ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 15, 2026) – MLS NEXT Pro today announced that Orlando City SC forward Justin Ellis has been named the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Pathway Player of the Year, an award recognizing a player who demonstrated success at multiple levels of the professional player pathway.
“Justin’s recognition as the MLS NEXT Pro Pathway Player of the Year is a reflection of the work he has put in throughout every stage of his development within our club,” said Orlando City SC General Manager and Sporting Director Ricardo Moreira. “From the Academy to Orlando City B and now the First Team, he has consistently taken advantage of every opportunity presented to him. We are proud to see him receive this recognition and look forward to supporting his continued growth.”
Ellis, 19, made four starts for Orlando City B during the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season, recording three goals and two assists across his four appearances. The Wellington, Fla., native has also made 20 appearances and 16 starts for the Lions in MLS action this season. Ellis scored his first MLS goal against D.C. United on April 25 and has recorded 11 goal contributions in league play (one goal, 10 assists), as well as logging an additional four goal contributions (two goals, two assists) across other competitions this year.
Prior to signing a Homegrown contract ahead of the 2026 season, Ellis recorded eight goals and five assists in 41 appearances for Orlando City B across all competitions. The forward’s career has progressed through every stage of the Club's development pathway, first featuring for the Orlando City Academy before advancing to OCB and the First Team.
Internationally, Ellis has represented the United States at the U-18 and U-19 levels. Most recently, the 19-year-old received his first call-up to the U.S. Men's National Team senior squad as part of the September-October international window. Ellis made his senior team debut on Sept. 26 in a friendly against Peru at Inter.co Stadium and scored in just the fourth minute of play, the fasted goal by a USMNT debutant in the modern era. He went on to make four appearances, including two starts, and added a second goal in a friendly against Canada on Oct. 6.
The 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Pathway Player of the Year selection was made by a voting group comprising MLS NEXT Pro Head Coaches, Chief Soccer Officers, league broadcasters and content teams.
