Seymour Reid has the potential to step up for NYCFC and turn into a star | OneFootball

17-year-old forward Seymour Reid clearly has the skills to play on the biggest stage of American soccer. It is for this exact reason that this past May, he became New York City FC’s 17th Homegrown player to earn a Major League Soccer contract.

Reid played in nine matches during the 2025 MLS regular season for the Pigeons. Among those appearances was the game against Chicago Fire FC, in which he scored his first professional goal in a 3-1 win. In doing so, he became the youngest goal scorer in club history. His most recent appearance came in the 2025 MLS Eastern Conference Final against Inter Miami CF, where the Pigeons’ dreams of capturing an MLS Cup were cut short due to the dominance of the Herons and Lionel Messi.

The forward mostly played with NYCFC II in the MLS Next Pro, playing 15 games. It was there that he showed off his scoring ability, scoring 15 goals for the Baby Pigeons. His most notable game with the side was against the New York Red Bulls II, when he scored a hat-trick.

Seymour Reid has potential to help NYCFC

Yet, the NYCFC fan base has not truly gotten to see what the youngster is made of, especially since many do not watch NYCFC II matches. In MLS, where every fixture is critical, experienced players, like Alonso Martínez, are often prioritized. Head Coach Pascal Jansen, despite being known for developing players, must choose leadership and stability over experimentation. Plus, he does not want to throw young players into high-pressure moments and watch them struggle on the MLS stage.

As a result, Reid has largely been limited to what many would consider “garbage minutes,” the closing moments of matches where the result may already be decided, as he continues to acclimate to first-team football. He was also limited in his playing time with NYCFC II during the second half of the season, for he had to be available for the first team.

Entering 2026, there is the question of who will be the X-factor to take the Boys in Blue to the next level and provide another opportunity to lift the MLS Cup. This is especially true with Martínez's ACL tear that might keep him out for the full season. In other words, who will play as the striker?

The answer may lie at the feet of Reid. Although he has not seen extensive playing time with NYCFC’s first team, he received his first call-up to Jamaica’s senior national team in October 2025, just in time for World Cup qualifiers. This followed an impressive run with Jamaica’s U-17 team, where he scored three goals in four appearances.

Reid possesses the tangible qualities traditionally associated with a true number nine: technical skill, goal-scoring ability, and, most importantly, maturity. While he may carry a quiet demeanor off the field, there is nothing quiet about the hunger and passion he brings to the game.

As the final whistle blew on NYCFC’s 2025 season, preparations for 2026 immediately began. One could argue that the team’s chances for success will be closely tied to the development of young players like Reid. As his confidence builds through international play, fans will be waiting to witness his breakout moment.

With continued growth, sharpening of his skills, and opportunities under the bright lights of Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, Reid has the potential to rise to the occasion whenever his number is called, solidify his place in the NYCFC Starting XI, and move toward becoming a household name.