Ugandan 17-year-old midfielder Allan Oyirwoth has signed with Major League Soccer (MLS) club New England Revolution, becoming the youngest Ugandan ever to ink an MLS contract.
The deal, set to commence on Oyirwoth’s 18th birthday on January 23, 2025, will keep him at the club until the end of the 2028 season, with an additional one-year option for 2029.
This milestone not only propels Oyirwoth’s budding career to new heights but also offers him a chance to compete on a global stage against some of football’s biggest stars, including Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez.
Both Messi and Suárez currently ply their trade at Inter Miami, a team in the same Eastern Conference as New England Revolution.
New England Revolution last faced Inter Miami on October 20, 2024, in a game where Inter secured a dominant 6-2 victory, with Lionel Messi netting a hat-trick and Luis Suárez adding a brace.
Oyirwoth could face them as early as July 10, 2025, when Inter Miami visits New England.
Born in Pakwach, Uganda, Oyirwoth’s rise to MLS showcases his exceptional talent and determination.
The 6’1” central midfielder first gained attention in March 2023 by leading the scoring charts and earning MVP honours in the Teso Zone school competitions.
He later dominated the USSSA National Football Championship, finishing as both top scorer and MVP of the 64-team tournament.
In July 2023, Oyirwoth topped the scoring charts at the International Schools Football Championship in Morocco and claimed the golden boot at the FEASSSA Games.
His standout year concluded in October with an MVP award in the Buganda Masaza Cup, representing Gomba.
On the international stage, Oyirwoth debuted for the Uganda Cranes in a World Cup Qualifier against Somalia on November 21, 2023, assisting in a 67-minute performance.
His second appearance followed in a friendly against Kuwait on January 19, 2024.
For Uganda’s U-20 team, he shone at the 2023 African Games, scoring against Senegal and aiding a win over Nigeria.
In early 2024, Oyirwoth joined Brooke House College and Academy in Leicester, England, a program linked to Premier League clubs, and spent six months there.
After the signing, New England Revolution Head Coach Caleb Porter expressed his confidence in Oyirwoth’s ability to succeed in MLS.
“At only 17, Allan is technically gifted and has the athletic profile that fits MLS perfectly. With time to develop, I’m confident he’ll blossom into an impact midfielder for our first team,” he remarked.
Revolution, who finished 14th in the Eastern Conference last season, are looking to rebuild, and Oyirwoth is expected to play a key role in their resurgence.
The 2025 MLS season kicks off on February 22, with New England beginning their campaign a day later against Nashville SC.
