Maximo Carrizo Bio
Maximo Carrizo, full name Maximo Augusto Carrizo Ballesteros, is an American soccer player who plays as a midfielder for New York City FC II, the MLS Next Pro affiliate of Major League Soccer club New York City FC. Born in the United States and holding Argentinean heritage, Carrizo became the youngest player to sign a professional contract in American top flight history when he joined New York City FC in 2022. He is eligible to represent either the United States or Argentina at international level and has already appeared for age-group squads of both countries.
Early Life and Background
Maximo Augusto Carrizo Ballesteros was born on February 28, 2008, in New York City, New York, United States. Growing up in a metropolitan environment known for its competitive youth soccer scene, Carrizo developed his early interest in the sport within the local football culture of New York. His Argentinean heritage gave him an additional footballing identity and connected him to one of the most storied soccer traditions in the world.
From a young age, Carrizo stood out in age-group competitions, drawing attention for his composure on the ball, his passing range, and his tactical understanding despite his small physical stature. His early development in the New York area allowed him to access elite coaching environments and competitive matches against strong opposition. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his rapid rise through the ranks of American youth soccer.
Path to Soccer
Carrizo progressed through the youth development pathways connected to Major League Soccer clubs based in New York, eventually entering the New York City FC academy system. His performances at the youth level showcased the kind of technical quality and game intelligence that professional clubs look for in promising midfielders. By his early teens, he had established himself as one of the most talked-about prospects in American youth soccer.
The pivotal moment of his early career came in 2022, when he signed a professional contract with New York City FC of Major League Soccer. At just fourteen years old, he became the youngest player to sign a professional contract in American top flight history. This milestone drew national attention and marked his official transition from academy prospect to professional footballer, setting the stage for his continued development within the New York City FC organization.
Maximo Carrizo Career
Early Career (2022)
Maximo Carrizo began his professional career in 2022 with New York City FC, becoming the youngest player to sign a professional contract in American top flight history. The signing was widely covered in American soccer media as a landmark moment for youth development in the country. Rather than being rushed into the first team, Carrizo was integrated into the club’s development structure to ensure his continued growth as a player.
His early assignments came through the New York City FC II team competing in MLS Next Pro, the league’s developmental competition designed to bridge the gap between academy football and the senior game. This setup allowed Carrizo to gain valuable minutes against older and more experienced opponents while remaining within the club’s player development framework. His professional debut with New York City FC II marked the start of what the club hoped would be a long and successful career at the senior level.
New York City FC II Era (2022–Present)
Playing for New York City FC II in MLS Next Pro, Carrizo has continued to develop his game as a midfielder, focusing on refining his passing, vision, and tactical awareness. The MLS Next Pro competition provides young players with a professional environment that mirrors the demands of Major League Soccer, and Carrizo has used this platform to gain meaningful match experience. His role within the team has allowed him to take on responsibility while learning the rhythms of professional competition.
Throughout his time with New York City FC II, Carrizo has balanced his club duties with international youth commitments, representing both the United States and Argentina at various age levels. This dual pathway has given him exposure to different tactical philosophies and playing styles. His progression within the New York City FC system reflects a careful, long-term approach to player development that prioritizes his growth as both an athlete and a professional.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a midfielder, Carrizo is recognized for his technical quality on the ball, his capacity to dictate tempo, and his composure in tight spaces. His playing style combines South American flair with the tactical discipline commonly associated with North American soccer development. He is comfortable operating in central midfield roles where his passing range and game reading can influence the flow of matches.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining milestone of Carrizo’s career to date remains his 2022 signing with New York City FC, which established him as the youngest professional signing in American top flight history. His subsequent appearances for New York City FC II in MLS Next Pro have added further chapters to his early professional journey. Each milestone has reinforced his reputation as one of the most promising young midfielders in the American soccer landscape.
Maximo Carrizo Career Wins
Given that Maximo Carrizo remains in the early stages of his professional career with New York City FC II in MLS Next Pro, his verifiable achievements center on his historic contract signing and his selections to international youth training camps rather than on a tally of senior titles. The record at this stage reflects potential and developmental progress rather than a decorated trophy haul.
New York City FC II Highlights
Carrizo’s most significant accomplishment with New York City FC II is simply being a regular contributor in the MLS Next Pro competition at a remarkably young age. His presence in the squad from the 2022 season onward speaks to the club’s confidence in his abilities and his own commitment to professional standards. Continued minutes in this league will be crucial for his ongoing development and for any future transition toward first-team opportunities in Major League Soccer.
Other Wins & Performances
On the international stage, Carrizo has represented the United States at youth level, including a notable appearance in May 2024 when he captained the United States U16s against the Argentina U16s in a 2–2 draw at the Argentine Football Association National Training Center. He has also been called up to Argentina U15 and U17 training camps, reflecting his eligibility and recognition within both national team programs.
Maximo Carrizo Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Maximo Augusto Carrizo Ballesteros was born into a family with Argentinean heritage, growing up in New York City, New York, United States. This dual cultural background has shaped his identity as a footballer and his eligibility to represent both the United States and Argentina at international level. His family’s connection to Argentina provided him with an early link to the football culture of his ancestral homeland.
Personal Life
Carrizo remains focused on his developing professional soccer career with New York City FC and its MLS Next Pro affiliate. Given his young age, his public personal life is centered on his commitments to training, matches, and youth international duties. Further details about his personal life have not been widely documented in public sources.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Maximo Carrizo is expected to continue his development with New York City FC II in MLS Next Pro as a central midfielder. The club’s investment in his long-term growth suggests that the 2025 campaign will offer him further opportunities to accumulate professional minutes and refine his game. Consistency in selection and performance at this level will be key indicators of his trajectory toward the New York City FC first team.
Carrizo’s international pathway may also play a significant role during the 2025 calendar year, as he remains eligible for both the United States and Argentina at youth level. His prior captaincy of the United States U16s and his training camp stints with Argentine youth teams suggest that national team federations on both sides of his heritage are monitoring his progress. Decisions about his senior international future will likely depend on his continued development and his own preference.
For New York City FC, the 2025 season represents another chance to carefully manage one of the most unique young talents in their academy history. The club’s approach to his progression will balance the demands of competitive matches with the need to protect a still-developing teenager. If his trajectory continues, Maximo Carrizo could emerge as a notable figure in Major League Soccer in the years to come.