Aziel Christopher Jackson (born October 25, 2001), also known as AZ,[3] is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew and the United States national team.
Club career
Youth
Jackson joined the New York Red Bulls academy in 2014, where he played until 2017.[4] In 2017, he moved with his family to France, subsequently joining the Toulouse academy until 2018.[5] He also spent time with Championnat National 3 side Blagnac.[6][7] In 2019, he returned to the United States, joining the Crossfire FC academy, as well as training with Seattle Sounders FC in 2020.[8]
Minnesota United
On April 30, 2021, Jackson signed a homegrown player contract with Major League Soccer club Minnesota United FC, who acquired his rights from New York Red Bulls in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft.[9] On August 24, 2021, Jackson was loaned to USL League One side North Carolina FC.[10]
On March 23, 2022, it was announced Jackson would spend the season with Minnesota United FC 2, the club's MLS Next Pro side.[11]
St. Louis City
On November 7, 2022, Jackson was traded to St. Louis City SC in exchange for $150,000 of General Allocation Money ahead of the club's inaugural MLS season.[12]
St. Louis City 2
On March 26, 2023, Jackson was on loan from his first team St. Louis City SC and he made his debut against Tacoma Defiance.
Columbus Crew
On June 18, 2024, Jackson was traded to Columbus Crew in exchange for a guaranteed $650,000 in General Allocation Money. St. Louis could also receive another $250,000 in conditional General Allocation Money and maintain a sell-on percentage if Jackson is sold outside of MLS.[13]
International career
Jackson made his debut for the senior United States national team on January 20, 2024, in a friendly against Slovenia.[14]
Career statistics
International
- As of match played January 20, 2024[15]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2024 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 1 | 0 | |
Personal
Aziel is the son of jazz drummer and composer Ali Jackson Jr.[16] His favorite player is Ronaldinho.[17]
Honors
St. Louis City SC
Columbus Crew
Individual
- MLS Next Pro Best XI: 2022
References
- ^ "2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup – Club roster: St. Louis City SC (USA)" (PDF). CONCACAF. January 30, 2024. p. 24. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
- ^ "Aziel Jackson". Minnesota United FC. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
- ^ https://www.columbuscrew.com/players/aziel-jackson/
- ^ "Aziel Jackson | Minnesota United FC". MNUFC.
- ^ "Minnesota United signs 19-year-old midfielder Aziel Jackson".
- ^ "USA - A. Jackson - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com.
- ^ "Minnesota United hopes ticketing problem behind them and SeatGeek". Brainerd Dispatch. April 20, 2021.
- ^ "Aziel Jackson Loaned to North Carolina FC | Minnesota United FC". MNUFC.
- ^ "Minnesota United sign midfielder Aziel Jackson to Homegrown deal | MLSSoccer.com". mlssoccer.
- ^ Communications, North Carolina FC (August 24, 2021). "Midfielder Aziel Jackson Joins NCFC on Loan from Minnesota United FC". North Carolina FC.
- ^ "Minnesota United Announce MNUFC2 Roster for Inaugural MLS NEXT Pro Season | Minnesota United FC".
- ^ SC, St Louis CITY. "St. Louis CITY SC Acquires Midfielder Aziel Jackson from Minnesota United FC | St. Louis SC". St. Louis CITY SC.
- ^ "Columbus Crew acquire Aziel Jackson from St. Louis CITY SC in exchange for $650,000 in General Allocation Money | Columbus Crew".
- ^ "USA v Slovenia game report". ESPN. January 20, 2024.
- ^ Aziel Jackson at National-Football-Teams.com
- ^ "When it comes to music, soccer or life, Loons teenager is beyond his years". Star Tribune. June 18, 2021.
- ^ Doyle, Doug (June 13, 2017). "SportsJam with Doug Doyle: Drummer Ali Jackson's Son Brings His Rhythm to the Pitch". WBGO. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
- ^ "St. Louis CITY dominate Sporting KC to set another MLS record". Major League Soccer. September 30, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
