Tyler Adams

Youth

Adams joined the Red Bulls Academy in 2012 and played with the under-13, under-14, and under-16 sides before turning professional.

New York Red Bulls II

2015: Debut season

On March 19, 2015, Adams was signed to New York Red Bulls II, the club's senior reserve team playing in the United Soccer League. Adams made his debut for the team on April 4, 2015, in a 4–1 victory over Toronto FC II, the first victory in club history.

2016: USL Cup win

After appearing regularly for NYRB II during the 2016 season, Adams helped the club to a 5–1 victory over Swope Park Rangers in the 2016 USL Cup Final.

New York Red Bulls

On July 23, 2015, Adams made his debut with the New York Red Bulls first team featuring in a friendly match against Premier League champions Chelsea. He scored the second goal of the match, slotting a header past Asmir Begović in the 69th minute as the Red Bulls went on to win 4–2. Adams signed his first senior team contract on November 3, 2015, and joined the first team in preseason training camp in 2016. Adams made his first MLS bench appearance as an unused substitute on April 1, 2016, during a 1–0 loss to the New England Revolution and on April 13 made his MLS debut, starting against the San Jose Earthquakes before returning to Red Bulls II on loan for the remainder of the season. Adams emerged as a regular starter for the Red Bulls senior team in the 2017 season. On August 15, 2017, Adams helped New York to a…

2015–2017: Youth level

Adams has represented the United States at the under-15, under-17, and under-20 levels. He appeared in all of his team's matches at the 2015 CONCACAF Under-17 Championships in Honduras, helping the United States qualify for the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup. In May 2017 Adams played every match for the United States at the 2017 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in South Korea, which proved to be a breakout tournament for him at the same time that he cemented himself as a starter for the New York Red Bulls.

2017–2019: Senior debut and injury

On November 14, 2017, Adams earned his first cap for the senior national team, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 draw with Portugal. On September 11, 2018, he scored a goal against Mexico in a friendly at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. In June 2019, Adams was named to the squad for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup but was forced to withdraw due to an injury.

2022: First FIFA World Cup

In November 2022, Adams was named captain of the United States squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This made him the youngest captain at the competition and the youngest American captain since 1950. On January 13, 2023, it was announced he had been voted the 2022 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year after Adams led the Americans to the knockout stages of the World Cup.

2026: Second FIFA World Cup

On May 26, 2026, Adams was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Adams was born in Dutchess County, New York to Melissa Russo. Tyler credits much of the success in his life to his mother's unwavering devotion to him. Examples of this include Melissa driving the over 150 mile round trip to the Red Bulls facility before Tyler was old enough to make the journey himself. Melissa raised Tyler for most of his early years on her own. Eventually Melissa married Daryl Sullivan and his three sons became an essential part of Tyler's life. He is of African American descent through his father. His stepfather, Daryl Sullivan, coached soccer at the high school level and at Marist College. Adams graduated from Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls, New York.

Adams also owns a local club “Hudson Valley Hammers” in the USL2. In January 2025, Adams joined the ownership group of USL League One expansion club Westchester SC, near his hometown.