NEW YORK, NEW YORK (October 15, 2026) – Justin Ellis of Orlando City SC has been named the second-ever MLS NEXT Pro Pathway Player of the Year, the League announced today. The award recognizes a player who exemplifies success at multiple levels of the MLS pro player pathway. Nineteen-year-old Ellis has progressed through all three stages of the pathway, most recently culminating with making his U.S. Men’s National Team debut. A graduate of MLS NEXT, Ellis impressed over the course of two-plus seasons in MLS NEXT Pro before earning a spot on the Orlando City SC first team in 2026.
The Pathway Player of the Year Award was voted on by the Head Coaches and Chief Soccer Officers at MLS NEXT Pro Clubs, as well as League broadcasters and content team members.
As part of the Orlando City Academy, Ellis announced himself to the North American soccer landscape during the 2024-2025 MLS NEXT season, claiming the 2025 U-19 MLS NEXT Golden Boot Award (18 goals) en route to being named the 2025 U-19 MLS NEXT MVP. Leading the attacking line for Orlando’s Academy, Ellis finished as the top scorer at the 2025 Generation adidas Cup to help Orlando win the tournament for the first time.
The forward from Wellington, FL took the next step in his development with Orlando City B in MLS NEXT Pro action, starting 29 of his 44 total appearances (2024-2026) and providing 12 goals and eight assists. Ellis was a vital contributor for the Young Lions, helping the club clinch its second MLS NEXT Pro Playoff berth in 2024, resulting in him signing an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B on February 13, 2025. Ellis was named MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 10 after recording three goal contributions (two assists, one goal) in a 3-0 victory over rivals Inter Miami CF II on May 17, 2025.
Days prior to being honored in MLS NEXT Pro, Ellis celebrated his 18th birthday by making his MLS Debut for Orlando City SC on May 14, 2025, as the club defeated Charlotte FC, 3-1. Orlando City SC signed Ellis as a Homegrown Player on February 20, 2026, and since then he has proven to be a key contributor during the 2026 MLS regular season.
Ellis has started 16 of his 20 appearances thus far in 2026, playing 1,318 minutes while registering one goal and 10 assists, setting a new personal record for single-season assists. He provided the assist for Antoine Griezmann’s first MLS goal, and 300th career goal, in the former World Cup winner’s MLS debut on July 23, 2026.
Ellis earned his first call-up to the senior U.S. Men’s National Team during the recent September-October FIFA window, having previously represented the United States at the U-19 and U-17 levels. He was one of 13 uncapped players to be called in by Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino for friendly matches against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada.
Ellis took the opportunity with aplomb as he earned his first USMNT start against Peru on September 26, 2026 and delivered the opening goal in just four minutes to record the fastest goal scored in a debut appearance for the team in the modern era. With goals against Peru, Ellis and fellow debutant Julian Hall (RBNY) became the first players since Patrick Agyemang and Matko Miljevic on January 18, 2025, to score in their USMNT debut. Ellis followed up this performance with another goal during the window, this time assisted by former Orlando City B teammate Alex Freeman, to score the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Canada on October 6, 2026.
Finalists for Pathway Player of the Year: Charlotte FC’s Rodolfo Aloko and Portland Timbers’ Eric Izoita.
Previous Pathway Player of the Year Winner
2025: Osaze De Rosario, Tacoma Defiance & Seattle Sounders FC
ADDITIONAL AWARDS:
Following the conclusion of the regular season on September 20, MLS NEXT Pro announced the winners of the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot and Playmaker of the Year awards: Atlanta United 2 claimed both awards as Arif Kovac’s 20 goals secured the Golden Boot while Cameron Dunbar earned Playmaker of the Year honors for matching the all-time League record for assists in a single season (13). Both players appeared on the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI, announced on October 8, alongside Goalkeeper of the Year Sam Joseph (POR) and Defender of the Year Jules Bery (ATX).
MLS NEXT Pro MVP presented by adidas, Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year will be announced in the coming weeks.
