CINCINNATI (DA) — Dutch defender Tyrell Malacia, whose father is from Curaçao, has signed with FC Cincinnati after most recently playing for Manchester United.
The 27-year-old Rotterdam native has family ties to both sides of the Dutch Caribbean and Surinamese community. His father is from Curaçao and his mother is from Suriname.
FC Cincinnati signed Malacia through June 2027, with an option for the 2027-28 Major League Soccer season. The club also acquired an international roster slot from St. Louis CITY SC for $200,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money.
Malacia made 50 appearances for Manchester United after joining the Premier League club from Feyenoord in July 2022. He played 39 times during his first season in England.
He began his professional career with hometown club Feyenoord, making his first-team debut at 18 in the UEFA Champions League. Malacia went on to make 137 appearances for Feyenoord before his transfer to Manchester United.
He spent part of the 2024-25 season on loan with PSV Eindhoven, making three Champions League appearances and winning the Eredivisie title.
FC Cincinnati general manager Chris Albright cited Malacia’s experience at the highest levels of European soccer, along with his ability on the ball and defensive qualities, as important additions to the squad.
Malacia has represented the Netherlands nine times at senior level after making his international debut in 2021. He was part of the Dutch squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the Netherlands reached the quarterfinals.
His honors include the EFL Cup with Manchester United, the Dutch Cup and Dutch Super Cup with Feyenoord, and the Eredivisie championship with PSV.