Looking back at the 2025 season predictions for NYCFC in MLS | OneFootball

Every year, predictions are made about New York City FC and how the team will do in Major League Soccer.  With a new head coach, Pascal Jansen, and some questions regarding the roster, one could argue that it was difficult to pinpoint proper predictions.  So much was up in the air.  There was hope, though, that 2025 would be better than 2024.

There were also higher expectations for some of the younger players, like Julián Fernández.  It was clear that some of the players had to step up, but whether they would do so remained a question.  Jansen is known for developing players, but would he be successful in his first season?  Moreover, fans wanted to know whether he would make an immediate difference compared to the previous head coach.

In the end, the answer was yes.  2025 was better for NYCFC.  The Pigeons ended the regular season in fifth place in the Eastern Conference and made it to the Eastern Conference Finals in the MLS Cup Playoffs.  Some young players, like Justin Haak, broke through and became vital for the team.  Others still left more to be desired, but they were stronger in this campaign.

Like every year, it is always fun to look back at the season’s predictions.  Therefore, let’s take a look at the 2025 predictions and see how they lined up with the outcomes.

Looking back at the predictions for NYCFC in 2025

3. Julián Fernández will shine this season

In the last two years, it was thought that Fernández would burst onto the scene and become a star.  The NYCFC player was full of potential, and fans were eager to see him play as a top winger. Hence, it was predicted that he would shine in 2025.  Unfortunately, that was not the case.

However, under Jansen, Fernández improved in the way that he plays.  He was more influential in his passes and moving the ball up the pitch.  He was also a great super sub, adding energy and changing the pace of play when he came on.  In fact, one could argue he was one of the better players off the bench.

In addition, Fernández scored three goals and registered five assists in all competitions.  Compared to 2024, he had two goals and three assists.  He also played over 1,600 minutes this year, in which his increased playing time has possibly aided in his improvement.

Yes, more was and is expected from him.  He should be scoring more goals and should have more assists.  When NYCFC signed him, it was thought he would turn into a top young player in MLS.  Now, a few years later, he is still not what supporters wanted and expected him to be.  At least he improved in 2025, and this is likely why he was named to the 22 under 22 list.  There is still a chance that Fernández can turn into the player that everyone wants him to be, and likely who he wants to be.

2. NYCFC will sign a big-name DP in the summer

The second prediction was that NYCFC would sign a big-name Designated Player over the summer.  The idea was that the Pigeons would look at leagues that ended in May or June to sign someone well-known and extremely talented.  And, they would be from a league in Europe or South America.

In the end, while one could argue that the team did not sign a well-known player, it can be argued that they signed a DP that has been a difference maker to the squad.  That player is, of course, Nicolás Fernández Mercau.  The Argentine was signed from Elche Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. in Spain.  He helped the team get promoted to La Liga.

It did take a few months for Fernández Mercau to adjust to his new team when it came to attacking contributions, scoring four of his five goals at the end of the season and in the MLS Playoffs.  But it did not matter where he played, whether it was on the wings or more in the central attack: the difference to NYCFC was clear.  They were stronger offensively, and using the eye test, looked better in the final third.

In MLS, both the regular season and the playoffs, the Pigeons won ten of the 16 games that the midfielder played in.  He had the incredible brace in the final match against Charlotte FC in the postseason that helped lead the Bronx team to the Conference Semifinals.

Overall, the Boys in Blue are very fortunate to have found Fernández Mercau.  His versatility and talent mean that NYCFC has a great player for, ideally, many years.

1. NYCFC will finish anywhere from 4th to 6th place

Finally, the expectation was that the Bronx side would do better in 2025 with Jansen in charge.  It was not thought that they would compete with the best sides in MLS, but that they would finish in the top half of the table and make the playoffs.  As such, the final prediction was that NYCFC would end the regular season anywhere from fourth to sixth place.

This prediction was spot on since the Pigeons ended the season fifth in the Eastern Conference standings.  It was believed the team would have some growing pains, and they did.  The second half of the season was stronger, especially once Jansen’s ideas and tactics began to click more among the players.  That is also why the team had three more wins compared to 2024.

NYCFC had a solid season in 2025.  There were some losses that should not have happened, but they proved they could compete after some fantastic wins, including the playoff win over the Philadelphia Union.  The future looks bright, and fans should look forward to 2026.