Philadelphia Union announced on Apr. 2 that they have signed forward Malik Jakupovic to a Homegrown contract through the 2029-2030 season, with an option for the following year. Jakupovic, who is 16 years old and a U.S. Youth National Team player, becomes the club’s 30th Homegrown signing after progressing through its academy and second team.
The signing highlights Philadelphia Union’s ongoing commitment to developing young talent within its system and providing opportunities for advancement to the first team. The club functions as a professional soccer team in Major League Soccer (MLS), representing Philadelphia in elite competition while fostering youth programs and community ties, according to the official website.
Jon Scheer, Philadelphia Union Interim Sporting Director, said: “Malik has shown great growth since joining our academy, and his maturity at just 16 years old speaks to his professionalism and commitment. He’s capitalized on his opportunities with Union II, first-team call-ups, and U.S. Youth National Team appearances, and we look forward to continuing to support his development with the first team.”
Jakupovic joined the academy in 2023 at age 14 and has played for several youth squads before making appearances this year in Concacaf Champions Cup matches against Defence Force FC and Club América. He made his Major League Soccer debut on March 21 against Chicago Fire FC as a substitute. Last season he scored eight goals in sixteen matches for Union II during MLS NEXT Pro play; this year he has already recorded two goals in four games.
Internationally, Jakupovic represented the United States at both U16 and U17 levels—scoring twelve goals over seven matches for the U17s—including eight goals at the Concacaf U-17 Championship that helped qualify the national team for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Philadelphia Union features a roster of professional players on its main team according to its official website. The organization achieved notable success by winning Major League Soccer’s Supporters’ Shield in 2020 for best regular-season performance according to their official site. The team’s facilities include Subaru Park—a soccer-specific stadium located on Chester’s waterfront—alongside training centers and practice fields according to information from their official website.
The club also provides fans with professional soccer matches, tickets, competitive entertainment options such as lineups featuring homegrown talents like Jakupovic—all part of its role within professional sports under Major League Soccer according to details available from their official website.
