A few weeks after their first ever appearance in the MLS Cup final, the New York Red Bulls signed Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to an MLS contract. The Cameroon international player signed as a designated player with a two-year deal through 2026 with an option for 2027.
This is exactly the kind of signing New York needed to make following the result of the 2024 season. After an underdog journey through the MLS Cup Playoffs, Choupo-Moting can get the Red Bulls the trophy that was just out of reach this season.
Now, who is Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting? The German native made himself known over the past decade by playing in some of the world’s top leagues such as the Premier League (Stoke City), the French Ligue 1 (Paris Saint-Germain), and the German Bundesliga (Bayern Munich).
“We are excited to add a player of Maxim’s caliber to our roster,” Head of Sport Jochen Schneider said. “Maxim is a great player, a winner and his experience in Europe’s top leagues will be greatly important to our club in 2025 and beyond.”
The 35-year-old has scored 112 goals and recorded 49 assists in 507 appearances over his 17-year career. Similar to New York’s international signing last offseason Emil Forsberg, Choupo-Moting spent the last four years in the Bundesliga with FC Bayern Munich. With 122 appearances and 38 goals with the club, the Red Bulls’ newest player also won three Bundesliga titles, a German Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup.
“Maxim is a strong forward that will bring a lot of experience and leadership to our club,” Head Coach Sandro Schwarz said. “He will be a great addition to our roster, and we are looking forward to seeing him on the pitch at Sports Illustrated Stadium.”
Choupo-Moting built quite an impressive international resume as well playing for the Cameroon National Team. As a citizen of Cameroon, the German native scored 20 goals in 73 appearances and featured in the past three FIFA World Cups where he even scored in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in a 3-3 draw against Serbia.
Choupo-Moting brings experience and veteran status that can perfectly pair with Red Bull forwards Dante Vanzeir and Elias Manoel. Midfielders Lewis Morgan and Emil Forsberg also have another weapon up top to help score more goals which slowed down in the second half of the 2024 season. There is a lot of young talent in New York as well with players like Ronald Donkor, Julian Hall, and Serge Ngoma who can learn a lot from the 35-year-old with mentorship and leadership.
