One of the top young talents in all of MLS, we get to know Max Arfsten — from his roots and influences to dreams and goals.
The stage was set for the 2023 MLS SuperDraft — the first year players from MLS NEXT Pro were eligible for selection. Uncertainty loomed around where these players would be picked, and whether MLS clubs would prioritize drafting talent developed within their own systems.
Enter Max Arfsten, who became the first player ever drafted out of MLS NEXT Pro when the Columbus Crew selected him with the 14th overall pick.
Going into the draft, Arfsten was with the San Jose Earthquakes II, and could’ve stayed within the organization as the ‘Quakes had two chances to select him before Columbus, but they traded their No. 4 pick to Vancouver and drafted Daniel Munie with their No. 10 pick instead.
San Jose was rumored to be eyeing Arfsten in the second round, but his European interest, especially from Queen’s Park Rangers, may have pushed Columbus to act early and take the risk.
In retrospect, the 2023 draft class was stacked. In addition to Arfsten, Duncan McGuire and Patrick Agyemang have been capped by the United States men’s national team, and Moïse Bombito, who was named an MLS All-Star in 2024, made a $7.7 million dollar transfer — the largest fee for a center back in league history — to Ligue 1 side Nice, where he has become a regular contributor.
Arfsten will forever have a place in MLS lore as the first-ever MLS NEXT Pro player draft pick, and since joining Columbus, he has excelled as a wingback, making over 70 appearances across all competitions and evolving into a key rotational piece for the Crew.
He also seems to have caught the eye of USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino, and was named to the 2025 Gold Cup roster. Once again, he’s attracting interest from Europe.
As Arfsten heads into another international camp in preparation for the Gold Cup, I was able to catch up with him to discuss his journey, growth, and influences as an up-and-coming footballer.
Origins
Like many players his age, Arfsten was captivated by Neymar growing up, and patterned his game after the Brazilian No. 10.
“Growing up my inspiration playing footy was and still is Neymar,” Arfsten said. “At a young age I was always interested and excited to watch him play and to see him dribble and take on defenders. Along with the joy he plays with, this is something I try to create, and it has inspired me to hone in on my skills as much as possible.”
Growing up in Fresno, California, Arfsten quickly made a name for himself across Central California, and played college soccer for the UC Davis Aggies before joining the Earthquakes II.
His Fresno roots also played a role in the interest that he’s been getting from Europe. During his youth days with California Odyssey Soccer Club, one of Arfsten’s assistant coaches was Viktor Bezhani, who has since gone on to become the director of recruitment for Toulouse FC. The Ligue 1 club has shown plenty of interest in Arfsten, although Columbus seems keen on retaining their talented young wing-back.
The Impact of Wilfried Nancy
Having a strong connection with Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy has been instrumental in Arfsten’s development. Arfsten speaks highly of one of the most respected coaches in MLS — who immediately integrated him into the squad en route to winning the 2023 MLS Cup and the 2024 Leagues Cup.
“My time under my coach [Nancy] here in Columbus has definitely changed me [on and off the field],” Arfsten said. “I believe it has helped me as a player to grow and become more well-rounded.
“As a person, I think it’s developed my resilience a lot more because in the beginning, I wasn’t playing very much. It was difficult for me, and I was forced to sink or swim, and I believe it motivated me to persevere through that challenge.”
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Thanks to his strong performances in Columbus, Arfsten earned a new contract that will keep him with the Crew beyond the end of his rookie deal. As for big purchases after his new contract, Arfsten said he didn’t go too crazy, but booked a vacation in Mexico shortly after signing the extension.
National Team Breakthrough
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Thanks to his impressive performances in Columbus, Arfsten earned a chance to represent his country under Pochettino, who he also said was the most famous person he has met since joining the national team setup.
With a new era underway, Pochettino brought fresh faces into the fold — and he’s shown real belief in Arfsten. But while it has been an exciting opportunity, things haven’t changed much in Arfsten’s day-to-day life.
“I don’t think my life has changed that much since playing for the USMNT,” he said. “Of course, it’s always been a goal and dream of mine to play with them. But I still do the same things every day, trust my same process, and continue to try and move forward every day.”
Sticking to his daily process and staying grounded — with no real vices other than listening to plenty of rap music like NBA YoungBoy and Shoreline Mafia — Arfsten brings his California roots with him to the USMNT. The upcoming Gold Cup is not just an opportunity to cement his place with the national team, but to also showcase his abilities to clubs all over the world.
From Fresno to Columbus, and now the national stage, Arfsten’s journey is a testament to belief, determination, and staying true to who you are. He’s not just the answer to a trivia question as the first-ever MLS NEXT Pro player drafted — he’s becoming a symbol of how unconventional paths can still lead to the top.
Whether it’s Neymar’s flair, Nancy’s mentorship, or his own quiet confidence, Arfsten continues to write a story that resonates with young American players chasing the dream. As the Gold Cup approaches and Europe watches, one thing is clear: Max Arfsten’s rise is far from finished.
