New York City FC announced today that it has signed defender Prince Amponsah to a first-team contract as a Homegrown player for the 2025 season, with options to extend through 2028.
Amponsah, who becomes the 16th Homegrown signing in the club’s history, returns to New York City FC after an impressive collegiate career at Wake Forest. During his time at Wake Forest, he served as team captain and earned recognition as the 2024 ACC Tournament Most Valuable Player, along with being named to the United Soccer Coaches Second-Team All-South Region.
Throughout his college career, the Bronx native started all 23 matches in 2024, playing more than 2,000 minutes and contributing three assists. He played every minute of Wake Forest’s three NCAA Tournament games and almost all of their four ACC Tournament matches.
By the end of his collegiate career, Amponsah ranked seventh in program history for both total appearances (92) and starts (84).
“Prince has been a part of the New York City FC family for many years, and we are happy to welcome him back as a Homegrown signing,” said Sporting Director David Lee. “He has continued to develop since leaving our academy and had an excellent college career at Wake Forest, where he was one of the top defenders in the NCAA.
Having spent his early years in our academy, Prince is already familiar with our organization and playing style, which will make his transition to professional soccer easier. We are excited to see him take the next step in his career with the first team and look forward to his contributions on the field this season and in the future.”
Before joining Wake Forest, Amponsah spent four years in New York City FC’s academy, making 86 appearances, including 79 starts. He was one of 10 academy players invited to join the first team’s preseason in 2020.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to sign with New York City FC, it’s a surreal moment for me,” said Amponsah. “This is something I’ve been working toward my entire life, and to achieve it with my boyhood club makes it even more special. Growing up in the shadows of Yankee Stadium, I’ve always dreamed of representing not just myself and my family, but my city.
Wearing these colors and this badge means everything to me. I can’t wait to play in front of New York City’s incredible fans and work toward lifting a trophy together. The journey here has been challenging, but it’s the grind every single day that makes this moment so rewarding. This is just the beginning, and I’m ready to keep pushing forward.”
