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Tyler Adams
American soccer player

Tyler Shaan Adams (born February 14, 1999) is an American professional soccer player who currently plays as a midfielder for Premier League club AFC Bournemouth and the United States national team. A former homegrown player of the New York Red Bulls academy, Adams began his professional career with New York Red Bulls II before advancing to the first team. He later joined RB Leipzig in 2019 and then Leeds United in 2022. Internationally, Adams debuted for the senior U.S. team in 2017 and earned the U.S. Soccer Player of the Year award in 2022, showcasing his versatility as a full-back and winger.

Club career

Youth

Adams joined the Red Bulls Academy in 2012 and played with the under-13, under-14, and under-16 sides before turning professional.

New York Red Bulls II

On March 19, 2015, Adams was signed to New York Red Bulls II, the club's senior reserve team playing in the United Soccer League.2 Adams made his debut for the team on April 4, 2015, in a 4–1 victory over Toronto FC II, the first victory in club history.3 After appearing regularly for NYRB II during the 2016 season, Adams helped the club to a 5–1 victory over Swope Park Rangers in the 2016 USL Cup Final.4

New York Red Bulls

On July 23, 2015, Adams made his debut with the New York Red Bulls first team featuring in a friendly match against Premier League champions Chelsea. He scored the second goal of the match, slotting a header past Asmir Begović in the 69th minute as the Red Bulls went on to win 4–2.5

Adams signed his first senior team contract on November 3, 2015, and joined the first team in preseason training camp in 2016.6 Adams made his first MLS bench appearance as an unused substitute on April 1, 2016, during a 1–0 loss to the New England Revolution7 and on April 13 made his MLS debut, starting against the San Jose Earthquakes8 before returning to Red Bulls II on loan for the remainder of the season.9

Adams emerged as a regular starter for the Red Bulls senior team in the 2017 season. On August 15, 2017, Adams helped New York to a 3–2 come from behind victory over FC Cincinnati, assisting on Bradley Wright-Phillips's 77th-minute equalizer. With the win New York reached their first Open Cup final since 2003.10 Adams scored his first two MLS goals in a 3–3 draw with D.C. United on September 27, 2017.

On March 13, 2018, Adams opened the scoring for New York in a 3–1 victory over Club Tijuana, helping the club advance to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions League for the first time.11

RB Leipzig

2018–19 season

Adams joined RB Leipzig in January 2019, reuniting him with former coach Jesse Marsch.12 He made his first league start on January 27 in a 4–0 victory against Fortuna Düsseldorf. On February 16, Adams recorded his first Bundesliga assist in a 3–1 victory over Stuttgart.13 He missed the entirety of April games due to an abductor injury, and until then Leipzig had not lost a single game with him on the field.14 On May 16, Adams returned to the team, and eleven days later started the DFB-Pokal final against Bayern Munich, which Leipzig lost 0–3.1516

2019–20 season

A groin injury kept Adams sidelined for the summer of 2019 and the first half of the 2019–20 Bundesliga season.17 He returned for the last game before winter break, playing 86 minutes in a 3–1 victory over FC Augsburg.18 On March 10, Adams made his UEFA Champions League debut in the second leg game against Tottenham Hotspur, when he entered in the 56th minute as a substitute for Nordi Mukiele who sustained a head injury.19 Adams missed the first leg due to a minor calf injury.20 The game finished 3–0 (4–0 on aggregate) with Leipzig victorious and advancing to the next round.21

On August 13, 2020, Adams scored the winning goal for Leipzig in a 2–1 win over Atlético Madrid, helping the club advance to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time.22

Leeds United

Adams joined Leeds United on a five-year contract for a reported £20 million transfer fee on July 6, 2022.23 He made his league debut for Leeds on August 6 as part of the starting line-up in their season opener, a 2–1 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.24 After impressing for several months in the center of midfield, Adams damaged his hamstring in a training session prior to Leeds’ March 18 win over Wolves and had surgery on his hamstring later that month. He did not play for the club or internationally for the remainder of the season.25

Bournemouth

On August 20, 2023, Adams signed for Premier League club Bournemouth on a five-year deal.26

Adams was named Bournemouth's Player of the Month for February 2025.27

International career

Adams has represented the United States at the under-15, under-17, and under-20 levels. He appeared in all of his team's matches at the 2015 CONCACAF Under-17 Championships in Honduras, helping the United States qualify for the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup. 28 In May 2017 Adams played every match for the United States at the 2017 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in South Korea, which proved to be a breakout tournament for him at the same time that he cemented himself as a starter for the New York Red Bulls.29 On November 14, 2017, Adams earned his first cap for the senior national team, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 draw with Portugal. On September 11, 2018, Adams scored a goal against Mexico in a friendly at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

In June 2019, Adams was named to the squad for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup,30 but was forced to withdraw due to an injury.31

In November 2022, Adams was named captain of the United States squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.32 This made him the youngest captain at the competition and the youngest American captain since 1950.3334 On January 13, 2023, it was announced he had been voted the 2022 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year after Adams led the Americans to the knockout stages of the World Cup.35

Personal life

Adams was born in Dutchess County, New York, to Melissa Russo. Tyler credits much of the success in his life to his mother's unwavering devotion to him. Examples of this include Melissa driving the over 150 mile round trip to the Red Bulls facility before Tyler was old enough to make the journey himself. Melissa raised Tyler for most of his early years on her own. Eventually Melissa married Daryl Sullivan and his three sons became an essential part of Tyler's life.36 He is of African American descent through his father. His stepfather, Daryl Sullivan, coached soccer at the high school and college levels.37 Adams graduated from Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls, New York.38 He also owns a local club “Hudson Valley Hammers” in the USL2.39 In January 2025, Adams joined the ownership group of USL League One expansion club Westchester SC, near his hometown.40

Career statistics

Club

As of match played April 14, 2025 Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational cup41League cup42Continental43Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
New York Red Bulls II 2015USL11010120
2016USL22040260
Total3301040380
New York Red Bulls2016MLS10003040
2017MLS2725030352
2018MLS310104061421
Total592607091813
RB Leipzig2018–19Bundesliga10020120
2019–20Bundesliga1400031171
2020–21Bundesliga2714060371
2021–22Bundesliga2404090370
Total7511001811032
Leeds United2022–23Premier League2402000260
Bournemouth2023–24Premier League30001040
2024–25Premier League2204000260
Total2504010300
Career total21632301202722785

International

As of match played March 23, 202544 Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
United States201710
201881
201910
202020
2021100
2022140
202300
202461
202520
Total442

Scores and results list the United States' goal tally first.

List of international goals scored by Tyler Adams
No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1September 11, 2018Nissan Stadium, Nashville, United States Mexico1–01–0Friendly
2March 24, 2024AT&T Stadium, Arlington, United States Mexico1–02–02024 CONCACAF Nations League final

Honors

New York Red Bulls II

New York Red Bulls

RB Leipzig

United States U20

United States

Individual

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tyler Adams.

References

  1. "Tyler Adams Voted 2022 Biosteel U.S. Soccer Male Player Of The Year". US Soccer. January 13, 2023. Retrieved January 13, 2023. https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/01/tyler-adams-voted-2022-biosteel-us-soccer-male-player-of-the-year

  2. "Red Bulls II sign Academy product Tyler Adams". newyorkredbulls.com. Retrieved March 19, 2015. http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/2015/03/new-york-red-bulls-ii-sign-academy-product-tyler-adams-first-usl-player

  3. "Red Bulls II earn first victory in team history". newyorkredbulls.com. Retrieved April 4, 2015. http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/2015/04/match-recap-red-bulls-ii-4-toronto-fc-ii-1

  4. "Allen's Hat Trick Leads Red Bulls II to USL Cup". uslsoccer.com. October 23, 2016. Retrieved October 23, 2016. http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/712570?referrer_id=2333971

  5. "New York Red Bulls 4, Chelsea 2: Sean Davis scores brace as Red Bulls shock Premier League champs". mlssoccer.com. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved July 22, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150925085613/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/07/22/new-york-red-bulls-4-chelsea-2-sean-davis-scores-brace-red-bulls-shock-premi

  6. "Adams officially joins first team". empireofsoccer.com. June 2003. Retrieved November 3, 2015. http://www.empireofsoccer.com/officially-senior-roster-42117/

  7. "New England Revolution 1, New York Red Bulls 0". MLSSoccer.com. http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2016-04-01-new-england-revolution-vs-new-york-red-bulls/recap

  8. "SJ Earthquakes vs. New York Red Bulls 0". MLSSoccer.com. http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2016-04-13-san-jose-earthquakes-vs-new-york-red-bulls/preview

  9. "New York Red Bulls Loan Seven Players to NYRB II". Retrieved March 26, 2016. http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/post/2016/03/26/new-york-red-bulls-loan-seven-players-nyrb-ii

  10. "NEW YORK RED BULLS STORM BACK FOR 3–2 EXTRA-TIME WIN TO REACH 2017 U.S. OPEN CUP FINAL AS MIDNIGHT STRIKES FOR CINDERELLAS FC CINCINNATI". ussoccer.com. http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2017/08/16/03/37/20170815-recap-usoc-fc-cincinnati-v-new-york-red-bulls-semifinal

  11. "Red Bulls "have something special brewing" on CCL run, says Tyler Adams". mlssoccer.com. March 13, 2018. Retrieved March 13, 2018. https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/03/14/red-bulls-have-something-special-brewing-ccl-run-says-tyler-adams

  12. "RasenBallsport Leipzig - Neuzugang-Tyler-Adams". redbulls. March 15, 2024. https://www.dierotenbullen.com/de/aktuelles/neuigkeiten/Saison_2018_19/Neuzugang-Tyler-Adams.html

  13. "Tyler Adams Grabs First Assist, Poulsen Nets Brace as Leipzig Beats Stuttgart". SI.com. February 16, 2019. https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/02/16/tyler-adams-rb-leipzig-stuttgart-bundesliga?xid=socialflow_twitter_si

  14. Sprung, Shlomo. "Tyler Adams Discusses His Move To RB Leipzig, Adjusting To The Bundesliga, American Soccer". Forbes. Retrieved January 9, 2020. https://www.forbes.com/sites/shlomosprung/2019/05/12/tyler-adams-discusses-his-move-to-rb-leipzig-adjusting-to-the-bundesliga-american-soccer/

  15. "Tyler Adams recovered from adductor injury". USA TODAY. Retrieved January 9, 2020. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2019/05/16/tyler-adams-recovered-from-adductor-injury/39486313/

  16. Goff, Steven (May 26, 2019). "How American soccer players abroad fared this weekend". The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/05/26/how-american-soccer-players-abroad-fared-this-weekend/

  17. Goff, Steven (December 22, 2019). "Americans abroad: Tyler Adams returns from seven-month injury absence". The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/12/22/americans-abroad-tyler-adams-returns-seven-month-injury-absence/

  18. "American midfielder Tyler Adams returns from groin injury". USAToday.com. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2019/12/21/american-midfielder-tyler-adams-returns-from-groin-injury/40867523/

  19. "Tyler Adams makes Champions League debut - RB Leipzig stroll past Tottenham". Transfermarkt. Retrieved March 21, 2020. https://www.transfermarkt.us/tyler-adams-makes-champions-league-debut-rb-leipzig-stroll-past-tottenham/view/news/356671

  20. Butler, Dylan. "Tyler Adams to miss at least two matches for RB Leipzig with pulled calf". MLS Soccer. Retrieved March 21, 2020. https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/02/13/tyler-adams-miss-least-two-matches-rb-leipzig-pulled-calf

  21. Liljenwall, Ari. "RB Leipzig's Tyler Adams makes UEFA Champions League debut in victory over Tottenham". MLS Soccer. Retrieved March 21, 2020. https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/03/10/rb-leipzigs-tyler-adams-makes-uefa-champions-league-debut-victory-over-tottenham

  22. "RB Leipzig 2–1 Atlético Madrid". BBC Sport. August 13, 2020. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53730258

  23. Adams joins Leeds United https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/cz7n2ge8kk2o

  24. Unwin, Will (August 6, 2022). "Brenden Aaronson inspires Leeds to comeback victory over Wolves". The Guardian. Retrieved August 7, 2022. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/aug/06/leeds-wolves-premier-league-match-report

  25. Hay, Phil (April 21, 2023). "Leeds boss Javi Gracia unsure whether Tyler Adams will play again this season". The Athletic. Retrieved July 3, 2023. https://theathletic.com/4435889/2023/04/21/tyler-adams-leeds-injury-latest/?amp=1

  26. "Tyler Adams joins AFC Bournemouth". AFC Bournemouth. August 20, 2023. Retrieved August 20, 2023. https://www.afcb.co.uk/news/first-team/tyler-adams-joins-afc-bournemouth/

  27. "Tyler Adams named Bournemouth's Player of Month for February - SBI Soccer". March 7, 2025. https://sbisoccer.com/2025/03/tyler-adams-named-bournemouths-player-of-month-for-february

  28. "U-17 MNT qualify for 2015 U-17 World Cup". ussoccer.com. Retrieved March 15, 2015. http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2015/03/15/19/15/150315-u17-mnt-0-v-jam-0-5_4pks-playoff-gamestory

  29. "RISING: Tyler Adams". www.ussoccer.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024. https://www.ussoccer.com/mnt-travel-roster/2018/07/rising-tyler-adams

  30. "BERHALTER NAMES 23-PLAYER ROSTER FOR 2019 CONCACAF GOLD CUP". US Soccer Federation. Retrieved August 20, 2020. https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/06/berhalter-names-2019-gold-cup-roster

  31. "INJURY FORCES TYLER ADAMS TO WITHDRAW FROM U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM ROSTER FOR 2019 CONCACAF GOLD CUP". US Soccer Federation. Retrieved August 20, 2020. https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/06/injury-forces-tyler-adams-to-withdraw-from-us-mnt-roster-for-2019-gold-cup

  32. "Tyler Adams named United States' captain for Qatar World Cup". ESPN. November 20, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2022. https://www.espnfc.com/fifa-world-cup/story/4807229/world-cup-2022-tyler-adams-named-united-states-captain

  33. "Tyler Adams to captain US, youngest at this year's World Cup". AP NEWS. November 20, 2022. Retrieved November 21, 2022. https://apnews.com/article/2022-world-cup-tyler-adams-us-captain-2afd9c4c823abb6ef9d8a2dd9f41a705

  34. Haynes, Stephen (November 21, 2022). "Tyler Adams begins World Cup with home Dutchess fanbase, Ted Lasso behind him". Poughkeepsie Journal. Retrieved November 22, 2022. https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/sports/2022/11/21/tyler-adams-in-world-cup-sparks-dutchess-ted-lasso-support/69661912007

  35. "Leeds' Adams voted U.S. Soccer's Male Player of the Year". Reuters. January 13, 2023. Retrieved January 13, 2023. https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/leeds-adams-voted-us-soccers-male-player-year-2023-01-13/

  36. "RISING: Tyler Adams". www.ussoccer.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024. https://www.ussoccer.com/mnt-travel-roster/2018/07/rising-tyler-adams

  37. Stejskal, Sam (November 16, 2022). "USMNT captain Tyler Adams' role at World Cup was shaped by his blended family". The Athletic. New York Times. Retrieved January 14, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3900490/2022/11/16/tyler-adams-usmnt-world-cup/

  38. Haynes, Stephen (November 21, 2022). "Tyler Adams begins World Cup with home Dutchess fanbase, Ted Lasso behind him". Poughkeepsie Journal. Retrieved November 22, 2022. https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/sports/2022/11/21/tyler-adams-in-world-cup-sparks-dutchess-ted-lasso-support/69661912007

  39. "The Club". Retrieved June 17, 2023. https://www.hvhammers.com/club

  40. "USMNT star Tyler Adams joins Westchester SC ownership group". USLLeagueOne.com. USL League One. January 28, 2025. Retrieved January 28, 2025. https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1329761

  41. Includes U.S. Open Cup, DFB-Pokal and FA Cup /wiki/U.S._Open_Cup

  42. Includes USL Cup Playoffs, MLS Cup Playoffs and EFL Cup /wiki/USL_Championship

  43. Includes CONCACAF Champions League, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League /wiki/CONCACAF_Champions_League

  44. "Tyler Adams". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved January 30, 2022. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/69387.html

  45. Peeters, Thomas (May 23, 2022). "A thriller in Berlin: how relentless RB Leipzig won their first major title". Red Bull. Archived from the original on June 13, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022. https://www.redbull.com/ph-en/rb-leipzig-german-cup-champions

  46. "Christian Pulisic, Ethan Horvath lead U.S. over Mexico in Nations League final". ESPN. June 6, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021. https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=570981

  47. "Adams Reyna on target as United States complete three peat". CONCACAF. March 25, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024. https://www.concacaf.com/nations-league/news/adams-reyna-on-target-as-united-states-complete-three-peat/

  48. "Tyler Adams Voted 2022 Biosteel U.S. Soccer Male Player Of The Year". US Soccer. January 13, 2023. Retrieved January 13, 2023. https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/01/tyler-adams-voted-2022-biosteel-us-soccer-male-player-of-the-year

  49. "Reyna, Pulisic head up Nations League Finals Best XI". Concacaf. March 25, 2024. Retrieved April 10, 2024. https://www.concacaf.com/nations-league/news/reyna-pulisic-head-up-nations-league-finals-best-xi/

  50. "Jiménez, Waterman, David headline CNL Finals Best XI". Concacaf. April 2, 2025. Retrieved April 4, 2025. https://www.concacaf.com/nations-league/news/jimenez-waterman-david-headline-cnl-finals-best-xi/