NEW YORK — Saying goodbye to a player is never easy. Saying goodbye to one of your own is even harder.
On December 29, 2025, New York City FC announced that midfielder Justin Haak has departed the club to continue his professional career with LA Galaxy, bringing an end to one of the most meaningful homegrown journeys in club history.
For NYCFC supporters, Haak wasn’t just another roster move. He was a symbol of what the club set out to build.
A Brooklyn native, Haak joined NYCFC’s Academy at the U14 level and signed his first professional contract in 2019, becoming one of the earliest Homegrown players to make the leap from local prospect to first-team contributor. From the moment he put on the “Boys in Blue,” his story mirrored the club’s long-term vision: identify local talent, develop it properly, and trust it on the biggest stages.
Across all competitions, Haak made 111 appearances for NYCFC, scoring three goals and adding five assists while quietly becoming one of the squad’s most reliable utility players. Whether deployed in midfield or asked to drop into the back line, he brought consistency, positional intelligence, and a workmanlike edge that coaches value and teammates rely on.
Those contributions extended beyond the first team as well. With NYCFC II, Haak continued his development path in MLS NEXT Pro, scoring twice in eight appearances and serving as a bridge between the Academy pipeline and the senior squad. His career progression became a case study in how a modern MLS club can — and should — nurture talent internally.
Of course, Haak’s legacy isn’t just about minutes played or positions filled. He was part of the squad that helped NYCFC capture its first MLS Cup in 2021, a championship that forever changed the club’s standing in Major League Soccer. The following year, he also featured in the club’s Campeones Cup victory at Yankee Stadium, adding another trophy to a growing list of milestones.
Long before those nights, Haak was already winning silverware in City Blue. As an original member of NYCFC’s first-ever U14 Academy team in 2015, he helped the club claim the Generation adidas Cup in 2017 and the USDA Championship in 2018. His journey from academy standout to MLS champion wasn’t rushed, flashy, or forced — it was earned step by step.
That’s what makes this departure hit differently.
Fans watched Haak grow up in the system. Media members got to know him as a thoughtful, grounded professional. Teammates leaned on his adaptability and quiet leadership. He wasn’t always the headline, but he was always part of the story.
Now, that story moves west.
For Haak, the opportunity with LA Galaxy represents a new chapter — a fresh environment, new challenges, and a chance to write the next phase of his career. For NYCFC, it’s a reminder that success in player development sometimes means letting go.
New York City FC thanked Justin Haak for his commitment to the club and the New York City community, and wished him continued success. Those words are well earned.
Still, for those who’ve followed his journey from the Academy fields to championship nights, one thing is certain: Justin Haak will be missed — not just as a player, but as a reminder of what homegrown soccer in New York can look like when it’s done right.
