Alonso Martínez extends contract with NYCFC through 2027

Alonso Martínez signed a contract extension with New York City FC that ties him to the club through 2027, NYCFC just announced.

The new contract also includes options that could keep Martínez in New York City through the 2029 season, linking the 26-year-old Costa Rican forward to NYCFC over the long term.

Martínez joined New York City on August 4, 2023 from City Football Group relative Lommel SK on a contract through the 2025 season. His first MLS contract also contained options that could keep Martínez with the team in 2026 and 2027, but instead of running that contract down to its end, NYCFC and Sporting Director David Lee acted to extend Martínez.

That looks like a necessary move given how important Martínez has become for the New York City FC attack. With Santi Rodríguez now gone, Martínez is expected to carry an even bigger goal-scoring load, leading the team's attacking line and possibly topping his surprise 2024 season.

It doesn't feel like hyperbole to call Martínez's 2024 breakout a surprise. After only making three brief substitute appearances at the end of the 2023 season, Martínez entered 2024 with low expectations, with many thinking he'd provide depth on the wings while maybe not playing significant minutes.

Instead, Martínez broke out by scoring 18 goals across 35 appearances in all competitions for New York City and turning himself into the team's clear-cut starter at striker. He was the unexpected star of last season, scoring goals in bunches and helping New York City earn some of its best wins of the season en route to their return to the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Martínez earned a $300,000 base salary as of the September 2024 MLS player salary guide, so this new contract seems likely to bump that salary figure up, possibly significantly. We won't know for sure until the MLS Players Association releases its first 2025 batch of updated salary numbers.

What we do know is that Martínez is already off to a quick start in 2025, scoring in the season-opening 2-2 draw against Inter Miami CF. He'll be hoping that form continues and that it helps him continue to get called up by his national team, as Martínez has made five appearances for Costa Rica (in Concacaf Nations League) since his NYCFC breakout in 2024.

New York City still has not made any significant new attacking signings, but they've made a big move to hold onto one of their top attacking talents left on this still-under-construction 2025 roster. Below, you can read the full press release from NYCFC announcing Martínez's extension.

NEW YORK – February 28, 2025 – New York City FC announced today that forward Alonso Martínez has signed a contract extension through 2027, with options through 2029.

Since arriving at the club in August 2023, Martínez has made 39 appearances for New York City FC, scoring 19 goals and providing four assists across all competitions. In Martínez’s first full season with New York City, the forward broke into the starting XI and finished the year as the club’s top goal scorer.

“We’re thrilled to extend Alonso’s contract and keep him at New York City FC for the long term,” Sporting Director David Lee said. “Since his arrival at the club, we’ve been impressed with his work ethic and dedication to his craft. Last season, we saw Alonso break through and become a dynamic part of our attack, playing a crucial role in our success. Alonso has become an important player for us and one of the best forwards in the league. As we continue to build our roster, we wanted to reward Alonso and make sure that he stayed with the club.

“Alonso’s ability to impact games with his movement, creativity, and goal-scoring instinct has been invaluable. As Alonso enters the prime of his career, we’re excited to see him continue to develop and contribute to the team’s success in the years ahead, as we look to compete for trophies year in and year out,” added Lee.

Martínez breakthrough season included some record-breaking moments. The Costa Rican made history with the fastest hat trick in club history, scoring three goals in just 10 minutes. Coming off the bench in that game, Martínez became only the fourth player in MLS history to achieve this feat as a substitute. In addition, New York City FC set a new Leagues Cup record when the forward scored the fastest goal in tournament history just 14 seconds into the match, also becoming the fastest goal scored in franchise history across all competitions. Martínez’s milestone season also saw the forward score the club’s 600th goal.

“First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me with this opportunity to continue my career at New York City FC,” forward Alonso Martínez said. “This club has felt like home and I’m incredibly grateful for the trust and support from my teammates, coaches and the fans since I’ve arrived. I’m proud to represent this great city and play for one of the biggest clubs in the league. MLS as a league keeps growing every year and I know this is where I want to continue my career. I’m excited to keep working hard and growing as a player, with the goal of adding more silverware to our trophy cabinet. I want to help the team achieve even more success in the years to come.”

Martínez’s strong performances with the ‘Boys in Blue’ earned him a call-up to the Costa Rican Men’s National Team, making six appearances in Concacaf Nations League play. The forward became the third Costa Rican player to score for New York City FC, adding to the club’s history with his contributions on the field.