Just days after turning 16, Astin Mbaye, a highly regarded center-back from the New York Red Bulls’ MLS Next Academy, is on the verge of joining Italian giants AC Milan. According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Mbaye has inked a deal with the Serie A club, making him the latest North American talent to take his skills to Europe.
A Rapid Rise in American Soccer
Born and raised in New Jersey, Mbaye’s journey to professional soccer has been anything but conventional. Unlike many top prospects who start competing at a young age, Mbaye only began playing seriously during the COVID-19 pandemic when he joined Cedar Stars Academy. It was there that he first showcased his potential as a defender, eventually earning a place in the New York Red Bulls Academy.
At the Red Bulls, Mbaye quickly became one of the brightest prospects in their system. He stood out in youth tournaments, particularly in the prestigious Generation Adidas Cup and MLS Next Fest, where he was among the top attacking contributors despite playing as a defender. His performances soon caught the attention of the U.S. youth national team coaches.
International Recognition and Eligibility
Mbaye has already represented the United States at the U15 level, making six appearances, including a goal against Scotland at the December 2023 UEFA Developmental Tournament. Recently, he received a call-up to the U16 squad, solidifying his place as one of the most promising young defenders in the American system. However, he remains eligible to play for Senegal, though he has not yet represented them at any level.
Joining the AC Milan System
While Mbaye is set to sign with AC Milan, he is not expected to feature for the first team immediately. Instead, he could see minutes with Milan Futuro, the club’s U23 squad competing in Italy’s Serie C, or within other areas of AC Milan’s youth academy system. Regardless of where he starts, the move represents a significant step forward in his career, allowing him to develop at one of Europe’s most historic clubs.
Mbaye joins a growing list of young American players making their mark in Europe, following in the footsteps of Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah, both of whom are already part of Milan’s senior squad. His move also draws comparisons to Philadelphia Union’s 15-year-old sensation Cavan Sullivan, who recently debuted in MLS before his eventual transfer to Manchester City.
Inspiration from a Legend
Off the field, Mbaye has looked up to Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, who had a successful stint at AC Milan from 2009-2012 before moving on to Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. Now, Mbaye has the opportunity to develop at the same club where his idol once played.
At just 16, Astin Mbaye represents the next generation of American soccer talent, and his move to AC Milan signals the growing impact of young North American players in the global game. While he still has much to prove, his rapid rise from a late-blooming academy player to an AC Milan prospect shows that his potential is undeniable.
