Austin FC has announced the signing of free agent midfielder Ilie Sánchez to a one-year contract, extending through the end of the 2025 season. The agreement includes an option for 2026.
“In speaking with Rodolfo and Nico about their plans for the upcoming season, it quickly became clear that signing with Austin FC was the best choice for me,” Sánchez expressed. “I want to thank them for this opportunity and look forward to playing at Q2 Stadium as a member of the home team for the first time.”
Sánchez brings eight years of Major League Soccer experience, having spent three seasons with Los Angeles FC after five seasons with Sporting Kansas City. His MLS career highlights include All-Star selections in 2018 and 2022, winning both the MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield titles in 2022, U.S. Open Cup victories in 2017 and 2024, and being named MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2017.
Previously serving as LAFC’s captain, Sánchez made a decisive penalty kick in the 2022 MLS Cup Final. He has accumulated over 20,000 minutes across 262 regular season and playoff appearances in MLS.
“Ilie has been one of the league’s top defensive midfielders in recent seasons,” commented Austin FC Sporting Director Rodolfo Borrell. “His quality, experience, and leadership will make him an excellent addition to our group.”
Originally from Barcelona, Spain, Sánchez developed his skills at FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy before making over a hundred appearances for Barça B. He then played for Germany's 1860 Munich before moving on loan to Elche CF in Spain's LaLiga 2 prior to joining MLS with Sporting KC in 2017.
Sánchez was recognized as a finalist for the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award last year and received Sporting KC’s Humanitarian of the Year award twice for his advocacy work supporting Special Olympics’ Unified Teams. Additionally, he wrote about LAFC’s Unified Team's significance in The Players’ Tribune this past June.
On Austin FC's roster, Sánchez will occupy a Senior slot without requiring an international designation due to his U.S. citizenship.