Andy Najar facts for kids
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Najar with Nashville SC in 2025
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Andy Ariel Najar Rodríguez | ||
| Date of birth | 16 March 1993 | ||
| Place of birth | Choluteca, Honduras | ||
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Right-back, right-winger | ||
| Team information | |||
|
Current team
|
Nashville SC | ||
| Number | 31 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2008–2010 | D.C. United | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2010–2013 | D.C. United | 82 | (10) |
| 2013 | → Anderlecht (loan) | 0 | (0) |
| 2013–2020 | Anderlecht | 126 | (11) |
| 2020 | Los Angeles FC | 8 | (0) |
| 2021–2023 | D.C. United | 70 | (1) |
| 2024 | Olimpia | 35 | (2) |
| 2025– | Nashville SC | 7 | (1) |
| International career‡ | |||
| 2012 | Honduras U23 | 7 | (0) |
| 2011– | Honduras | 53 | (5) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17 April 2025 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 17 April 2025 |
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Andy Ariel Najar Rodríguez, born on March 16, 1993, is a professional football player from Honduras. He plays as a right-back (a defender on the right side) for the MLS team Nashville SC. Andy also plays for the Honduras national football team.
Contents
Early Life and Youth Career
Andy Najar moved from Honduras to the United States with his family when he was 13 years old. They settled in the Washington area. He went to Thomas A. Edison High School in Alexandria, Virginia.
In 2008, Andy joined the youth academy of D.C. United, a professional football club. He quickly became known for his excellent skills as a right-back. In 2009, he received many awards for his great play. He was even the top scorer in the 2009 US Developmental Academy Finals.
Club Career Highlights
Starting with D.C. United
Andy Najar signed his first professional contract with D.C. United on March 22, 2010. This was a special contract called "Generation Adidas." It meant the league and his team would help him with his education. He was only the second player to go straight from D.C. United's youth academy to their main team.
Andy played his first professional game on March 27, 2010. He scored his first goal on April 28, 2010, in a US Open Cup game. His amazing performance in 2010 earned him the MLS Rookie of the Year award. Many experts thought he was one of D.C. United's best players, even at just 17 years old.
Moving to Anderlecht
On January 7, 2013, Andy Najar moved to Anderlecht, a top team in Belgium. He first joined them on a one-month loan. By January 30, 2013, Anderlecht made his transfer permanent.
He played his first game for Anderlecht on August 2, 2013. On October 22, 2014, Andy scored a goal for Anderlecht in a Champions League match against Arsenal. However, Arsenal scored two late goals and won the game. Andy played for Anderlecht until 2020.
Time with Los Angeles FC
In February 2020, Andy trained with Los Angeles FC (LAFC). He officially joined LAFC on June 17, 2020, returning to Major League Soccer. He played eight games for LAFC that season. After the 2020 season, LAFC decided not to keep him.
Returning to D.C. United
After leaving LAFC, Andy Najar went back to his old club, D.C. United, for a trial. The team signed him to a new contract. On April 17, 2021, he played his first game back with D.C. United. He scored his first goal since returning on August 8, 2021.
Andy was a very important player for D.C. United's defense. He often played as a right wingback or even a center back. His great dribbling skills helped create scoring chances for the team. He was a memorable player for the club.
Playing for Olimpia
In January 2024, Andy Najar joined Olimpia, a club in the Honduran Liga Nacional. He signed a one-year deal with them.
Joining Nashville SC
On January 16, 2025, Andy Najar returned to Major League Soccer once again. He joined Nashville SC on a one-year contract.
International Career
On April 6, 2011, Andy Najar announced that he would play for the Honduras national football team. He chose to represent his home country, Honduras. He made his first appearance for Honduras on September 3, 2011.
Andy also played for the Honduras U23 national team in the 2012 Olympics. On July 21, 2013, he scored his first goal for the Honduras national team. This goal helped Honduras win 1-0 against Costa Rica in the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, moving them to the semi-finals.
Achievements and Awards
Andy Najar has won several important titles and awards throughout his career:
With Anderlecht:
- Belgian Pro League: 2012–13, 2013–14, 2016–17 (These are the top football league titles in Belgium)
- Belgian Super Cup: 2013, 2014 (This is a match played between the league champions and the cup winners in Belgium)
Individual Awards:
- MLS Rookie of the Year: 2010 (This award is given to the best new player in Major League Soccer)
- RSC Anderlecht Player of the Season: 2015–16, 2016–17 (He was voted the best player for his team in these seasons)
See also
In Spanish: Andy Najar para niños
