FC Cincinnati have signed midfielder Stiven Jimenez to a Homegrown Player contract, the club announced today. Jimenez, 15, becomes the youngest player in club history to sign for FC Cincinnati. He signs a deal through the 2025 season with club options for 2026 and 2027.
Additionally, FC Cincinnati acquires Jimenez’s Homegrown Territory rights from D.C. United in exchange for $50,000 in 2022 General Allocation Money (GAM) as well as $200,000 in conditional GAM if Jimenez signs a second MLS contract with FC Cincinnati and an additional $300,000 GAM if certain performance-based incentives are met. D.C. United would also retain a percentage of GAM should Jimenez be traded within MLS.
“Stiven has developed quickly in his time with our Academy as he has a tremendous desire to be a professional” said Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager. “He’s mature beyond his years in his understanding of the game, and his qualities as a midfielder are a great fit with how we’d like to play. We’re delighted to sign Stiven and are excited to see him continue to develop within our first-team environment.”
Jimenez joined FC Cincinnati’s Academy in 2019, and quickly ascended from the U14 to the U15 and now plays for the U17 squad. He joined FC Cincinnati’s first team in Clearwater, Florida for the 2022 preseason, starting the second half of a friendly match against the University of South Florida and making a substitute appearance against the Philadelphia Union.
“It’s a dream come true to sign my first professional contract,” said Jimenez. “Thank you to all the coaches who helped get me to this point, and thank you to FC Cincinnati for giving me this opportunity.”
The FC Cincinnati Academy product has represented both the United States and Mexican youth national teams earlier this year. Jimenez has traveled to Chula Vista, California with the USYNT U15s training alongside 36 of the country's best young stars on two occasions this year, and Jimenez also spent time with the Mexican Youth National’s U16 team at the beginning of May.
TRANSACTION: FC Cincinnati sign midfielder Stiven Jimenez to a Homegrown Player contract through the 2025 season with club options for 2026 and 2027. Additionally, FC Cincinnati acquires Jimenez’s Homegrown Territory rights from D.C. United in exchange for $50,000 in 2022 General Allocation Money (GAM) as well as $200,000 in conditional GAM if Jimenez signs a second MLS contract with FC Cincinnati and an additional $300,000 GAM if certain performance-based incentives are met. D.C. United would also retain a percentage of GAM should Jimenez be traded within MLS.
STIVEN JIMENEZ
Pronunciation: Steven he-MEN-ezz
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-6
Birthdate: June 24, 2007
Birthplace: Riverdale, Maryland
Nationality: American
