Winners revealed in Orlando City UK’s 2025 end-of-season awards

/ Taylor Williams

This past week, we asked Orlando City SC supporters on X to select their Orlando City SC Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year for 2025 as part of our annual Orlando City UK end-of-season awards.

A public vote designed to recognise the standout Orlando City SC players in our challenging 2025 campaign, we can now proudly reveal the winners as voted by you!

Thank you to all 522 of you who cast your votes across our three awards categories on X. We truly appreciate your involvement!

So without any further ado, here are your Orlando City UK 2025 end-of-season award winners!

2025 Orlando City UK Player of the Year

2018 winner: Yoshimar Yotún
2019 winner: Nani
2020 winner: Pedro Gallese
2021 winner: Pedro Gallese
2022 winner: Facundo Torres
2023 winner: Robin Jansson
2024 winner: Facundo Torres

With 78% of the vote, Martín Ojeda is the thoroughly deserving winner of Orlando City UK’s ‘Player of the Year’ honour.

Filling Facundo Torres’ shoes as club talisman was a tough ask – but Ojeda managed it in style.

Taking El Cuervo’s #10 jersey for the 2025 campaign, Ojeda more than lived up to the weight of that number.

Arriving in Central Florida back in January 2023 with a glowing reputation from Godoy Cruz, it took Ojeda a little while to find his rhythm. But this year, Tincho had truly taken his game to new heights.

It didn’t take long for him to make his mark. In just our second MLS regular season match, Ojeda opened his account with a composed finish to make it 3–0 against Toronto FC in a 4–2 rout – Orlando’s first win of the campaign.

From that point on, he was a man on a mission.

Consistent goalscoring

Ojeda’s form continued to build through the spring. On May 10, Ojeda fired home three goals against New England Revolution in a thrilling 3-3 draw. In doing so, he became only the second player in club history to score a hat-trick.

The first hat-trick of Tincho’s professional career, it was Orlando’s first in any competition for a decade. And the first since Cyle Larin netted three in a 2-5 win at New York Red Bulls in September 2015.

Ojeda followed that up with two more braces during the summer. The first in a 1-2 win at New England Revolution on July 19. And another in a 5-1 victory over Necaxa in the 2025 Leagues Cup group stage on August 6.

That Necaxa match marked one of his finest moments of the season. Ojeda’s brilliantly struck volley in that game is undoubtedly Orlando City SC‘s Goal of the Year!

On August 10, Tincho struck once more, netting our third goal in a beautiful 4–1 victory over in-state rivals Inter Miami.

Setting new club records

Just six days later, on August 16, Ojeda extended his remarkable run. Significantly, he set a new club record with 12 consecutive MLS matches featuring a goal or assist. He contributed an assist on Ramiro Enrique’s go-ahead goal as Orlando secured a 3–1 win against Sporting Kansas City at Inter&Co Stadium.

That contribution extended his remarkable streak to 35 goal involvements across all competitions (17 goals, 18 assists), including 14 goals and 14 assists in MLS play. His run also tied Sebastian Giovinco (2018) for the second-longest goal contribution streak in league history.

Then came a defining night of his season. On September 20, with a brace against Nashville SC (3-2), Ojeda carved his name into Orlando City SC folklore. He became the first player in club history to record 30 goal contributions (16 goals, 14 assists) in a single MLS season. His delightful free-kick off the post and precise finish inside the right corner also saw him surpass Facundo Torres as the club’s all-time leader in goal contributions (74).

Leading by example

Beyond the numbers, Ojeda’s influence on the pitch was undeniable. His ability to orchestrate attacks, find space, and create for team-mates made him indispensable. His vision, composure, and leadership were vital as the Lions navigated the highs and lows of a demanding campaign.

Our season ultimately turned sour, but Martín Ojeda almost single-handedly kept Orlando City SC in the fight. Shining individually, his contributions have left an indelible mark in club history.

He was unlucky that Lionel Messi, Denis Bouanga, Sam Surridge, Anders Dreyer, and Evander all enjoyed outstanding seasons. Otherwise, Tincho could have been a genuine contender for the 2025 Landon Donovan MLS MVP award.

Many congratulations on being our well-deserved 2025 Orlando City UK Player of the Year, Martín Ojeda.

Martín Ojeda BEAUTIFUL VOLLEY BANGER vs Necaxa! – August 6, 2025 (Credit: Major League Soccer)

2025 Orlando City UK Young Player of the Year

2018 winner: Chris Mueller
2019 winner: Benji Michel
2020 winner: Daryl Dike
2021 winner: Daryl Dike
2022 winner: Facundo Torres
2023 winner: Duncan McGuire
2024 winner: Ramiro Enrique

Officially named MLS Young Player of the Year just yesterday, it’s no surprise that your Orlando City UK ‘Young Player of the Year’ for 2025 is Alex Freeman with a whopping 94% of the vote.

A true breakout star of 2025, Freeman entered the year with just 10 senior MLS minutes to his name. Right after the season opener, however, it was clear that our first choice right back had arrived.

Taking over the role performed so well by Dagur Dan Thórhallsson in 2024, Freeman never looked back.

On March 1, Freeman made his first career start for Orlando City SC against Toronto FC. And on 35 minutes, he scored his first club goal, finishing Kyle Smith’s assist in a 4–2 victory. Two days later, he earned his first spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday bench.

Freeman’s form continued to build. On March 22, he assisted Luis Muriel’s opening goal in a 4-1 win over D.C. United and later scored his second goal of the season, heading home a free-kick from Martín Ojeda. This performance earned him his first starting spot in the MLS Team of the Matchday.

USMNT recognition

By May 22, Freeman’s exploits at the club level earned him his first USMNT call-up by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, attending training camp ahead of friendly matches against Turkey and Switzerland. He described the call-up as an “unexpected surprise”, crediting years of hard work and his father’s advice to “keep [his] head down”.

Two weeks later, Freeman was selected for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He started the friendly against Turkey on June 7, and later made his competitive debut in a 5–0 group stage win over Trinidad and Tobago. He went on to start every match of the tournament, including the final against Mexico. In doing so, he became the youngest player to start six consecutive games for the USMNT during the competition.

Back in MLS, Freeman’s rapid rise continued. On June 25, he had the honour of being named an MLS All-Star. He became the youngest All-Star in history, featuring in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game against Liga MX on July 23. Freeman participated in the MLS All-Star Touch Challenge and the Shooting and Passing challenges, before coming on as a 61st minute substitute in the All-Star Game, where the MLS All-Stars defeated Liga MX 3–1.

Freeman’s attacking prowess remained on display throughout the summer. On September 13, he scored a late equaliser against D.C. United, heading in a rebound from Marco Pašalić. In the same sequence, he was struck in the head by a high boot from Lukas MacNaughton. The D.C. defender was sent off, and Freeman earned his second Team of the Matchday recognition. Scoring again on September 28, Freeman’s late equaliser secured a 1-1 draw at FC Cincinnati.

Attracting interest from abroad

Freeman’s meteoric rise continued with additional USMNT call-ups. On August 26, he was called up for friendlies against South Korea and Japan, and later in October for friendlies against Ecuador (10th) and Australia (14th). Consistent for both club and country, Freeman showcased his explosive pace, tireless work ethic, and natural attacking instincts. It’s no wonder that he attracted attention from European clubs abroad, including Southampton, Millwall, Parma, and Villarreal.

During the 2025 MLS regular season, Freeman made 29 appearances (26 starts) for Orlando City SC, recording 6 goals and 3 assists. Clearly, he’s our most successful Homegrown Player to date. Freeman also placed second in the 2025 MLS 22 Under 22 rankings with 1,220 points, narrowly behind Seattle Sounders’ Obed Vargas.

A story of resilience

From overcoming early setbacks – including being rejected by Inter Miami at 15 – to becoming Orlando City SC’s standout young talent, Freeman’s 2025 campaign was a masterclass in resilience, consistency, and talent. His breakthrough season has made him one of MLS’s top young stars and a key player for both club and country.

Freeman’s sporting pedigree runs deep. He is the son of former NFL player Antonio Freeman – a wide receiver who won Super Bowl XXXI with the Green Bay Packers in 1997. His mother, Rochelle, is a lifelong Liverpool fan and jokingly refers to Freeman as her “little Trent Alexander-Arnold”. With his talent, work ethic, and rapid rise, Freeman looks set to continue his international journey. Barring any setbacks, he is poised to be a key member of Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT squad for the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Many congratulations on being our 2025 Orlando City UK Young Player of the Year, Alex Freeman!

Orlando City SC 4 Toronto FC 2 – Highlights – March 1, 2025 (Credit: Major League Soccer)

2025 Orlando City UK Newcomer of the Year

2018 winner: Chris Mueller
2019 winner: Nani
2020 winner: Pedro Gallese
2021 winner: Silvester van der Water
2022 winner: Facundo Torres
2023 winner: Duncan McGuire
2024 winner: Nicolás Lodeiro

With 82% of the vote, Marco Pašalić is unsurprisingly your Orlando City UK ‘Newcomer of the Year’ for 2025.

At the start of the 2025 season, few could have predicted the impact Pašalić would make. He arrived at Orlando City SC from relative obscurity at HNK Rijeka, after beginning his career at the illustrious Borussia Dortmund. In many ways, his success highlights the low-risk, high-ceiling approach that defines Ricardo Moreira’s transfer strategy.

Upon signing for Orlando City SC on February 5, Pašalić said: “I play with heart and I am a fighter on the field, my left foot is my weapon, as well as my dribbling, and I hope to show that here.”

And my word, we got used to his “weapon” of a left foot throughout 2025!

Immediate impact

Pašalić made a big statement on his debut, scoring a brace in our season opener against Philadelphia Union, despite a disappointing 2-4 loss. His opening goal in the 8th minute set club records as the fastest goal in any Orlando City SC home opener and the fastest MLS debut goal in club history, beating Daryl Dike’s 17th minute strike in 2020.

The Croatian attacker continued to impress throughout the spring. On March 22, Pašalić scored the fourth goal in a 4–1 victory over D.C. United. And this sublime dipping strike was named MLS Goal of the Matchday, earning 64.7% of the vote.

On June 25, Pašalić scored his second brace for Orlando in a 2-4 victory at St. Louis CITY SC. This further cemented his status as one of the team’s most lethal attacking threats.

His explosive performances quickly caught the attention of the league. On July 15, Pašalić was selected by head coach Nico Estévez to represent MLS in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game. He came on as a 34th minute substitute for Hirving Lozano, before being replaced in the second-half by team-mate Alex Freeman, helping the MLS All-Stars to a 3-1 victory. Pašalić also took part in the MLS All-Star Touch Challenge and Shooting and Passing challenges, demonstrating his skill and flair on a wider stage.

From his electrifying debut to consistent goalscoring and creative contributions, Pašalić quickly proved that he could step into the void left by Facundo Torres. His vision, technical ability, and composure under pressure made him an instant fan favourite and a key attacking outlet for Orlando City SC.

Justified investment

Pašalić’s 2025 campaign is a textbook example of a modern “Newcomer of the Year”. He is a player who arrived from overseas and immediately justified the club’s investment. Given his smooth adjustment to MLS, he’s clearly one of Orlando’s best signings of the decade.

Marco Pašalić’s year was so impressive that Sky Germany’s Marlon Irlbacher tweeted on October 20 that Borussia Mönchengladbach are “interested” in him. Irlbacher went as far as to say that “the former Dortmunder would like to return to Europe”, with fellow interest reportedly coming from “Bologna”, “Feyenoord”, and “other Bundesliga clubs”. Orlando City SC supporters everywhere will be hoping that Pašalić’s stint lasts well beyond a single season.

Many congratulations on being our 2025 Orlando City UK Newcomer of the Year, Marco Pašalić!

Orlando City SC 2 Philadelphia Union 4 – Highlights – February 22, 2025 (Credit: Orlando City SC)

…

Support Orlando City UK

Passionate about what we do, Orlando City UK content will always be free. The most important thing for us is sharing our love of Orlando City SC with you all and donations are by no means expected. However, if you enjoy our content, a token towards the regular maintenance of Orlando City UK is hugely appreciated!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *