Matthew Longstaff Bio
Matthew Ben Longstaff is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club CF Montréal. Longstaff first rose to public attention during the 2019-20 season at Newcastle United, where a memorable debut goal against Manchester United helped announce his arrival in senior football. After several loan spells in the United Kingdom, he moved to North America in 2024, joining Toronto FC before being traded to CF Montréal in 2025. Across his career he has represented clubs in England, Scotland, and Major League Soccer, while also earning a call-up to the England U20 side.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Ben Longstaff was born on 21 March 2000 in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and raised in North Shields, Tyne and Wear. He attended John Spence Community High School in North Shields, balancing his education with the demands of youth football in the North East of England. Growing up in a sporting household shaped his early ambitions, and he followed the local club Newcastle United from a young age.
His brother, Sean Longstaff, is also a professional footballer, currently playing for Leeds United, and the brothers came through the Newcastle United academy system together. Their father, David Longstaff, is a former Great Britain ice hockey international who earned more than 100 caps for the national side and continues to coach the Whitley Warriors. David is the cousin of former England international Alan Thompson, giving the family a broad connection to British sport that influenced Matthew’s competitive outlook.
Path to Professional Football
Matthew Longstaff developed through the Newcastle United academy and progressed steadily through the club’s youth and reserve ranks. His pathway to senior football was accelerated by strong performances at development level, which earned him a place in first-team training during the 2018-19 season. Newcastle United’s senior staff viewed him as a promising midfield talent with a strong range of passing and a willingness to shoot from distance.
On 28 August 2019, Longstaff was handed his senior debut by Newcastle United, starting in an EFL Cup tie against Leicester City. The appearance marked the end of a long development journey through the academy and signalled that he was ready for first-team football. Shortly afterwards, he was named in the Premier League squad and prepared for what would become a breakthrough month at St James’ Park.
Matthew Longstaff Career
Newcastle United and Premier League Breakthrough (2019-2023)
Longstaff made his Premier League debut on 6 October 2019, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Manchester United at St James’ Park. The strike, a powerful effort from outside the box in the 72nd minute, was later voted Premier League Goal of the Month. He followed that with another goal against Manchester United in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford, opening the scoring in a 4-1 defeat.
On 22 August 2020, following the expiration of his previous deal, Longstaff signed a new two-year contract with Newcastle United. After limited first-team opportunities, he was sent on loan to Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen on 27 August 2021 for the season, but was recalled on 26 December 2021 having featured five times. On 31 January 2022, he joined EFL League Two side Mansfield Town on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
On 1 September 2022, Longstaff moved to another EFL League Two club, Colchester United, on a short-term loan. He returned to Newcastle on 1 January 2023 after suffering a knee injury that later required anterior cruciate ligament treatment. Newcastle United subsequently released him at the end of his contract in 2023, though the club continued to support his rehabilitation.
Toronto FC Era (2024-2025)
On 29 February 2024, Major League Soccer club Toronto FC announced the signing of Longstaff as a free agent on a two-year contract, with an option for an additional year. The move gave him a fresh start in North America following his recovery from injury. He opened his Toronto FC account on 5 May 2024, scoring against FC Dallas in his early appearances for the club.
Longstaff featured regularly in midfield for Toronto FC during the 2024 Major League Soccer season, providing energy and ball-winning qualities in the centre of the pitch. His performances helped him establish himself as a reliable squad member as the club adjusted its roster. The Toronto chapter prepared him for the next step of his MLS journey.
CF Montréal Era (2025-Present)
On 13 August 2025, Longstaff was traded to CF Montréal in exchange for Jules-Anthony Vilsaint and up to $275,000 in General Allocation Money. The move gave him an opportunity to continue his career in Major League Soccer with a new club. He joined the CF Montréal squad as a central midfielder focused on adding pressing intensity and passing range to the team.
Playing Style and Strengths
Longstaff is recognised for his energetic midfield play, including a willingness to strike from distance and arrive late into the penalty area. His passing range and set-piece delivery complement a combative defensive approach, and his prior work in English and Scottish football has sharpened his tactical awareness. Coaches have highlighted his professionalism and team-oriented mindset as valuable assets at club level.
Notable Events and Milestones
The standout moment of Longstaff’s career remains his debut Premier League goal against Manchester United in October 2019, which earned him the Premier League Goal of the Month award. Additional milestones include his first international appearance for England U20 against Portugal on 14 November 2019, and his first Major League Soccer goal for Toronto FC against FC Dallas on 5 May 2024.
Matthew Longstaff International Career
On 8 November 2019, Longstaff received his first international call-up to the England U20 side. He made his debut as a substitute in a 4-0 win over Portugal on 14 November 2019, marking his arrival on the international stage. The experience at youth level added to his development during a breakthrough club season.
Matthew Longstaff Family
Family Background and Sporting Lineage
Matthew Longstaff comes from a family with deep sporting ties across football and ice hockey. His father, David Longstaff, represented Great Britain in ice hockey more than 100 times and continues to coach the Whitley Warriors. His brother, Sean Longstaff, is a professional midfielder who plays for Leeds United, and David is the cousin of former England international Alan Thompson.
Personal Life
Longstaff was raised in North Shields, Tyne and Wear, and maintains connections to the North East of England. His close family relationships, particularly with his brother Sean, have been a constant support throughout his professional career. Public information about his personal relationships and family life outside of football remains limited.
2025 Season Performance
Longstaff began 2025 with Toronto FC in Major League Soccer, continuing his role in central midfield following his move from England. He contributed regularly through the early months of the season before the August 2025 trade to CF Montréal. His familiarity with MLS and physical recovery from prior knee issues positioned him as a useful addition for his new club.
After joining CF Montréal in August 2025, Longstaff was expected to add energy and competition in central areas as the club pursued a strong finish to the Major League Soccer campaign. His passing range and willingness to shoot from distance offered an additional attacking option from midfield. Adapting to a new group of teammates and a different tactical setup became the immediate focus of his work.
Looking ahead, Longstaff’s 2025 outlook centres on cementing a regular starting place at CF Montréal and building on his first season and a half in Major League Soccer. With the benefit of full fitness and a settled environment, he will look to translate his English football foundation into consistent performances in North America.