains a memorable milestone in his top-flight career.
D.J. Taylor Family
Personal Life
David Justin Taylor was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. Beyond his professional soccer career, limited public information is available about his personal life, family members, or relationships. Taylor is known by his nickname D.J., derived from his initials, and maintains a presence on social media where fans can follow his activities.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 Major League Soccer season, D.J. Taylor remains with Minnesota United, where he continues to serve as a full-back option for the club. Having joined the team in 2021, Taylor has accumulated multiple seasons of MLS experience and familiarity with the team’s tactical system. His role within the squad provides defensive depth on the flanks.
Throughout his time with Minnesota United, Taylor has demonstrated steady growth, transitioning from a substitute role in his debut season to a more established presence on the roster. His first MLS goal in 2022 marked a turning point, and subsequent seasons have offered him opportunities to build on that contribution. As the 2025 campaign unfolds, Taylor’s experience from years of professional competition positions him as a reliable option for the coaching staff.