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Ivory CoastTop Contenders for the 2026 MLS Year End Awards
The 2026 MLS regular season ends this Saturday, bringing the debate over who should win the league's major year end awards into focus.
Callaghan leads Coach of the Year candidates
The 259 day 2026 MLS regular season comes to a close on Saturday, bringing the year end awards race into focus. Nashville SC head coach B.J. Callaghan has emerged as a top candidate after guiding his team to the Supporters' Shield title. Callaghan helped Nashville tie Miami's regular season points record with one match remaining. Hany Mukhtar praised his head coach, stating, "B.J. is an excellent coach, very talented coach," and adding that Callaghan is "constantly willing to adjust and make players better."
Other managers have also made strong cases. Ryan Richter orchestrated a major midseason turnaround for the Philadelphia Union, while Marko Mitrovic led the New England Revolution to fourth place in the Supporters' Shield standings after an 11th place finish in the Eastern Conference in 2025. Yoann Damet guided St. Louis City to a 19 game unbeaten streak and a U.S. Open Cup title.
Sullivan and Hall battle for young player honor
The race for Young Player of the Year centers on two prominent teenagers. Cavan Sullivan, who arrived in MLS as a 14 year old, has produced at an elite level for the Philadelphia Union at age 17. Sullivan registered six goals and ten assists in league play following the World Cup break. His play helped push Philadelphia from the bottom of the table straight into a playoff spot.
Red Bull New York forward Julian Hall presents stiff competition. Playing under head coach Michael Bradley, the 18 year old recorded 13 goals and five assists over 31 games. Hall also became the youngest player in MLS history to score a hat trick when he accomplished the feat at 18 years and 50 days old.
Griezmann and Guilherme drive newcomer award debate
In the Newcomer of the Year category, Antoine Griezmann made an immediate impression with Orlando City SC. After finishing his LaLiga season, Griezmann joined Orlando in July and scored 48 minutes into his debut. He totaled 14 goals and eight assists across 17 games, moving Orlando from 12th place up into the postseason.
Houston Dynamo attacker Guilherme is another top contender. Guilherme scored 66 minutes into his debut back in February and compiled 16 goals alongside 10 assists over the course of the season.
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