Maximilian Michael Arfsten (born April 19, 2001) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a wing-back for Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew and the United States national team.
Arfsten attended San Joaquin Memorial High School. In 2016, he posted 21 goals, 11 assists and earned all-league first team honors. He ended his junior season with All-CMAC first team recognition and league MVP honors by posting 20 goals and 21 assists. He helped the team win the league and Central Section championships that year, also earning all-league first team honors for the third straight season, and captured league MVP accolades for the second year in a row after ending his final season with 50 goals and 20 assists. Arfsten also played club soccer with local side California Odyssey for nine years, where he was the leading National Premier Leagues goal scorer.[2][3]
In 2019, Arfsten attended the University of California, Davis to play college soccer. Between 2019 and 2021, he made 39 appearances for the Aggies, scoring nine goals and tallying eight assists. He earned Big West Conference All-Freshman Team honors in 2019 and was named Big West Offensive Player of the Year and All-Big West First Team in 2021.[2][4]
In 2022, Arfsten opted to leave college early and play professionally. He signed his first contract with MLS Next Pro side San Jose Earthquakes II ahead of their inaugural season.[5][6] In his lone season with the Quakes reserve team, Arfsten scored nine goals in 24 appearances.[7]
In December 2022, Arfsten was announced as eligible for selection in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.[8] He was selected 14th overall by Columbus Crew on December 21, 2022.[9][10][11] He signed a two-year deal with the Major League Soccer side on February 21, 2023.[12][13][14][15] Arfsten made his debut and scored his first goal for Columbus on March 25, 2023, in a 6–1 victory over Atlanta United after coming on as a late substitute.[16] He made his first start on June 3, scoring and assisting in the 4–2 win against Charlotte FC.[17] During the 2023 playoffs, he scored in the only match he appeared in as his side would go on to win the MLS Cup.[17]
During the 2024 season, he scored goals in back-to-back games on May 11 and May 15. He had two assists in the match against Orlando on September 21.[18] On October 16, it was announced that Arfsten had signed a contract extension until 2027, with a club option for 2028.[19]
A two-footed player, Arfsten has noted for his technical ability and penchant for taking players on via the dribble. He has described himself as a player that "like[s] to dribble a lot and be shifty as much as I can, just to create chances, so I think my aggressiveness in my attack sets me apart."[20][21]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | 10 | 1 |
| Total | 10 | 1 | |
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29 June 2025 | U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, United States |  Costa Rica |
2–1 | 2–2 (4–3 p) |
2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup |
|  | |
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