Midfielder Stiven Jimenez is one of FC Cincinnati’s most exciting prospects.
At just 16 years old, Jimenez signed a Homegrown Player contract on Nov. 7th, 2022, making him the youngest player in club history to sign a first-team contract. His current deal runs through the 2025 season, but he also has options for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
FCC acquired Jimenez’s homegrown rights from D.C. United for $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM). If Jimenez signs a second contract with the Orange and Blue, D.C. will get an additional $200,000 in GAM plus another $350,00 if certain performance incentives are met.
Originally born in Riverpark, Maryland, Jimenez joined the FCC Academy when he was 12 years old in 2019. Before that, he played for Arlington Soccer in Arlington, Virginia for two years. Jimenez then left to go play futsal in Brazil, for club Pelo do Gato Futsal.
Once Jimenez joined the FCC Academy, he quickly moved up in the rankings, playing for the U14, U15 and U17 teams. In 2022, he represented both the United States and Mexican youth national teams at the international level.
In the 2023 season, his first full season with FCC, Jimenez became the youngest player to ever appear in a game for the Orange and Blue at 15 years, 362 days old, coming on as a substitute against Toronto FC on June 21st.
So far this season for FCC 2, Jimenez has appeared in eight matches in MLS Next Pro, making seven starts. He registered his first assist of the season on March 28th against New York Red Bulls II. Last year, he played in 13 games for FCC 2, making 11 starts.
Jimenez has been a key player in the midfield for FCC 2 this season and continues to grow as a player and as a professional on and off the field. Next month, Jimenez will turn 17, and with his current trajectory, it’ll be interesting to see how much longer it’ll be until he becomes a regular contributor for the first team.
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