Philadelphia Union announced on April 2 that it has signed forward Malik Jakupovic, a player from Philadelphia Union II and the United States Youth National Team, to a homegrown contract through the 2029-2030 season with an option for the 2030-2031 season.
The signing is notable as Jakupovic becomes the latest player to complete the club’s development pathway, advancing from the academy to Union II and now joining the first team. Philadelphia Union functions as a professional soccer team in Major League Soccer, focused on representing the city in elite competition while fostering fan involvement, youth programs and community ties, according to the official website.
“Malik has shown great growth since joining our academy, and his maturity at just 16 years old demonstrates his professionalism and commitment,” said Jon Scheer, interim sporting director of Philadelphia Union. “He has taken advantage of his opportunities with Union II, first-team call-ups and appearances with U.S. youth national teams, and we look forward to continuing his development with our first team.”
Jakupovic made four short-term call-ups this year for matches including Concacaf Champions Cup games against Defence Force FC on February 26 and Club América on March 10 and March 18. He debuted in Major League Soccer on March 21 against Chicago Fire FC as a substitute for 28 minutes. Last season he played in sixteen matches for Union II during MLS NEXT Pro’s campaign in which he scored eight goals; so far this year he has scored two goals in four games.
He joined Philadelphia Union Academy at age fourteen in 2023 and played across its under-15, under-16, and under-18 teams while attending YSC Academy as part of its class of 2027. In international play he received his first U.S. Under-16 call-up in September of last year before debuting for the Under-17s against Northern Ireland; since then he has made seven appearances scoring twelve goals—including eight during Concacaf’s Under-17 Championship—to help qualify Team USA for FIFA’s Under-17 World Cup.
Philadelphia Union features a roster of professional players on its main team according to the official website. The club achieved Major League Soccer’s Supporters’ Shield in 2020 for best regular-season performance according to their official site. Their facilities include Subaru Park—a soccer-specific stadium located waterfront in Chester—as well as training centers and practice fields also described by their official site.
The organization provides professional soccer matches along with tickets and lineups aimed at delivering competitive entertainment for supporters according to their website information. It operates within professional sports specifically within Major League Soccer’s soccer sector.
