New York City FC forward Malachi Jones has had quite a rollercoaster of a career for someone so young. The 22 year-old scored his first MLS goal of 2026 on Saturday in City’s 3-1 win over the Chicago Fire and has proven to be a steady foot for head coach Pascal Jansen. As he continues in his growth, Jones is yet another in an arsenal of young, dynamic, players that the club has the ability to pull from to deliver in big moments.
“If you think about what he has been through over the last two years, it has been a blessing for him just to be on the pitch,” said Jansen after the game. “To then score a goal is the cherry on top. He is working very hard to stay available, become more robust, get closer to playing 90 minutes and still maintain a very high standard throughout the game.”
Jones was just 20 years-old when he suffered what could have been a career-ending injury. It was against Orlando City in 2024 when a collision with their goalkeeper broke both is tibia and his fibula. The occurrence was so brutal that he and the keeper needed surgery to repair broken legs. From there it was a long road to recovery. The youngster missed the entirety of the 2025 season and didn’t make his return until a substitute appearance against Vancouver this past April. That was nearly two years out of first division action.
The young Tennessee native isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. Over those years he could be seen patrolling the NYCFC training ground, working with their fitness team to get into the best shape possible upon his return. Stutters along the way forced him to roll back his plan, but that work eventually paid off and now sees him ready to fulfill the potential he showed back in 2024.
“It is the start of something I want to keep doing here in New York City,” said Jones to the press after the game. “I think New York has treated me and my family very well and we have been really happy here. Even thought it was a crazy period being on the sidelines. This was the start of something awesome. I am thankful that Pascal trusts me and keeps giving me those opportunities because he is leaving me on the pitch.”
photo from NYCFC