Gedion Zelalem – first footballer of Ethiopian descent to win MLS Cup
EthioSports staff
Former Arsenal prodigy Gedion Zelalem was on the bench on Saturday as New York City FC won its first MLS Cup, defeating the Portland Timbers 4-2 on penalties, after two hours of football ended with the score at 1-1.
Argentine striker Valentin Castellanos headed home a brilliantly weighted cross by compatriot Maxi Moralez in the 41st to open the scoring for New York. A frantic late push saw Felipe Mora pull the home side level in the 94th minute. But Mora was among two Portland players who saw their penalties stopped by NYFC ‘keeper Sean Johnson, as the team from the Big Apple prevailed in the shootout.
The title win sparked wild celebrations back in Manhattan, where thousands of fans had gathered at the city’s Hammerstein Ballroom to watch the title decider on a large screen.
It’s the second trophy in the club’s eight year franchise history, and it came a week after the team won the first one, beating the Philadelphia Union 2-1 to win the 2021 Eastern Conference and reach the MLS Cup final.
With his name associated with both title wins, Gedion Zelalem becomes the first footballer of Ethiopian descent to win an MLS trophy. The first player with Ethiopian heritage to win a title of any kind with an MLS side is retired former Ethiopian international Fuad Ibrahim, who was a member of Toronto FC’s Canadian Championship winning side.
Once destined for stardom under the tutelage of legendary former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, long term injuries have curtailed Gedion Zelalem’s career. Released by Arsenal in 2019 without making a Premier League appearance, he showed glimpses of his brilliance during loan spells with Rangers of Scotland and Dutch side VVV-Venlo, forming part of second tier league winning sides with both clubs.
A spell at Sporting Kansas City followed, before he was snapped up by New York FC and their new manager Ronny Deila, who was the gaffer at Scottish giants Celtic during Gedion’s stint with their Old Firm rivals Rangers.
“Gedion is a very versatile midfielder who can play across multiple positions,” Deila said upon signing Gedion. “He’s a creative player and possesses very good technique on the ball which is vital for a midfielder in our system.”
Injuries hampered the 24 year old’s progress during his debut season last year in New York. But he earned a one year contract extension and made seven appearances this season, most of them off the bench.
Gedion adds the MLS Cup and Eastern Conference titles to a personal trophy cabinet which includes Scottish and Dutch second division titles.
