Anders Dreyer has been named the 2025 MLS Newcomer of the Year, following his outstanding season with expansion side San Diego FC.
Signed as San Diego’s second-ever Designated Player, Dreyer recorded a club-best 38 goal contributions (19g/19a) during his debut season. His 38 goal contributions were tied for the third-most in an MLS season and equalled the most by a first-year MLS player (Sebastian Giovinco in 2015).
The 27-year-old Danish international contributed to 59.4% of San Diego’s 64 goals, leading the newcomers to first place in the Western Conference and qualification to the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
The 2025 MLS All-Star and two-time MLS Player of the Month, who was acquired from Belgian powerhouse Anderlecht, helped San Diego set expansion-club records for wins (19) and points (63).
This is the third time an MLS Newcomer of the Year comes from an expansion side, joining Miguel Almirón (2017, Atlanta United) and Fredy Montero (2009, Seattle Sounders FC).
MLS Newcomer of the Year winners
2025: Anders Dreyer – San Diego FC
2024: Gabriel Pec – LA Galaxy
2023: Giorgos Giakoumakis – Atlanta United
2022: Thiago Almada – Atlanta United
2021: Cristian Arango – Los Angeles Football Club
2020: Lucas Zelarayán – Columbus Crew
2019: Carles Gil – New England Revolution
2018: Zlatan Imbrahimović – LA Galaxy
2017: Miguel Almirón – Atlanta United
2016: Nicolás Lodeiro – Seattle Sounders FC
2015: Sebastian Giovinco – Toronto FC
2014: Pedro Morales – Vancouver Whitecaps FC
2013: Diego Valeri – Portland Timbers
2012: Federico Higuaín – Columbus Crew
2011: Mauro Rosales – Seattle Sounders FC
2010: Álvaro Saborío – Real Salt Lake
2009: Fredy Montero – Seattle Sounders FC
2008: Darren Huckerby – San Jose Earthquakes
2007: Luciano Emílio – D.C. United