Revolution re-sign captain Carles Gil to long-term contract extension
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (March 7, 2024) – New England Revolution captain and midfielder Carles Gil has signed a multi-year contract extension guaranteed through the 2026 Major League Soccer season, with an additional one-year club option for 2027, and will continue to occupy a Designated Player slot on New England’s roster. Now in his sixth season with New England, the 2021 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player, two-time MLS Best XI selection, three-time MLS All-Star, and three-time Revolution Team MVP is the league leader in assists since his arrival in 2019 and ranks fourth in club history with 112 goal contributions in all competitions.
Few athletes in any league have been as dominant in their sport as Carles Gil since his arrival to Major League Soccer in 2019, when he was named the MLS Newcomer of the Year. Gil is the only Boston athlete in the five major men’s professional sports to win his league’s Most Valuable Player honor since 2019, and one of only three to do so since 2010 (Tom Brady in 2010 and 2017; Mookie Betts in 2018). Gil’s career rate of 0.47 assists per game is currently the fourth best in MLS regular season history, while his rate of 0.50 assists per 90 minutes played is seventh best all-time (minimum 20 assists).
“During my time in New England with the Revolution, I have been able to rediscover my joy on the field and I am at my happiest when I am playing winning football for our supporters. I have cherished my last five years with the club and enjoy the competitive league, playing with my teammates, and our great fans,” Gil said. “I have so much more to give to this club and the supporters, who give me all their backing and confidence as their captain. For Maria, Marco, and I, Boston has become our home. I am excited to continue my career in New England and will give everything on the pitch to win trophies for this club.”
In the MLS regular season and playoffs, Gil has logged an MLS-best 68 assists, 11 more than the next-closest player since he arrived in the league. His 63 regular season helpers place him second in the club’s record books, only 10 shy of the all-time lead. From 2021-23, the Valencia, Spain native logged 47 assists in league play, tied for fifth most by any MLS player in a three-season span. After scoring an MLS Goal of the Matchday contender in the 2024 season opener at D.C. United, the Revolution’s offensive catalyst is now just two goals shy of becoming the fifth player to achieve 40 goals and 40 assists in all competitions for New England.
Feb 29, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil (10) passes the ball against the Club Atletico Independiente during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
“When I stepped into the Sporting Director role, the work immediately began to extend Carles Gil and ensure he would continue his remarkable MLS career right here in New England,” Revolution Sporting Director Curt Onalfo said. “Carles has been one of the most impactful players in our league since the day he arrived, and he will go down in history as one of the greatest ever to wear a Revolution uniform. For those of us within the club and all those who support it, Carles delivers everything you could ask of a captain and leader. We are extremely pleased to know that Carles Gil will continue to lead the Revolution for years to come.”
In all competitions, Gil’s 112 goal contributions (38G, 74A) rank fourth in club history. For his MLS regular season career, the 31-year-old has totaled 96 goal contributions with 33 goals and 63 assists in only 135 games played, with 125 starts. The Spaniard has also found success in the MLS Cup Playoffs, posting two goals and five assists across eight starts. In 2020, Gil tallied five goal involvements over four postseason appearances to help guide New England to the Eastern Conference Final.
“Carles Gil is a special talent and a tremendous professional who, as our captain, sets the tone for everything we do from his rare playmaking ability and work ethic on the field, to his passion for the club and winning mentality,” Head Coach Caleb Porter said. “A player of Carles’ caliber deciding to extend his tenure with our club makes an important statement about his belief in our direction and our ability to compete for trophies together. I am happy to know that Carles and his family will continue to call Boston their home and that he will be an integral part of our plans for the long term.”
Oct 21, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil (10) controls the ball during the first half against the Philadelphia Union at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
In 2021, Gil earned the most prestigious individual honor in MLS as the Landon Donovan MVP following a record-setting season for New England. Gil captained the Revolution to 22 wins and 73 regular season points, a league record, and registered 126 chances created, the highest single-season mark in league history to date. His eight game-winning assists that season tied the MLS single-season record. In addition to the MVP honors, Gil was named 2021 MLS Comeback Player of the Year following an injury the year prior, and landed on the MLS Best XI for the second time in his first three seasons.
Most recently in 2023, the central midfielder won his third Revolution Team MVP award and the club’s Golden Boot, with a career-high 11 goals along with 15 assists, the latter ranking third in MLS. Gil’s seven game-winning assists paced the league, while he ranked among the top three in chance creation for the third consecutive year, having led the category in 2021 and 2022. Gil became the only Revolution player with multiple seasons with 10 goals and 10 assists. He is one of only two players in team history to record 24 goal involvements in more than one season, joining Taylor Twellman. Gil was dominant on both sides of the ball in 2023, as he also led all MLS midfielders with a tackle success rate of 86.4 percent (minimum 15 tackles won).
Gil and the Revolution are back in action in MLS regular season play this Saturday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET against Atlanta United FC. The away match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is available to watch in English and Spanish on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app. Listen on 98.5 The Sports Hub HD2 and 1260 AM Nossa Radio USA.
TRANSACTION: New England Revolution re-sign captain and midfielder Carles Gil to a multi-year contract extension through the 2026 MLS season, with a club option for 2027, on March 7, 2024. Gil will continue to occupy a Designated Player slot.
