Kyle Duncan Bio
Kyle Barri Duncan (born August 8, 1997) is an American professional soccer player who most recently played as a right-back for Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls. A product of the New York Red Bulls Academy, Duncan developed his game in Europe before returning to MLS, where he became a reliable defender and contributor in attack. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches, he combines positional discipline with the energy expected of a modern full-back.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Duncan chose an unconventional path by leaving MLS early to pursue a professional contract in France, a decision that broadened his tactical understanding. Over the following years, he competed in Ligue 2 with Valenciennes and in the Belgian top flight with Oostende before re-establishing himself as a first-team regular at New York Red Bulls. He has also represented the United States at the under-18, under-20, and senior national team levels.
Early Life and Background
Kyle Barri Duncan was born on August 8, 1997, in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in one of the most diverse soccer communities in the United States, he was introduced to the sport at a young age and joined the New York Red Bulls Academy, where he refined his abilities as a defender. The academy environment allowed him to train alongside some of the most promising young players in the region and to play competitive matches on a regular schedule.
During his time in the Red Bulls youth system, Duncan progressed quickly. On August 6, 2014, he played with the Red Bulls reserve team against United Soccer League side Harrisburg City Islanders, an early indication that the club viewed him as a future professional. He then started all 13 matches for the Red Bulls under-18 team during the 2014 fall season, establishing himself as a dependable presence along the back line.
Off the field, Duncan comes from a family with a clear soccer heritage. He is a cousin of fellow professional soccer player Timothy Weah, a connection that has linked the two players across club and national team environments. Despite the offer of a professional contract with New York Red Bulls II in 2015, Duncan decided to pursue his development in Europe, a choice that would shape the next stage of his career.
Path to Professional Soccer
In October 2015, Duncan signed a two-year contract with Ligue 2 side Valenciennes, marking his first move abroad. During his debut campaign in France, he was assigned to the reserve team, Valenciennes II, competing in Championnat National 3. He made his first appearance on May 14, 2016, starting at right back in a 2–1 loss to Olympique Noisy-le-Sec, and used the experience to adjust to the demands of European football.
Duncan was promoted to the Valenciennes first team for the 2016–17 season, training daily with senior professionals. Although he did not make a Ligue 2 appearance that year, the period allowed him to understand the tactical discipline required at the professional level. The decision to move abroad at a young age reflected both his ambition and the guidance he received from the New York Red Bulls Academy, which had prepared him technically for the next step.
Kyle Duncan Career
Early Career at New York Red Bulls (2018–2019)
After two seasons with Valenciennes, Duncan returned to the United States and joined New York Red Bulls for pre-season training in January 2018. His performances during that period convinced the club to sign him to a Major League Soccer contract on March 9, 2018, citing his attitude and work ethic. He made an immediate impact, starting the Red Bulls’ MLS season opener against Portland Timbers the following day and earning praise from commentator Jonathan Yardley, who described him as dominating in a 4–0 victory.
Duncan recorded his first MLS assist against Minnesota United on March 24, 2018, but his debut season was cut short by an ACL injury suffered on March 31, 2018, against Orlando City SC. The following year, he was loaned to New York Red Bulls II in the USL Championship to regain match fitness, scoring his first professional goal on August 21, 2019, in a 2–1 victory over Nashville SC. He was recalled to the first team soon after and netted his first MLS goal on September 19, 2019, in a 2–0 win over Portland Timbers at Providence Park.
Established MLS Contributor (2020–2021)
Duncan opened the 2020 MLS season in outstanding form, scoring the first goal of the Red Bulls’ campaign and assisting two more in a 3–2 victory over FC Cincinnati on March 1, 2020. He continued to be a regular starter, netting the lone goal in a 1–0 Hudson River Derby win over New York City FC on August 20, 2020, and opening the scoring in a 2–2 draw with Chicago Fire FC at Soldier Field on October 24, 2020. His consistent performances were recognized when he was named New York Red Bulls Defensive Player of the Year for the 2020 season.
In 2021, Duncan remained a key figure for the Red Bulls, helping the team to a 2–0 victory over Nashville SC on June 18, 2021, with his only goal of the season. He finished the year as one of New York’s top performers, appearing in 33 matches, scoring once, and providing three assists. His reliability on the right side of defense made him a mainstay in head coach Gerhard Struber’s system.
European Move to Oostende (2021–2022)
On November 26, 2021, Duncan joined Belgian First Division A side Oostende on a free transfer. He made his debut on January 21, 2022, starting as a right wing-back in a 2–1 loss to Antwerp. He went on to play 73 minutes in a famous 1–0 victory over Standard Liège on February 19, 2022, and finished his first season in Belgium with seven appearances, all as a starter. The Belgian top flight gave him another opportunity to test himself against varied attacking styles and tactical setups.
New York Red Bulls Era (2022–Present)
On August 5, 2022, it was announced that Duncan would return to New York Red Bulls on loan for the remainder of the MLS season, and on January 15, 2023, the loan was extended to cover the 2023 campaign. At the end of the 2023 MLS season, the Red Bulls exercised the permanent transfer option on Duncan, securing his services through the 2025 MLS season. On July 20, 2024, he scored his first goal of the season in a 3–1 victory over FC Cincinnati, reinforcing his value to the squad.
Driving Style and Strengths
Duncan is recognized for his defensive awareness, work rate, and ability to support attacks from the right flank. His time in France and Belgium helped him develop a more composed positional game, allowing him to handle wide attackers while providing overlapping options in the final third. Coaches have praised his consistency, his fitness levels, and his willingness to track back and defend diligently, qualities that align with the high-pressing identity of the New York Red Bulls.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Duncan’s standout moments are his commanding MLS debut against Portland in 2018, his first professional goal with Red Bulls II in 2019, and his goal in the Hudson River Derby in 2020. He was named New York Red Bulls Defensive Player of the Year for the 2020 season, and he earned his senior international debut with the United States on December 9, 2020, in a 6–0 friendly win over El Salvador.
Kyle Duncan Family
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
Kyle Barri Duncan was raised in Brooklyn, New York, in a family with strong ties to professional soccer. He is a cousin of Timothy Weah, a fellow professional soccer player who has represented the United States at the international level. This family connection has given Duncan additional exposure to the demands of the professional game from a young age and reinforced his commitment to the sport.
Personal Life
Duncan has spent much of his professional career split between Europe and the United States, returning to his hometown club to establish himself as a long-term contributor. Details about his personal relationships and private life are not widely publicized, and he tends to keep that part of his world away from media attention. His focus remains on representing the New York Red Bulls and continuing to develop as a professional.
Kyle Duncan International Career
Kyle Duncan has represented the United States at the under-18, under-20, and senior national team levels. He made his senior international debut on December 9, 2020, entering the match in the 74th minute as a substitute for Julián Araujo during a 6–0 friendly victory over El Salvador. The appearance marked a significant milestone in his career and reflected his consistent club form during the 2020 MLS season. On August 29, 2025, Duncan received a call-up from the Jamaica national team for a World Cup qualifier versus Bermuda.
2025 Season Outlook
Heading into the 2025 MLS season, Kyle Duncan remains under contract with the New York Red Bulls through the end of the year, following the club’s decision to exercise the permanent transfer option in 2023. With his experience in both European and domestic competitions, he is expected to remain an important figure in the team’s defensive structure. The Red Bulls will look to build on a competitive 2024 campaign, and Duncan’s leadership on the right side will be central to those ambitions.
His familiarity with the club’s system, combined with his versatility to play as a traditional right-back or a wing-back, gives the coaching staff tactical flexibility. As the 2025 season unfolds, Duncan will aim to stay healthy, contribute to the team’s playoff push, and continue to be a steady presence in the locker room for younger academy products making the step up to the first team.