Villanueva becomes the latest Academy player to sign a contract with Chicago Fire II
CHICAGO (Oct. 1, 2026) – Chicago Fire FC II today announced that the Club has signed Chicago Fire Academy midfielder Damyan Villanueva to an MLS NEXT Pro contract. Villanueva’s contract with Chicago Fire II runs through the 2027-28 season, with a Club option for 2028-29 and 2029-30.
“Over the past two seasons, Damyan has demonstrated that he is not only a talented player, but someone who takes his development and success very seriously,” said Chicago Fire FC Sporting Director Gregg Broughton. “We challenged him to show us at the MLS NEXT Pro level what he had been showing at the MLS NEXT level and the growth we saw this season was exceptional. Not only did he lead the team in goal contributions, but he has also now signed a professional contract and been called up to a U.S. Youth National Team for the first time in his career.
“When a player joins the Chicago Fire Academy, the Club is committed to helping the players reach their potential on and off the field. Damyan has made the most of the opportunity with his dedication and effort, and this should be the inspiration for other Academy players to follow.”
Villanueva, 18, had a breakout 2026 with Chicago Fire II, featuring in 27 matches (16 starts) and registering a team-leading 13 goal contributions. After leading the U-18 Academy side in goals during the 2025-26 MLS NEXT season, the 18-year-old led the youngest roster of the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season with seven assists, while finishing tied for second on the team with six goals.
The midfielder made his MLS NEXT Pro debut as a 15-year-old in a match against FC Cincinnati 2 on July 28, 2024, his first of two appearances that year. Villanueva scored his first two goals for CFII in his second season with the team on June 27, 2026, earning him recognition as the MLS NEXT Rising Star of Matchweek 17. He received the same honor just one week later for a goal and an assist in a road match against Huntsville City FC on Matchweek 18.
Most recently, Villanueva received his first U.S. Youth National Team call-up. He joined U-19 USMNT Head Coach Rob Valentino’s squad for an international training camp in Marbella, Spain, which began Thursday, Sept. 24 and runs through Tuesday, Oct. 6.
Transaction: Chicago Fire FC II signs Damyan Villanueva to an MLS NEXT Pro contract.
Name: Damyan Villanueva
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’10"
Weight: 147 lbs.
Date of Birth: August 22, 2008
Hometown: Crestwood, Illinois
Citizenship: USA, Mexico
