Signing to take effect on January 1, 2027

Press Release and photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union

CHESTER, Pa. (Sept. 30, 2026) – Philadelphia Union announced today that the club has signed defender and Union Academy product Mark McKenzie as a Designated Player. McKenzie is guaranteed under contract through the 2029-30 season, with a club option for the 2030-31 season. The contract will take effect on January 1, 2027. A former MLS Best XI recipient and Defender of the Year runner-up, McKenzie was the club’s second-ever Homegrown to be transferred to Europe and would go on to spend six years with two clubs in Europe before making his return to the Union.

“Bringing Mark back to Philadelphia is a significant moment for our club and reflects the values and ambition of this city and our organization,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Jon Scheer. “Mark came through our Academy, established himself with the First Team, and over the last several years has had success at the highest levels for both club and country, most recently representing the United States at the World Cup this past summer. This is an exciting time for our club, but also a critical period for the Union as we continue building for the future. Adding a player of Mark’s quality in the prime of his career, along with his leadership and commitment to continued growth and elevating those around him, will strengthen our club’s foundation moving forward as we pursue our goals of winning and reaching new heights. We’re excited about what we can achieve together.”

“Philadelphia has always been home to me. This club, this community, and these fans have played such an important role in shaping who I am, both as a player and as a person,” said McKenzie. “When I left, I did so with the goal of challenging myself at the highest levels in Europe and representing my country, but no matter where my career has taken me, I’ve always carried Philadelphia and the Union with me. To now have the opportunity to come home, wear this badge again, and help build on the success of this club is incredibly meaningful. I’m grateful for everything this journey has given me, and I couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter, to reconnect with the city, my teammates, and our supporters, and to get to work in January.”

McKenzie was first transferred to Belgian First Division A side KRC Genk before making the move to Ligue 1 club Toulouse FC. During his time with Genk, he helped the club win the Belgian Cup in his first season and qualify for the UEFA Europa League in his second.

The Union Academy product has also established himself at the international level, earning 30 caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team. McKenzie became the first Delaware native to represent the United States during a FIFA World Cup cycle and made 17 appearances, including 10 starts, between January 2023 and May 2026.

Born in Bronx, NY, McKenzie moved to Bear, DE when he was five years old. He first joined Union Juniors at age 11 and remained with the academy throughout his youth. He was member of the Union Academy U13/14 team for their inaugural season. After committing to Wake Forest University his junior year and attending and playing for the Demon Deacons for one semester, McKenzie decided to turn professional, signing a Homegrown Player deal on January 18, 2018.

During his first stint with Philadelphia, he made 48 MLS appearances, including 46 starts. In 2020, McKenzie earned MLS Best XI honors and finished runner-up for MLS Defender of the Year at age 21, helping lead the Union to the Supporters’ Shield, the first trophy in club history.