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Matty Longstaff
Matty Longstaff
from Wikipedia

Matthew Ben Longstaff (born 21 March 2000) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club CF Montréal.

Key Information

Club career

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Newcastle United and loans

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Longstaff made his first-team debut for Newcastle United on 28 August 2019, starting against Leicester City in the EFL Cup.[3] He scored in the 72nd minute of his Premier League debut, in a 1–0 win against Manchester United on 6 October.[4][5] The powerful strike from outside the box was later voted as Premier League Goal of the Month.[6] He then went on to score in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford, the opening goal in a 4–1 defeat.[7]

Following the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2019–20 season, Longstaff signed a new two-year contract with Newcastle United on 22 August 2020.[8] In announcing their retained list for the 2023–24 season, Newcastle United released Longstaff at the end of his contract. However, the club continued to ensure he received treatment on his anterior cruciate ligament injury, which Longstaff suffered in December 2022.[9]

On 27 August 2021, Longstaff joined Scottish club Aberdeen on a season-long loan.[10] On 26 December 2021, Longstaff was recalled early by his parent club Newcastle United, having only featured five times for Aberdeen.[11] On 31 January 2022, Longstaff joined EFL League Two side Mansfield Town on loan for the remainder of the season.[12] On 1 September 2022, Longstaff joined EFL League Two side Colchester United on a short-term loan. He returned to Newcastle on 1 January 2023 following a knee injury.[13]

Major League Soccer

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On 29 February 2024, Major League Soccer club Toronto FC announced the signing of Longstaff as a free agent on a two-year contract, with an option for an additional year.[14] On 5 May he scored his first goal for Toronto against FC Dallas.

On 13 August 2025, Longstaff was traded to CF Montréal in exchange for Jules-Anthony Vilsaint and up to $275,000 in General Allocation Money.[15]

International career

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On 8 November 2019, Longstaff received his first international call up to the England U20 side.[16] He made his debut as a substitute during a 4–0 win over Portugal on 14 November 2019.[17]

Personal life

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Longstaff was born in Rotherham, South Yorkshire[18] and raised in North Shields, Tyne and Wear.[19] Longstaff went to school at John Spence Community High School. Longstaff was a boyhood Newcastle United supporter and his older brother Sean is a footballer for Leeds United.[19] Their father David is a former Great Britain ice hockey player, who featured over 100 times for the national side, and is still active as coach for the Whitley Warriors.[20] David is the cousin of former England international Alan Thompson.[21]

Career statistics

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As of match played 18 October 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Newcastle United U23 2018–19[22] 5[a] 1 5 1
Newcastle United 2019–20[23] Premier League 9 2 5 1 1 0 15 3
2020–21[24] Premier League 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
2021–22[25] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2022–23[26] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 14 2 5 1 1 0 0 0 20 3
Aberdeen (loan) 2021–22[25] Scottish Premiership 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Mansfield Town (loan) 2021–22[25] League Two 16 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 6
Colchester United (loan) 2022–23[26] League Two 7 0 0 0 0 0 3[a] 0 10 0
Toronto FC 2024[1] Major League Soccer 32 2 5 1 3[b] 0 40 3
2025[1] Major League Soccer 17 0 0 0 17 0
Total 49 2 5 1 0 0 3 0 57 3
CF Montréal 2025[1] Major League Soccer 8 0 8 0
Career total 99 10 10 2 1 0 11 1 121 12
  1. ^ a b Appearances in EFL Trophy
  2. ^ Appearances in Leagues Cup

Honours

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Matthew Longstaff, commonly known as Matty Longstaff, is an English professional footballer who plays as a central for club . Born on 21 March 2000 in , , he stands at 1.71 metres tall and developed through the Newcastle United youth academy after starting at Juniors. He is the of fellow professional footballer , who currently plays for Leeds United, and their father, , was a former Great Britain player. Longstaff made his professional debut for Newcastle United on 28 August 2019, starting in a 2–1 win over Leicester City. His Premier League debut came just over a month later on 6 October 2019, when, at 19 years and 199 days old, he became the youngest Newcastle player to score on his top-flight debut by netting the only goal in a 1–0 victory against Manchester United, celebrated with a lap of honour around . He went on to make 21 appearances for Newcastle across all competitions before his contract expired in 2023, during which time he was loaned out to several clubs to gain experience: in the (August to December 2021, five appearances), Mansfield Town in (January to May 2022, 18 appearances), and United in (August 2022 to January 2023, 10 appearances). After leaving Newcastle as a in early 2023 and spending time without a club, Longstaff signed with in on 29 February 2024, where he made 49 appearances over 18 months, scoring two goals. On 13 August 2025, he was traded to in exchange for forward Jules-Anthony Vilsaint and up to $275,000 in general , where he made 8 appearances during the 2025 season. CF Montréal exercised his contract option for 2026, marking his latest move in a career that has seen him represent at under-20 level.

Early life and background

Birth and upbringing

Matthew Longstaff was born on 21 March 2000 in , , . Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to , , where he spent his early childhood and was raised. The family lived in , , for a year due to his father's ice hockey career. Growing up in the region, Longstaff was immersed in a football-centric environment from a young age, developing an early passion for the sport amid the local culture surrounding Newcastle United.

Family influences

Matty Longstaff's father, David Longstaff, was a prominent British ice hockey player who earned 101 caps for the Great Britain national team, captaining the side on three occasions and becoming the first player to reach the century mark for his country. David enjoyed a distinguished club career spanning three decades, including stints with the Sheffield Steelers, Djurgårdens IF in Sweden, and notably as captain of the Newcastle Vipers from 2008 to 2011, where he helped secure Elite League and play-off titles in 2005-06. His achievements also encompass four league titles across various British divisions and multiple cup wins, culminating in induction into the UK Ice Hockey Hall of Fame. David's athletic legacy profoundly shaped Matty's competitive mindset from an early age, instilling a disciplined approach to through exposure to high-level competition in . Growing up attending games and watching NHL matches alongside his father and older brother Sean, Matty absorbed the intensity of professional athletics, which cultivated his drive and work ethic. The Longstaff household was a hub of athletic encouragement, with David's involvement in complementing the family's broader support for physical activities and team sports among its members. This environment prioritized participation and development, providing Matty with consistent motivation and resources to explore his interests from childhood.

Youth career

Newcastle United academy

Matty Longstaff, a lifelong Newcastle United supporter from , joined the club's academy at the age of 13 after an initial rejection at around 10 or 11 for being deemed too small. Having trained with Newcastle for four weeks prior to the rejection, Longstaff returned two years later with renewed determination, trialing successfully and signing for the under-13s team despite interest from rivals and . His early motivation stemmed from watching older brother progress through the same system, often training on the touchline with a small ball during Sean's sessions. Longstaff advanced steadily through the youth ranks at Newcastle's Little Benton facility, participating in full-time twice-daily training sessions and competing in various age-group teams. By his mid-teens, he had established himself in the under-18s squad, where he made his full debut alongside at age 15 in a competitive match, showcasing his midfield tenacity and vision. His development included regular appearances in youth fixtures, including the , where he provided insights on teammates ahead of key ties, highlighting his growing leadership within the group. In July 2018, at age 18, Longstaff signed his first professional contract with Newcastle, earning approximately £850 per week and committing until June 2020. This milestone followed his transition to the under-23s, where he honed his skills in 2 matches. Leading up to his senior integration, Longstaff impressed during the 2019 pre-season tour in China for the , earning praise for his performances and securing spots in senior friendlies, such as a 2-1 win over . These exposures under manager demonstrated his readiness, bridging his academy tenure to first-team opportunities.

International youth career

Matty Longstaff earned his first call-up to the under-20 national team on 8 November 2019, selected for the Young Lions' final matches of the year as a recognition of his emerging talent from the Newcastle United academy. The squad, managed by , included fixtures against and to cap off the 2019 international calendar. Longstaff made his debut as a substitute in the opening match against on 14 November 2019 at Estádio Municipal de , entering in the 72nd minute in place of during England's 4-0 victory. Goals from (twice), , and secured the win in the U20 Elite League fixture, with Longstaff featuring as a central in a controlled second-half performance by the team. Five days later, on 19 November 2019, Longstaff earned his second and final under-20 cap against at , Wycombe, where he started in a deep-lying midfield role within a 4-2-3-1 formation and played 72 minutes before being substituted for . triumphed 3-0, with goals from Danny Loader and a brace by Poveda, as Longstaff contributed to dictating the tempo, spreading passes to the flanks, and making interceptions in a solid team display that highlighted his composure on the international stage. These two appearances marked the extent of Longstaff's youth international career, limited by his transition to senior professional football shortly thereafter.

Senior club career

Newcastle United

Matty Longstaff made his senior debut for Newcastle United on 28 August 2019, starting in the second-round match against Leicester City at , which ended in a 1-1 draw before Newcastle lost 4-2 on penalties. This appearance marked the 19-year-old midfielder's breakthrough from the club's youth academy into the first team. Longstaff's Premier League debut came on 6 October 2019, when he started against Manchester United and scored the iconic winning goal in a 1-0 , striking a low 22-yard shot in the 72nd minute to secure the points for Newcastle. The goal, his first in senior football, came just weeks after his bow and highlighted his potential as a box-to-box . For that strike against Manchester United, Longstaff was awarded the Goal of the Month for October 2019, as voted by fans on the official website. He later added a second goal for the club in a 3-2 home win over United on 2 November 2019. Over the period from 2019 to 2023, Longstaff made 21 first-team appearances for Newcastle United across all competitions, scoring 2 goals, while serving as a squad player amid competition for midfield places and injury setbacks. He signed a two-year contract extension in August 2020, followed by a one-year extension in August 2021, committing him to the club until the end of the 2022-23 season. Longstaff was released by Newcastle at the expiration of his contract in the summer of 2023.

Loan spells

In January 2021, Longstaff was still establishing himself at Newcastle United, but opportunities in the first team were limited due to competition in midfield and his recovery from previous injuries. To gain regular playing time, he was sent on his first senior to side on 27 August 2021, agreeing to a season-long deal. During his stint, he made five appearances in the without scoring, struggling to adapt to the physical demands of Scottish football and facing limited starts amid a crowded squad. The was cut short on 30 December 2021, with Longstaff recalled by Newcastle after failing to secure consistent minutes, which hindered his development but provided initial exposure to a different league. Seeking further experience in English football, Longstaff joined club Mansfield Town on from 31 January 2022 until the end of the 2021–22 season. This move addressed his ongoing lack of first-team action at Newcastle, allowing him to rebuild fitness in a competitive lower-tier environment. He featured in 18 , scoring six goals, which marked a productive spell that boosted his confidence and goal-scoring form while adapting to the intensity of League Two. Upon returning to Newcastle in June 2022, the loan was viewed as a positive step in his maturation, helping him regain rhythm after the Aberdeen setback. Longstaff's next loan came on 1 September 2022, when he signed with side United until January 2023, again driven by scarce opportunities under Newcastle's management. He appeared in 10 matches across all competitions without finding the net, contributing to the team's midfield but facing challenges in consistency. The spell ended prematurely on 1 January 2023 due to a injury sustained in late December 2022, prompting his return to Newcastle for treatment. Overall, these loans facilitated Longstaff's growth by immersing him in varied tactical setups across leagues, though injuries and adaptation issues tempered the benefits; following this final return, Newcastle released him at the end of his contract in summer 2023.

Toronto FC

On February 29, 2024, Matty Longstaff signed with club as a on a two-year contract through the 2025 season, with a club option for 2026. This marked his first permanent move abroad, building on prior loan experiences that prepared him for professional play outside . Deployed primarily as a central , Longstaff adapted to the physical and fast-paced demands of MLS, focusing on defensive duties and ball progression in a 4-3-3 formation under coach . During his tenure with Toronto from 2024 to mid-2025, Longstaff made 49 appearances across all competitions, scoring 2 goals. His contributions included a debut on March 9, 2024, against , where he provided midfield stability in a 1-0 loss. Key moments came early in the 2024 season: on , he scored his first for the club in a 3-1 victory over , slotting home from a pass in the 82nd minute to seal the win. Two weeks later, on May 18, Longstaff netted his second just 6 minutes into a 5-1 rout of , opening the scoring with a right-footed strike and helping Toronto achieve their first three-goal outburst in the opening 20 minutes of a match. These efforts highlighted his growing integration, though Toronto finished 26th in the Eastern Conference in 2024 and struggled early in 2025. On August 13, 2025, traded Longstaff to in exchange for forward Jules-Anthony Vilsaint and up to $275,000 in allocation money ($225,000 guaranteed for 2025 and $50,000 conditional for 2026).

CF Montréal

Matty Longstaff was traded to from on August 13, 2025, in exchange for forward Jules-Anthony Vilsaint and up to $275,000 in allocation money. Following the trade, Longstaff quickly integrated into the squad, making his debut as a substitute just three days later on August 16 against , where he played 29 minutes in a 2-1 victory. His adaptation was marked by a gradual increase in playing time, transitioning from substitute roles to regular starts in the central midfield position, contributing to the team's defensive structure and transitions during the late-season push. As of November 20, 2025, Longstaff had made eight appearances for CF Montréal in Major League Soccer regular-season matches, accumulating 594 minutes played. He started five of those games, including full 90-minute performances against Austin FC (August 23), Toronto FC (August 30), St. Louis CITY SC (September 13), Nashville SC (October 4), and FC Cincinnati (October 18). In these outings, Longstaff recorded one assist—on September 27 against Charlotte FC, where he provided a key pass in an 89-minute shift during a 2-1 win—while focusing primarily on ball recovery and distribution without scoring goals. His role emphasized midfield stability, often partnering with players like Victor Wanyama to shield the defense amid CF Montréal's mid-table Eastern Conference standing. Longstaff's contributions in late 2025 helped secure several draws and wins in competitive fixtures, such as the 1-1 draw against his former club , where he completed 81% of his passes and won four tackles. These performances underscored his value in high-pressure games, earning praise from Laurent Courtois for his work rate and tactical awareness. On October 20, 2025, exercised Longstaff's contract option, securing his position through December 31, 2026. With the MLS regular season concluded and having missed the postseason, Longstaff is viewed as a core squad member heading into the 2026 campaign. His market value stood at approximately €1.20 million as of November 2025.

Personal life

Family relationships

Matty Longstaff maintains a close relationship with his older brother, , a professional footballer who transferred to Leeds United from Newcastle United in July 2025 after an 18-year association with the club. The brothers, raised together in , have shared a supportive dynamic throughout their careers, with their mother, Michelle, describing them as genuinely loving and always having each other's backs despite occasional arguments in their youth. This bond is rooted in a family sports heritage, including their father David's background as a former ice hockey player who represented the national team over 100 times. During their overlapping tenures at Newcastle United from 2019 to 2023, Matty and frequently supported one another on and off the pitch, with the siblings starting together in key matches, including Matty's memorable debut goal against Manchester United in October 2019. has publicly praised Matty's daily training efforts as "brilliant," highlighting their collaborative approach amid the pressures of professional football. In a 2023 interview, expressed sadness over the prospect of no longer playing for the same team as Matty, underscoring their mutual encouragement despite diverging paths. Public comments from the brothers reveal a mix of sibling rivalry and teamwork that has fueled their development, with Sean noting in 2019 that "knowing your brother has got your back" provides unique motivation in the competitive world of midfield play. Matty has echoed this, crediting their close-knit family for instilling resilience, while acknowledging how early rivalries in backyard games evolved into professional synergy at Newcastle.

Newcastle United fandom

Matty Longstaff, raised in , has been a lifelong supporter of Newcastle United, a passion that began in his childhood and shaped his personal identity as a "local lad." Growing up in the North East, he attended matches at from a young age, often watching alongside family while dreaming of one day playing for the club he adored. Despite facing rejection from the Newcastle academy at age 10, Longstaff's devotion remained unwavering; he turned down opportunities from rival clubs like and , determined to prove himself only to his boyhood team. The emotional pinnacle of Longstaff's fandom came with his first goal, a stunning volley against Manchester United in 2019, which he later described as a "dream come true" realized on the hallowed pitch he had idolized as a . This moment, scoring for the in a 1-0 victory, evoked profound personal significance, blending his supporter's heart with the thrill of contribution, as he reflected on going to bed the night before "dreaming of a Manchester United winner." In interviews, Longstaff has emphasized his roots and unwavering allegiance to the black-and-white stripes, stating that playing alongside his brother at the club represented an unimaginable fulfillment of his lifelong fandom. Even after departing Newcastle United as a in 2023, Longstaff's support for the club has endured, allowing him to reclaim his role as an ordinary fan from afar. In with , he has celebrated Newcastle's successes, including his brother's goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, reveling in the shared joy with supporters. Longstaff has expressed that leaving enabled him to "become a ‘normal person’… just a Newcastle supporter," underscoring how his identity as a devotee persists beyond his playing days at the club.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Matty Longstaff has made 109 appearances and scored 11 goals in his senior club career as of 20 November 2025.

Overall Club Career Totals

CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow Cards
107201
2822623
53001
MLS5237148
32100
10000
43101
MLS Cup Playoffs32001
Total1067611616
Note: Totals exclude youth and international matches; minor discrepancies may arise from ongoing seasons.

Newcastle United (2019–2022)

SeasonCompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow Cards
2019–20Premier League42100
2019–20EFL Cup22000
2020–21Premier League54101
2020–2110100
2021–2211000
2021–2210000
Total149301

Loan Spells (2021–2023)

Mansfield Town (2021–22, EFL League Two)

SeasonAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow Cards
2021–221816621
Total1816621

Aberdeen (2021–22, Scottish Premiership)

SeasonAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow Cards
2021–2253001
Total53001

Colchester United (2022–23, EFL League Two)

SeasonAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow Cards
2022–23106002
Total106002

Toronto FC (2024–2025)

SeasonCompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow Cards
2024MLS2720125
202432101
2024MLS Cup Playoffs32001
2025MLS1711013
Total50352310

CF Montréal (2025)

SeasonCompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow Cards
2025MLS86010
Total86010

International statistics

Longstaff has not received any senior international call-ups for as of November 2025. He earned two caps for the England U20 team in 2019, scoring no goals. His debut occurred on 14 November 2019, as a substitute in a 0–4 friendly defeat to U20, where he played the final 18 minutes. Longstaff started and featured for 72 minutes in his second appearance on 19 November 2019, a 3–0 friendly victory over U21.
DateOpponentResultMinutesGoals
14 Nov 2019 U200–4 L180
19 Nov 2019 U213–0 W720
Total: 2 appearances, 0 goals.

References

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