HARRISON, N.J. (February 2, 2024) – The New York Red Bulls have named Julian de Guzman as the club’s next Sporting Director, the club announced today.
"We're thrilled to bring Julian into our club. Julian brings a wealth of experience, not only in our league, but also from abroad," Head of Sport Jochen Schneider said. "His focus on our coaching staff, our players, our second team and our academy will help propel us forward."
De Guzman, 42, was most recently a founder, managing partner, and president of Simcoe Rovers County FC, which is a club in League1 Ontario. Prior to Simcoe, de Guzman was the General Manager of Ottawa Fury Football Club, where he managed the day-to-day operations of the sporting department and helped guide Ottawa to a USL Championship playoff appearance in 2019. He was also the Head Coach of Ottawa Fury during the 2017 season.
“Julian has always been a leader, on- and off-the-pitch,” Schneider said. “His experience will be invaluable to our organization.”
The Toronto, Ontario native had a 19-year playing career, which began with Olympique de Marseille in their youth and reserve program. After he signed his first professional contract with 1. FC Saarbrücken in German 2. Bundesliga. He joined Hannover 96 under Head Coach Ralf Rangnick in 2002 and became the third Canadian ever to play in the Bundesliga. De Guzman played 84 matches for Hanover before he made the move to Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga. He was the first Canadian to play in La Liga and helped the club avoid in relegation in the 2007-2008 season and gained a spot in the UEFA Cup. De Guzman was named the team’s player of the season.
De Guzman joined Toronto FC in Major League Soccer in 2009 as a Designated Player, becoming the first-ever Canadian Designated Player in league history. He made 93 career appearances for Toronto, where he recorded three goals and seven assists. He is the second-leading Canadian in all-time CONCACAF Champions League appearances with 18 and he won the Canadian Championship with Toronto FC in 2010, 2011, and 2012. In 2012, he was traded to FC Dallas and made 12 appearances for the club. De Guzman had other stints with Jahn Regensburg and Skoda Xanthi FC. He finished his playing career with Ottawa Fury FC, where he was the club captain and also during his last season in 2016, he was the Ottawa Fury reserve team coach.
“I am proud and honored to be a part of this renowned organization,” de Guzman said. “The New York Red Bulls have been an exemplary model of soccer in North America, and I am very motivated to achieve great things with this team. I can’t wait to be a part of the family.”
De Guzman played 17 years for the Canadian National Team system, which includes 14 years with the senior national team. He made his debut for the senior national team in a 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup match against Martinique. He was named to six Gold Cup teams for Canada and was named the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament MVP and was named to the CONCACAF Gold Cup All-Tournament team in 2007 and 2009. De Guzman was voted the Canadian Men’s National Soccer team Player of the Year in 2008 and is the second all-time caps leader for Canada with 89 appearances. He started 25 games as Canada’s captain.
