Every season brings forth a swath of talented players, with a few rising all the way to the international level. Some break out from opening day, while others earn an opportunity at a later stage through hard work or a bit of luck. This summer, Aziel Jackson hit his stride with St. Louis City SC and is helping the expansion club to a fantastic first year in Major League Soccer. The 21-year-old midfielder took a winding road to reach the senior level, a journey that might continue with transfer interest reportedly growing.
Born in New York and the “son of a travelling jazz musician,” Jackson played with Met Oval and the New York Red Bulls Academy for three years before relocating to France, competing with the Toulouse youth set-up and Blagnac in the fifth-tier Championnat National 3.