ORLANDO, Fla. (March 22, 2021) - Orlando City SC has signed Orlando City Academy product Wilfredo Rivera to a three-year First Team contract with Club options in 2024 and 2025, it was announced today. Rivera becomes the ninth Homegrown Player in Club history and at 17 years, five months and eight days is the youngest signed to the First Team since Tommy Redding in 2014 (17 years, one month, 15 days).
“Wilfredo is another great example of the talent coming out of our Academy,” said Orlando City EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi. “We’re excited for Wilfredo to join the First Team and represent this community wearing our badge. He adds speed and depth to our lineup and exemplifies the developmental vision that we have for the youth of this Club.”
A native of the Quintana neighborhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Wilfredo joined the Orlando City Academy in 2018 for its U-16 side, coming to Orlando from Jacksonville FC.
Featuring for Orlando City B in the 2020 season as an Academy player, the 17-year-old made 15 appearances, provided one assist and led the side in scoring with three finishes. Rivera joined the First Team for the 2021 preseason, presented by Orlando Health, including training camp at IMG Academy in Bradenton.
With the signing, Rivera is now the sixth Homegrown on the Lions’ current roster, joining defender Michael Halliday, goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar, midfielders Jordan Bender and David Loera and forward Benji Michel.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City signs forward Wilfredo Rivera to a three-year Homegrown contract, with Club options in 2024 and 2025.
Wilfredo Rivera
Position: Forward
Height: 5-6
Weight: 148
Born: Oct. 14, 2003 in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Citizenship: USA
