Frankie Amaya
A dynamic and tenacious midfielder who rose from US youth star to a consistent engine in the heart of Major League Soccer.
Born 2000 (age 26)·American soccer player·Birthday: September 26·Generation Z
Biography
Frankie Amaya's soccer path has been defined by a relentless, box-to-box energy that makes him impossible to ignore on the pitch. Touted as a future star from his teenage years, he made history as the first MLS Homegrown Player to be selected first overall in the SuperDraft when FC Cincinnati called his name in 2019. His early career was a baptism by fire with an expansion team, but it forged a resilient and adaptable player. A move to the New York Red Bulls unlocked his best form, placing him at the core of their high-pressing system where his defensive grit, ball-winning ability, and improved distribution shone. While his journey has included loan spells, including one to CF Montréal, Amaya has solidified his reputation as a durable, intelligent midfielder who sets the tempo and does the essential, often unglamorous work that wins games.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Frankie was born in 2000, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Frankie Was Born
The biggest hits of 2000
#1 Movie
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Best Picture
Gladiator
#1 TV Show
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Frankie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2000Born
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2005Started school
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2013Became a teenager
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Could drive
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2018Could vote
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2021Turned 21
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 26 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Was the first overall pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft by FC Cincinnati as a Homegrown Player.
- Became a key starting midfielder for the New York Red Bulls, known for his high work rate and pressing.
- Represented the United States at multiple youth national team levels, including the U-20 World Cup.
Did You Know?
His full first name is Franuel, but he is universally known as Frankie.
He played college soccer for one season at UCLA before turning professional.
Amaya is of Salvadoran descent through his father.
“I just want to keep working and show what I can do on the field.”
