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Tyler Adams
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Tyler Shaan Adams (born February 14, 1999) is an American professional soccer player who plays for Premier League club Bournemouth and the United States national team. Primarily a midfielder, he is capable of playing as a full-back or winger on either side of the defense or midfield.
Key Information
A homegrown player of the New York Red Bulls academy, Adams turned professional with the New York Red Bulls II as a sixteen-year-old before joining the New York Red Bulls first team a season later. Adams joined fellow Red Bull side RB Leipzig in January 2019 and played four seasons with the club, winning the 2021–22 DFB-Pokal. He joined Leeds United in July 2022, but following relegation he signed for Bournemouth in August 2023 for five years.
Adams represented the United States at multiple youth levels before making his senior team debut in 2017. He captained the U.S. at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and won the U.S. Soccer Player of the Year award in 2022.[3]
Club career
[edit]Youth
[edit]Adams joined the Red Bulls Academy in 2012 and played with the under-13, under-14, and under-16 sides before turning professional.
New York Red Bulls II
[edit]
On March 19, 2015, Adams was signed to New York Red Bulls II, the club's senior reserve team playing in the United Soccer League.[4] Adams made his debut for the team on April 4, 2015, in a 4–1 victory over Toronto FC II, the first victory in club history.[5] After appearing regularly for NYRB II during the 2016 season, Adams helped the club to a 5–1 victory over Swope Park Rangers in the 2016 USL Cup Final.[6]
New York Red Bulls
[edit]
On July 23, 2015, Adams made his debut with the New York Red Bulls first team featuring in a friendly match against Premier League champions Chelsea. He scored the second goal of the match, slotting a header past Asmir Begović in the 69th minute as the Red Bulls went on to win 4–2.[7]
Adams signed his first senior team contract on November 3, 2015, and joined the first team in preseason training camp in 2016.[8] Adams made his first MLS bench appearance as an unused substitute on April 1, 2016, during a 1–0 loss to the New England Revolution[9] and on April 13 made his MLS debut, starting against the San Jose Earthquakes[10] before returning to Red Bulls II on loan for the remainder of the season.[11]
Adams emerged as a regular starter for the Red Bulls senior team in the 2017 season. On August 15, 2017, Adams helped New York to a 3–2 come from behind victory over FC Cincinnati, assisting on Bradley Wright-Phillips's 77th-minute equalizer. With the win New York reached their first Open Cup final since 2003.[12] Adams scored his first two MLS goals in a 3–3 draw with D.C. United on September 27, 2017.
On March 13, 2018, Adams opened the scoring for New York in a 3–1 victory over Club Tijuana, helping the club advance to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions League for the first time.[13]
RB Leipzig
[edit]2018–19 season
[edit]Adams joined RB Leipzig in January 2019, reuniting him with former coach Jesse Marsch.[14] He made his first league start on January 27 in a 4–0 victory against Fortuna Düsseldorf. On February 16, Adams recorded his first Bundesliga assist in a 3–1 victory over Stuttgart.[15] He missed the entirety of April games due to an abductor injury, and until then Leipzig had not lost a single game with him on the field.[16] On May 16, Adams returned to the team, and eleven days later started the DFB-Pokal final against Bayern Munich, which Leipzig lost 0–3.[17][18]
2019–20 season
[edit]A groin injury kept Adams sidelined for the summer of 2019 and the first half of the 2019–20 Bundesliga season.[19] He returned for the last game before winter break, playing 86 minutes in a 3–1 victory over FC Augsburg.[20] On March 10, Adams made his UEFA Champions League debut in the second leg game against Tottenham Hotspur, when he entered in the 56th minute as a substitute for Nordi Mukiele who sustained a head injury.[21] Adams missed the first leg due to a minor calf injury.[22] The game finished 3–0 (4–0 on aggregate) with Leipzig victorious and advancing to the next round.[23]
On August 13, 2020, Adams scored the winning goal for Leipzig in a 2–1 win over Atlético Madrid, helping the club advance to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time.[24]
Leeds United
[edit]Adams joined Leeds United on a five-year contract for a reported £20 million transfer fee on July 6, 2022.[25] He made his league debut for Leeds on August 6 as part of the starting line-up in their season opener, a 2–1 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.[26] After impressing for several months in the center of midfield, Adams damaged his hamstring in a training session prior to Leeds’ March 18 win over Wolves and had surgery on his hamstring later that month. He did not play for the club or internationally for the remainder of the season.[27]
Bournemouth
[edit]On August 20, 2023, Adams signed for Premier League club Bournemouth on a five-year deal.[28]
Adams was named Bournemouth's Player of the Month for February 2025.[29]
International career
[edit]
Adams has represented the United States at the under-15, under-17, and under-20 levels. He appeared in all of his team's matches at the 2015 CONCACAF Under-17 Championships in Honduras, helping the United States qualify for the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup. [30] In May 2017 Adams played every match for the United States at the 2017 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in South Korea, which proved to be a breakout tournament for him at the same time that he cemented himself as a starter for the New York Red Bulls.[31] On November 14, 2017, Adams earned his first cap for the senior national team, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 draw with Portugal. On September 11, 2018, Adams scored a goal against Mexico in a friendly at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
In June 2019, Adams was named to the squad for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup,[32] but was forced to withdraw due to an injury.[33]
In November 2022, Adams was named captain of the United States squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[34] This made him the youngest captain at the competition and the youngest American captain since 1950.[35][36] On January 13, 2023, it was announced he had been voted the 2022 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year after Adams led the Americans to the knockout stages of the World Cup.[37]
Personal life
[edit]Adams was born in Dutchess County, New York, to Melissa Russo. Tyler credits much of the success in his life to his mother's unwavering devotion to him. Examples of this include Melissa driving the over 150 mile round trip to the Red Bulls facility before Tyler was old enough to make the journey himself. Melissa raised Tyler for most of his early years on her own. Eventually Melissa married Daryl Sullivan and his three sons became an essential part of Tyler's life.[31] He is of African American descent through his father. His stepfather, Daryl Sullivan, coached soccer at the high school and college levels.[38] Adams graduated from Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls, New York.[36] He also owns a local club “Hudson Valley Hammers” in the USL2.[39] In January 2025, Adams joined the ownership group of USL League One expansion club Westchester SC, near his hometown.[40]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of match played August 15, 2025
| Club | Season | League | National cup[a] | League cup[b] | Continental | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| New York Red Bulls II |
2015 | USL | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 12 | 0 | ||
| 2016 | USL | 22 | 0 | — | 4 | 0 | — | 26 | 0 | |||
| Total | 33 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | — | 38 | 0 | |||
| New York Red Bulls | 2016 | MLS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 3[c] | 0 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2017 | MLS | 27 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | 35 | 2 | ||
| 2018 | MLS | 31 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 6[c] | 1 | 42 | 1 | |
| Total | 59 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 81 | 3 | ||
| RB Leipzig | 2018–19 | Bundesliga | 10 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 12 | 0 | ||
| 2019–20 | Bundesliga | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 3[d] | 1 | 17 | 1 | ||
| 2020–21 | Bundesliga | 27 | 1 | 4 | 0 | — | 6[d] | 0 | 37 | 1 | ||
| 2021–22 | Bundesliga | 24 | 0 | 4 | 0 | — | 9[e] | 0 | 37 | 0 | ||
| Total | 75 | 1 | 10 | 0 | — | 18 | 1 | 103 | 2 | |||
| Leeds United | 2022–23 | Premier League | 24 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 26 | 0 | |
| Bournemouth | 2023–24 | Premier League | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 4 | 0 | |
| 2024–25 | Premier League | 28 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 32 | 0 | ||
| 2025–26 | Premier League | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | ||
| Total | 32 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 37 | 0 | |||
| Career total | 223 | 3 | 23 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 27 | 2 | 285 | 5 | ||
- ^ Includes U.S. Open Cup, DFB-Pokal and FA Cup
- ^ Includes USL Cup Playoffs, MLS Cup Playoffs and EFL Cup
- ^ a b Appearances in CONCACAF Champions League
- ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Champions League
- ^ Five appearances in UEFA Champions League, four appearances in UEFA Europa League
International
[edit]- As of match played September 9, 2025[41]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2017 | 1 | 0 |
| 2018 | 8 | 1 | |
| 2019 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 10 | 0 | |
| 2022 | 14 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2025 | 10 | 0 | |
| Total | 52 | 2 | |
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 11, 2018 | Nissan Stadium, Nashville, United States | 1–0 | 1–0 | Friendly | |
| 2 | March 24, 2024 | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, United States | 1–0 | 2–0 | 2024 CONCACAF Nations League final |
Honors
[edit]New York Red Bulls II
New York Red Bulls
RB Leipzig
United States U20
United States
Individual
References
[edit]- ^ "2022/23 Premier League squad lists". Premier League. September 14, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
- ^ "Tyler Adams - Player Profile". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
- ^ a b "Tyler Adams Voted 2022 Biosteel U.S. Soccer Male Player Of The Year". US Soccer. January 13, 2023. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
- ^ "Red Bulls II sign Academy product Tyler Adams". newyorkredbulls.com. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
- ^ "Red Bulls II earn first victory in team history". newyorkredbulls.com. Retrieved April 4, 2015.
- ^ "Allen's Hat Trick Leads Red Bulls II to USL Cup". uslsoccer.com. October 23, 2016. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
- ^ "New York Red Bulls 4, Chelsea 2: Sean Davis scores brace as Red Bulls shock Premier League champs". mlssoccer.com. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
- ^ "Adams officially joins first team". empireofsoccer.com. June 2003. Archived from the original on November 6, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
- ^ "New England Revolution 1, New York Red Bulls 0". MLSSoccer.com. Archived from the original on December 15, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
- ^ "SJ Earthquakes vs. New York Red Bulls 0". MLSSoccer.com. Archived from the original on April 16, 2016. Retrieved April 14, 2016.
- ^ "New York Red Bulls Loan Seven Players to NYRB II". Retrieved March 26, 2016.
- ^ "NEW YORK RED BULLS STORM BACK FOR 3–2 EXTRA-TIME WIN TO REACH 2017 U.S. OPEN CUP FINAL AS MIDNIGHT STRIKES FOR CINDERELLAS FC CINCINNATI". ussoccer.com.
- ^ "Red Bulls "have something special brewing" on CCL run, says Tyler Adams". mlssoccer.com. March 13, 2018. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
- ^ "RasenBallsport Leipzig - Neuzugang-Tyler-Adams". redbulls. March 15, 2024.
- ^ "Tyler Adams Grabs First Assist, Poulsen Nets Brace as Leipzig Beats Stuttgart". SI.com. February 16, 2019.
- ^ Sprung, Shlomo. "Tyler Adams Discusses His Move To RB Leipzig, Adjusting To The Bundesliga, American Soccer". Forbes. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
- ^ "Tyler Adams recovered from adductor injury". USA TODAY. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
- ^ Goff, Steven (May 26, 2019). "How American soccer players abroad fared this weekend". The Washington Post.
- ^ Goff, Steven (December 22, 2019). "Americans abroad: Tyler Adams returns from seven-month injury absence". The Washington Post.
- ^ "American midfielder Tyler Adams returns from groin injury". USAToday.com.
- ^ "Tyler Adams makes Champions League debut - RB Leipzig stroll past Tottenham". Transfermarkt. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
- ^ Butler, Dylan. "Tyler Adams to miss at least two matches for RB Leipzig with pulled calf". MLS Soccer. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
- ^ Liljenwall, Ari. "RB Leipzig's Tyler Adams makes UEFA Champions League debut in victory over Tottenham". MLS Soccer. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
- ^ "RB Leipzig 2–1 Atlético Madrid". BBC Sport. August 13, 2020.
- ^ Adams joins Leeds United
- ^ Unwin, Will (August 6, 2022). "Brenden Aaronson inspires Leeds to comeback victory over Wolves". The Guardian. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ Hay, Phil (April 21, 2023). "Leeds boss Javi Gracia unsure whether Tyler Adams will play again this season". The Athletic. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
- ^ "Tyler Adams joins AFC Bournemouth". AFC Bournemouth. August 20, 2023. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "Tyler Adams named Bournemouth's Player of Month for February - SBI Soccer". March 7, 2025.
- ^ "U-17 MNT qualify for 2015 U-17 World Cup". ussoccer.com. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
- ^ a b "RISING: Tyler Adams". www.ussoccer.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
- ^ "BERHALTER NAMES 23-PLAYER ROSTER FOR 2019 CONCACAF GOLD CUP". US Soccer Federation. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
- ^ "INJURY FORCES TYLER ADAMS TO WITHDRAW FROM U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM ROSTER FOR 2019 CONCACAF GOLD CUP". US Soccer Federation. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
- ^ "Tyler Adams named United States' captain for Qatar World Cup". ESPN. November 20, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
- ^ "Tyler Adams to captain US, youngest at this year's World Cup". AP NEWS. November 20, 2022. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
- ^ a b Haynes, Stephen (November 21, 2022). "Tyler Adams begins World Cup with home Dutchess fanbase, Ted Lasso behind him". Poughkeepsie Journal. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
- ^ "Leeds' Adams voted U.S. Soccer's Male Player of the Year". Reuters. January 13, 2023. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
- ^ Stejskal, Sam (November 16, 2022). "USMNT captain Tyler Adams' role at World Cup was shaped by his blended family". The Athletic. New York Times. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
- ^ "The Club". Retrieved June 17, 2023.
- ^ "USMNT star Tyler Adams joins Westchester SC ownership group". USLLeagueOne.com. USL League One. January 28, 2025. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
- ^ "Tyler Adams". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
- ^ Peeters, Thomas (May 23, 2022). "A thriller in Berlin: how relentless RB Leipzig won their first major title". Red Bull. Archived from the original on June 13, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
- ^ "Christian Pulisic, Ethan Horvath lead U.S. over Mexico in Nations League final". ESPN. June 6, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
- ^ "Adams Reyna on target as United States complete three peat". CONCACAF. March 25, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
- ^ "Reyna, Pulisic head up Nations League Finals Best XI". Concacaf. March 25, 2024. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
- ^ "Jiménez, Waterman, David headline CNL Finals Best XI". Concacaf. April 2, 2025. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
External links
[edit]- Profile at the AFC Bournemouth website
- Tyler Adams at U.S. Soccer
- Tyler Adams at Premier League (archived)
- Tyler Adams at Major League Soccer
- Tyler Adams – UEFA competition record (archive)
Tyler Adams
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family and upbringing
Tyler Adams was born on February 14, 1999, in Wappingers Falls, New York, located in Dutchess County.[1] He was raised in Wappingers Falls in a single-parent household by his mother, Melissa Russo, who was 22 at the time of his birth and worked multiple jobs, including in mortgage underwriting, to support the family while pausing her own education.[3][10] Adams' biological father, of African-American descent, was absent from his life, contributing to his mixed ethnicity and his self-identification as Black despite growing up in a predominantly white family environment.[3] Significant support came from his maternal grandmother, with whom Russo and Adams lived in the early years before moving to a modest two-bedroom apartment in nearby Poughkeepsie when he was two.[10] In seventh grade, his mother married stepfather Darryl Sullivan, a teacher whose Scottish immigrant parents added to the blended family dynamic; Adams later referred to Sullivan as his father and integrated into a household that included three stepbrothers, among them younger brother Dylan.[10][3] Growing up in a working-class setting, Adams faced financial challenges that emphasized resilience, with his mother often highlighting their modest circumstances to instill a strong work ethic.[11] Sullivan's strict discipline further shaped Adams' character, fostering leadership qualities through tough guidance and family competition among the brothers, while the overall environment reinforced values of perseverance amid everyday hardships.[10]Early soccer involvement
Tyler Adams began playing organized soccer at the age of four in the Hudson Valley region of New York, demonstrating early competitiveness and passion for the sport through local youth programs such as the Town of Poughkeepsie Soccer Club within the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League.[12][13] His initial involvement included recreational leagues and camps that honed his fundamental skills, setting the foundation for a structured pathway in the sport. At around age 10, Adams was introduced to the New York Red Bulls' Regional Development School program following identification at local tryouts and regional camps, where coaches noted his exceptional talent and work rate.[14][15] By age 12 in 2011, he officially joined the Red Bulls Academy's U-13 team, often playing up an age group due to his advanced abilities, and progressed rapidly through the U-14 and U-16 squads.[14] Initially positioned as a defender in these youth ranks, Adams transitioned to midfield roles, developing a renowned work ethic through intensive academy training that emphasized tactical awareness and endurance.[14] Adams balanced his demanding academy schedule—featuring daily practices at the Red Bulls' New Jersey facilities—with high school commitments, often attending morning classes before embarking on 75- to 90-minute drives from his home in Wappingers Falls, New York.[16] His mother's support was crucial, as she managed the long commutes and logistical challenges to ensure he could pursue his training without interruption.[3] A key milestone came in November 2012 at age 13, when he earned his first call-up to the U.S. U-14 Boys' National Team camp, marking the start of his international youth career and affirming his potential within elite programs.[12]Club career
New York Red Bulls II
On March 19, 2015, at the age of 16, Tyler Adams signed his first professional contract with New York Red Bulls II, becoming the youngest player ever to ink a professional deal in United Soccer League (USL) history and the club's inaugural signee.[17] This milestone marked his transition from the Red Bulls Academy to professional soccer, where he quickly established himself as a key prospect in the reserve team setup. Adams made his USL debut on April 4, 2015, in a 4-1 victory over Toronto FC II, contributing to the franchise's first-ever win.[18] During the 2015 USL season, Adams featured in 11 matches for Red Bulls II, starting nine as a midfielder, showcasing his tactical awareness and work rate in a competitive environment.[14] His performances helped the team secure a playoff berth with a 12-6-10 regular-season record, finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference before defeating the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 4–2 in extra time in the conference quarterfinals and losing 2–0 to the Rochester Rhinos in the conference semifinals.[19] Adams demonstrated notable versatility, operating effectively in both defensive and central midfield positions, which allowed him to adapt to various tactical demands and support the team's high-pressing style. His consistent contributions as a young academy product earned widespread recognition for his potential, positioning him as one of the league's emerging talents.[20] In January 2019, Adams agreed to a pre-contract with RB Leipzig of the German Bundesliga, signaling the next phase of his career, though he remained with the New York Red Bulls organization until his official transfer that winter.[21] Prior to that, his development with Red Bulls II paved the way for his promotion to the senior team in 2016.[14]New York Red Bulls
Adams was promoted to the New York Red Bulls first team ahead of the 2016 Major League Soccer season after signing a Homegrown Player contract in November 2015.[22] He made his MLS debut on April 13, 2016, starting in midfield during a 2–0 away loss to the San Jose Earthquakes.[14] In 2017, Adams emerged as a regular starter for the Red Bulls, featuring in 24 league matches with 22 starts while contributing two goals and three assists.[23] His first MLS goal came on September 27, 2017, in a 3–3 home draw against D.C. United, where he scored twice in the match to mark his maiden professional strikes in league play.[24] Across all competitions that year, Adams appeared in 32 games, helping the team reach the MLS Cup final, though they fell 2–1 to Seattle Sounders FC.[25] Adams solidified his role as a defensive midfielder during the 2018 season, starting 26 of 27 league appearances and recording three assists while anchoring the team's midfield.[23] His contributions were pivotal in the Red Bulls' league-best 71 points, securing the 2018 MLS Supporters' Shield for the first time in franchise history.[1] Defensively, Adams led the team with 54 tackles won and 62 interceptions in regular-season play, providing crucial stability that allowed the attack to flourish.[26] He earned his first MLS All-Star selection that year, joining the roster for the July 31 matchup against Juventus in Atlanta.[27] Over his three MLS seasons with the Red Bulls from 2016 to 2018, Adams made 52 regular-season appearances with 49 starts, scoring two goals and adding six assists.[26] His tenure ended following the 2018 campaign, as the club transferred him to RB Leipzig in December 2018, with Adams joining the German side in January 2019 after a pre-arranged deal.[25]RB Leipzig
Adams joined RB Leipzig from New York Red Bulls on January 1, 2019, for a reported transfer fee of €3 million, allowing him to complete his MLS season before moving to the Bundesliga club.[28][25] He made his competitive debut for the club on January 27, 2019, starting in a 4-0 Bundesliga victory over Fortuna Düsseldorf, where he impressed with his composure in midfield.[29] During his tenure from 2019 to 2022, Adams featured in 103 matches across all competitions for RB Leipzig, scoring two goals and providing four assists while establishing himself as a versatile defensive midfielder.[30] In the 2019–20 season, Adams adapted swiftly to RB Leipzig's high-pressing, Gegenpressing style—rooted in the Red Bull philosophy he knew from New York—making 17 appearances in all competitions and contributing to the team's third-place Bundesliga finish.[31] His breakthrough came in the UEFA Champions League, where he played 10 matches, including scoring the decisive 88th-minute goal in a 2–1 quarterfinal win over Atlético Madrid on August 13, 2020, propelling Leipzig to their first-ever semifinal appearance.[32] Adams' tactical awareness and duel-winning ability (averaging 5.2 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes in the competition) were highlighted as key to the run. The 2021–22 campaign saw Adams play a crucial role in RB Leipzig's domestic success, appearing in 37 matches across all fronts and starting 12 of 27 Bundesliga games as the team finished fourth.[26] He came off the bench in the DFB-Pokal final on May 21, 2022, helping secure a 4–2 penalty shootout victory over SC Freiburg after a 1–1 draw, earning Leipzig their first major trophy.[33] Over his Leipzig spell, Adams accumulated 22 UEFA Champions League appearances, further honing his skills in elite European football. This period at RB Leipzig represented a pivotal phase in Adams' professional development, culminating in his £20 million transfer to Premier League side Leeds United in July 2022.[34]Leeds United
On July 6, 2022, Tyler Adams transferred to Leeds United from RB Leipzig for a reported fee of £20 million, signing a five-year contract that tied him to the club until 2027.[35][36] He made his Premier League debut on August 6, 2022, starting in a 2–1 home victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, marking the beginning of his adaptation to English top-flight football.[26] During the 2022–23 season, Adams featured in 24 league matches for Leeds, starting all of them and accumulating 2,156 minutes without scoring a goal.[26] Adams quickly became a pivotal figure in Leeds' midfield, particularly in their high-stakes battle to avoid relegation, where he provided defensive stability and energy under manager Jesse Marsch's intense pressing system, which echoed the high-intensity style established by predecessor Marcelo Bielsa. His contributions were especially vital following Marsch's dismissal in February 2023, as new manager Javi Gracia relied on Adams' tenacity during a crucial run of games; he started 19 of Leeds' final matches before injury, averaging 3.7 tackles per 90 minutes across the campaign with a total of 89 tackles.[26] Adams' work rate and positioning helped anchor the midfield amid the team's turbulent season, which saw multiple managerial changes, culminating in a dramatic survival on the final day with a 4-0 win over West Ham United in May 2023.[37] However, Adams' tenure was hampered by injuries, including a hamstring issue that sidelined him from March 2023 onward, limiting his involvement after the team's relegation to the Championship.[37] Despite his contract remaining active, he had minimal playing time in the early 2023–24 season before completing a transfer to AFC Bournemouth in August 2023 for a fee around £20-23 million, allowing him to return to the Premier League.AFC Bournemouth
On August 20, 2023, Tyler Adams transferred to AFC Bournemouth from Leeds United for an initial fee of £20 million, plus potential add-ons, signing a five-year contract.[38][39] His prior Premier League exposure at Leeds facilitated a smoother adaptation to Bournemouth's style under manager Andoni Iraola.[40] Adams made his Bournemouth debut on September 27, 2023, as a substitute in a 2-0 EFL Cup victory over Stoke City, playing 20 minutes.[41] However, his 2023–24 season was severely limited by a hamstring injury requiring surgery in October 2023, sidelining him for approximately four months and restricting him to just four appearances across all competitions without goals or assists.[42] The 2024–25 season brought further challenges, beginning with back surgery in July 2024 that kept Adams out until late October.[43] Upon his return, he featured in 28 Premier League matches and four FA Cup games, recording three assists while bolstering Bournemouth's midfield with strong defensive contributions that helped secure a mid-table finish.[44] Additional hamstring and muscle issues in December 2024 briefly interrupted his progress, but he earned Bournemouth's Player of the Month award for February 2025 after starting all five matches that month and aiding an unbeaten run.[45][46] In the ongoing 2025–26 season, Adams scored his first goal for Bournemouth on November 2, 2025, netting an equalizer in a 3-1 Premier League loss to Manchester City.[47] By late 2025, he had accumulated 40 appearances for the club, with one goal and four assists overall, including nine starts in the current campaign where his tenacious play continued to anchor the team's defensive structure.[48]International career
Youth international career
Adams earned his first call-up to a U.S. youth national team in November 2012 with the U-14 Boys' National Team, marking the beginning of his progression through the youth system.[12] He quickly advanced, becoming a regular with the U-15 and U-16 squads, where his versatility and work rate stood out in training camps and matches.[14] In September 2014, Adams joined the U.S. Soccer Residency program at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, as part of the U-17 team preparing for international competitions.[18] At the U-17 level, Adams played every match during the 2015 CONCACAF U-17 Championship in Honduras, contributing to the United States' semifinal run and qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.[14] He then featured in all three group-stage matches at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, including two starts, as the team competed in a challenging group alongside Ecuador, Croatia, and Japan.[14] His performances highlighted his defensive tenacity and ability to anchor the midfield against stronger opponents, earning praise for his physicality despite being one of the younger players.[15] Transitioning to the U-20 team, Adams broke into the squad during the 2017 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, where he started in key matches, including the final against Mexico, helping the United States secure the title and a spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.[49] At the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea, he appeared in every match, showcasing leadership in midfield during the team's quarterfinal run.[1] Across various youth levels, Adams accumulated over 30 caps, building a reputation for reliability that paved the way for his senior international debut later in 2017.[14]Senior international career
Adams earned his first cap for the senior United States men's national team (USMNT) on November 14, 2017, starting in a 1–1 friendly draw against Portugal in Leiria.[1] By November 2025, he had accumulated 52 caps and scored two international goals.[50] His debut marked the beginning of a rapid rise, as the defensive midfielder quickly became a mainstay in the squad under head coach Gregg Berhalter. Adams scored his first international goal on September 11, 2018, netting the winner in a 1–0 friendly victory over Mexico in Nashville, Tennessee.[1] His second goal came on March 24, 2024, during a 2–0 win against Mexico in the 2023–24 CONCACAF Nations League final.[51] Adams first wore the captain's armband on June 9, 2021, leading the USMNT to a 4–0 friendly win over Costa Rica in Sandy, Utah.[1] He captained the team nine times prior to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and was officially named captain for the tournament in November 2022, becoming the youngest skipper in the competition at age 23 and the first African American to lead the USMNT at a World Cup.[52] During the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, Adams led all players with 12 starts, captaining seven of those matches as the USMNT secured qualification for the tournament in Qatar.[1] At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he started all three group stage games against Wales, England, and Iran, anchoring the midfield and contributing to the team's advancement to the round of 16 for the first time since 2014.[53] Adams played a substitute role in the 2019–20 CONCACAF Nations League final, helping secure a 3–2 extra-time victory over Mexico on June 6, 2021, to claim the inaugural title.[1] He was a key contributor to the 2024–25 Nations League triumph, starting in the semifinal against Panama on March 20, 2025, as the USMNT defended their crown.[50] Adams was part of the USMNT squad for the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where the team reached the final but fell to Mexico.[54] In 2025, despite ongoing recovery from club injuries, he made 10 appearances for the national team, including starts in Nations League matches against Panama and Canada in March, and participated in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, where he served as a leader amid fitness challenges.[55] His resilience in international duty underscored his importance to the squad heading into World Cup 2026 preparations.[56]Personal life
Family relationships
Adams maintains a close and enduring bond with his mother, Melissa Russo, whom he frequently credits in interviews for instilling his rigorous work ethic and dedication to soccer through her sacrifices as a single parent. Russo not only coached him during his early youth career but also ensured he attended training sessions, often driving him long distances, which Adams has described as foundational to his professional mindset. This relationship remains a cornerstone of his life, with Russo continuing to offer grounding advice via text messages to keep him connected to his roots despite his international career.[57][58][10] He shares a strong sibling connection with his three stepbrothers—Dylan, Darryl Jr., and Donovan Sullivan—all based in the New York area where the family resides. Adams particularly bonds with his younger stepbrother Dylan over their mutual passion for sports, as Dylan pursues a soccer career with New York Red Bulls II, following a path similar to Adams' own early professional steps. The brothers' dynamic emphasizes mutual support, with Adams often highlighting how becoming the eldest in a blended family shaped his sense of responsibility.[59][60][3] His stepfather, Darryl Sullivan, and extended relatives, including grandparents, have profoundly influenced Adams' values of perseverance and leadership, with Sullivan providing guidance on accountability after joining the family when Adams was 13. Adams draws inspiration from his step-grandfather's immigrant story from Scotland, symbolizing resilience that reinforces his own determination in facing career challenges. The family occasionally attends his matches, such as during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Russo, Sullivan, and the brothers were present to cheer him on.[61][3][62] Throughout his transitions to Europe with RB Leipzig and later to England with Leeds United and AFC Bournemouth, Adams' family has offered unwavering support, including visits during international breaks to help him stay anchored amid the demands of overseas life.[10][62] Adams is married to Sarah Schmidt, whom he wed in July 2025; the couple has two sons, Jaxon (born January 2024) and John Tyler Jr. (born October 2025).[63][64][65]Interests and philanthropy
Adams has expressed a strong interest in sports psychology, viewing it as a way to better understand mental health challenges in athletics. He has pursued an online degree in psychology at Southern New Hampshire University while balancing his professional career, with plans to practice sports psychology after retiring from soccer.[66][67] In interviews, he has advocated for player well-being, emphasizing the importance of psychological preparation to handle criticism and foster team success, inspired by coaches like Julian Nagelsmann.[68] Adams is actively involved in philanthropy, particularly supporting youth soccer access in underserved U.S. communities through partnerships with the U.S. Soccer Foundation. He has helped unveil mini-pitches in locations such as Detroit, Michigan (June 2024), and Yeadon, Pennsylvania (May 2025), in collaboration with Allstate, providing safe spaces for children to play and promoting community development.[69][70][71] In July 2025, he partnered with Scotts to support Every Kid Sports, donating to enable youth participation in sports. Additionally, he participated in a field dedication in Wappinger, New York, in July 2025. He also participates in USMNT charitable events, including efforts with teammates like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie to support Feeding America food banks during the COVID-19 pandemic.[72][73][68] His commitment to these initiatives is influenced by his family's values of gratitude and giving back, instilled from a young age.[3] Adams serves as a global brand ambassador for A-GAME Beverages, leveraging his platform to promote hydration and performance for athletes.[74] He uses his influence to address social issues, particularly racial equality, drawing from his biracial background—raised by a white mother in a predominantly white family after his Black father was absent.[75] Adams has publicly supported the Black Lives Matter movement, stating that football actions like taking a knee help raise awareness and encourage education on systemic racism, while noting that discrimination exists globally but progress continues in the U.S.[75][76] Maintaining a low-profile lifestyle while based in England, Adams focuses on his career and personal growth rather than public attention. He has contributed to writing, including a 2018 Players' Tribune essay titled "Grateful," where he reflected on his journey and appreciation for his family's sacrifices.[3][77]Career statistics
Club
As of November 17, 2025, Tyler Adams has accumulated 289 club appearances, scoring 9 goals and recording 19 assists across his professional career.[78] The following table provides a breakdown of his statistics by club:| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Red Bulls II | 34 | 3 | 0 |
| New York Red Bulls | 77 | 3 | 11 |
| RB Leipzig | 103 | 2 | 4 |
| Leeds United | 26 | 0 | 0 |
| AFC Bournemouth | 48 | 1 | 4 |
| Total | 289 | 9 | 19 |
| Season | Club | Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Minutes | Yellow Cards / Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | AFC Bournemouth | Premier League | 11 | 1 | 1 | 957 | 4 / 0 |
| 2025/26 | AFC Bournemouth | EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 0 / 0 |
| 2024/25 | AFC Bournemouth | Premier League | 28 | 0 | 3 | 1,965 | 7 / 0 |
| 2024/25 | AFC Bournemouth | FA Cup | 4 | 0 | 0 | 389 | 1 / 0 |
| 2023/24 | AFC Bournemouth | Premier League | 3 | 0 | 0 | 118 | 0 / 0 |
| 2023/24 | AFC Bournemouth | EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 0 / 0 |
| 2022/23 | Leeds United | Premier League | 24 | 0 | 0 | 2,157 | 4 / 1 |
| 2022/23 | Leeds United | FA Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 | 135 | 0 / 0 |
| 2021/22 | RB Leipzig | Bundesliga | 24 | 0 | 1 | 1,345 | 5 / 0 |
| 2021/22 | RB Leipzig | DFB-Pokal | 4 | 0 | 0 | 269 | 0 / 0 |
| 2021/22 | RB Leipzig | UEFA Champions League | 5 | 0 | 0 | 293 | 4 / 0 |
| 2021/22 | RB Leipzig | UEFA Europa League | 4 | 0 | 0 | 153 | 0 / 0 |
| 2020/21 | RB Leipzig | Bundesliga | 27 | 1 | 1 | 1,854 | 3 / 0 |
| 2020/21 | RB Leipzig | DFB-Pokal | 4 | 0 | 0 | 283 | 0 / 0 |
| 2020/21 | RB Leipzig | UEFA Champions League | 6 | 0 | 0 | 286 | 1 / 0 |
| 2019/20 | RB Leipzig | Bundesliga | 14 | 0 | 0 | 956 | 0 / 0 |
| 2019/20 | RB Leipzig | UEFA Champions League | 3 | 1 | 0 | 78 | 0 / 0 |
| 2019/20 | RB Leipzig | DFB-Pokal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 / 0 |
| 2018/19 | RB Leipzig | Bundesliga | 10 | 0 | 2 | 723 | 0 / 0 |
| 2018/19 | RB Leipzig | DFB-Pokal | 2 | 0 | 0 | 155 | 0 / 0 |
| 2018 | New York Red Bulls | Major League Soccer | 27 | 0 | 3 | 2,329 | 3 / 0 |
| 2018 | New York Red Bulls | MLS Cup Playoffs | 1 | 0 | 0 | 90 | 0 / 0 |
| 2018 | New York Red Bulls | US Open Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | 90 | 0 / 0 |
| 2017/18 | New York Red Bulls | CONCACAF Champions Cup | 6 | 1 | 1 | 530 | 1 / 0 |
| 2017 | New York Red Bulls | Major League Soccer | 24 | 2 | 3 | 1,994 | 2 / 0 |
| 2017 | New York Red Bulls | MLS Cup Playoffs | 5 | 0 | 1 | 510 | 2 / 0 |
| 2017 | New York Red Bulls | US Open Cup | 5 | 0 | 2 | 480 | 1 / 0 |
| 2016/17 | New York Red Bulls | CONCACAF Champions Cup | 3 | 0 | 0 | 270 | 0 / 0 |
| 2016 | New York Red Bulls | Major League Soccer | 1 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 0 / 0 |
| 2016 | New York Red Bulls II | USL Championship | 18 | 3 | 0 | 1,286 | 2 / 0 |
| 2016 | New York Red Bulls II | USL Playoffs | 4 | 0 | 0 | 381 | 1 / 0 |
| 2015 | New York Red Bulls II | USL Championship | 11 | 0 | 0 | 807 | 2 / 0 |
| 2015 | New York Red Bulls II | USL Playoffs | 1 | 0 | 0 | 90 | 0 / 0 |
International
Adams has represented the United States at the senior international level since 2017, accumulating 52 caps, 2 goals, and 1 assist as of November 17, 2025. He withdrew from the November 2025 friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay due to an injury sustained in a club match on November 2.[7][80] His goals were both scored against Mexico, the first in a 1–0 friendly victory on September 11, 2018, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, and the second in a 2–0 win during the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League final on March 24, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.[1] Adams has occasionally captained the USMNT in select matches.[1] In major tournaments, Adams featured in 3 matches (all starts, 270 minutes) at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, 4 appearances (all starts, 360 minutes) at the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, 14 appearances across multiple editions of the CONCACAF Nations League (including finals wins in 2023 and 2024), and 12 starts in World Cup qualifiers for the 2022 tournament.[7] At the youth international level, Adams earned approximately 35 caps across U-14 to U-20 teams, with 1 goal recorded at the U-20 level.[7]Senior International Statistics
The following table summarizes Adams' USMNT appearances by year and competition, including starts, minutes played, and goals (as of November 17, 2025). Data accounts for 2025 matches, including friendlies and 2026 World Cup qualifiers.| Year | Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Friendlies | 1 | 0 | 45 | 0 |
| 2018 | Friendlies / Nations League | 9 | 6 | 540 | 1 |
| 2019 | Friendlies | 1 | 1 | 90 | 0 |
| 2020 | Nations League | 2 | 2 | 180 | 0 |
| 2021 | WC Qualifiers / Gold Cup / Nations League | 14 | 12 | 1,080 | 0 |
| 2022 | WC Qualifiers / World Cup / Nations League | 11 | 10 | 870 | 0 |
| 2023 | Nations League / Friendlies | 7 | 6 | 510 | 0 |
| 2024 | Nations League / Copa América / Friendlies | 6 | 5 | 450 | 1 |
| 2025 | WC Qualifiers / Friendlies | 6 | 5 | 450 | 0 |
| Total | 52 | 47 | 4,215 | 2 |
Honors
Club honors
During his time with New York Red Bulls II, Adams contributed to the team's playoff advancement in the 2015 USL season, where they finished fourth in the Eastern Conference and reached the conference semifinals before elimination by Rochester Rhinos.[81] In 2016, he helped secure both the USL Regular Season Championship and the USL Cup, appearing in the final victory over Swope Park Rangers.[82][83] With the New York Red Bulls' first team, Adams was a key starter, featuring in 27 regular-season matches during the 2018 MLS Supporters' Shield-winning campaign.[1][84][30] The team also reached the 2018 MLS Cup final but lost 3-1 on aggregate to Atlanta United.[85][86] At RB Leipzig, Adams made five appearances in the 2021–22 DFB-Pokal, including a start in the final, as the club won the competition via a 4-2 penalty shootout against SC Freiburg.[87][79] Leipzig also finished as Bundesliga runners-up in the 2020–21 season.[88] Adams has not won any major club honors with Leeds United or AFC Bournemouth as of November 2025.[89][90]International honors
Adams was a key contributor to the United States men's national team's (USMNT) success in the inaugural CONCACAF Nations League, entering as a substitute in the 2019–20 final where the USMNT defeated Mexico 3–2 in extra time on June 6, 2021, to claim the title.[1] He returned from a long-term injury to feature in the 2023–24 CONCACAF Nations League final, starting and scoring the opening goal in a 2–0 victory over Mexico on March 24, 2024, securing the USMNT's third consecutive title.[91] Adams also participated in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup as a squad member, starting in the final where the USMNT fell 2–1 to Mexico on July 6, 2025, finishing as runners-up.[92] On the individual front, Adams was named the 2022 Biosteel U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year, earning 71.6 percent of the vote from national media, current and all-time USMNT and USWNT players, recognizing his leadership during World Cup qualifying and the tournament itself.[93] He was nominated for the 2022 CONCACAF Men's Player of the Year award, announced in March 2023, highlighting his performances for club and country that year.[94] Adams assumed the USMNT captaincy during the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, wearing the armband seven times across 12 starts.[1] At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, he captained the side and started all three group stage matches, helping the USMNT advance to the round of 16 for the first time since 2014 before a 3–1 loss to the Netherlands.[95]International honors
| Honor | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| CONCACAF Nations League | 2019–20 | Winner (substitute in final)[1] |
| CONCACAF Nations League | 2023–24 | Winner (starter and goalscorer in final)[91] |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup | 2025 | Runner-up (starter in final)[92] |
| U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year | 2022 | Winner (71.6% of votes)[93] |
| CONCACAF Men's Player of the Year | 2022 | Nominee[94] |
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