FC Cincinnati Lock In Homegrown Midfielder Ademar Chávez

FC Cincinnati has locked in one of their top teenage prospects, signing 16-year-old homegrown midfielder Ademar Chávez to a long-term deal through 2029, with a 2030 club option. It’s another signal that Cincinnati is serious about building from within — not just recruiting talent, but committing to it early.

Chávez joined the FC Cincinnati Academy in 2024 after leaving LAFC and wasted no time leveling up. In 2025, he logged 14 appearances and two goals with FC Cincinnati 2 in MLS NEXT Pro, competing weekly against older professionals. That environment fast-tracked his development and showcased his composure, technical ability, and game awareness.

Internationally, Chávez’s stock is rising. He’s earned youth national team call-ups from both the U.S. and Mexico, underscoring his value on a broader stage. Comfortable between the lines and effective in advanced areas, he’s already separating himself within his age group.

With this contract, FC Cincinnati has clearly mapped out Chávez’s runway. The next phase will be about managing minutes and momentum — but the pathway to the first team is now real and defined.

This is what modern development looks like. Early pro minutes, long-term security, and a clear internal pathway — all before 18. For players and parents navigating the system, Chávez’s trajectory shows how MLS academies are increasingly becoming a legitimate launchpad, not just a holding space.

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Marcelo Flores Included In Canada’s First 2026 Senior Camp

Canada has included Marcelo Flores in their first senior national team camp of 2026, marking an early step in the program’s World Cup build-up. The squad will train in Irvine, California, from Jan. 8–18, with 20 players selected as Canada begins defining their next competitive core.

Flores’ call-up is notable given his complex international background. The 22-year-old Tigres UANL midfielder was once publicly committed to Mexico and became a central figure in a high-profile recruitment battle between Canada and Mexico. He ultimately debuted for Mexico’s senior team in 2021, earning three caps, with his most recent appearance coming in 2022.

With the World Cup now less than a year away, this camp represents a reset point. While the invitation does not lock Flores into Canada, it reopens the door to a long-term role with the program and places him back into a senior national team environment at a critical moment in his career.

If Flores were to represent Canada in official competition, a one-time switch would still be required due to his prior youth and senior appearances for Mexico. For now, his inclusion signals renewed interest — and a defining decision ahead.

This is a case study in modern international pathways. Dual nationals don’t just choose countries — they choose timing, opportunity, and role. For Canada, Flores represents elite upside ahead of 2026. For players watching, it’s a reminder that national team careers are rarely linear, and doors can reopen if development, fit, and competitive need align.