ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United announced on Thursday the club had signed midfielder Zico Bailey to an extension to remain in Black & Yellow through the 2026 season, with an additional club option for 2027.

“We are very excited to tie a player of Zico’s talents, mentality, and focus to New Mexico United for the foreseeable future,” said United Sporting Director Itamar Keinan. “Zico has been a terrific player, teammate, and community member since his arrival two seasons ago. United fans love him, with good reason. We’re thrilled that he’ll continue to give his all to this club and community even longer.”

Bailey joined United on a during the 2023 season and has been a stalwart for the club ever since. In the time since his arrival, he ranks second on the team with 49 appearances across the USL Championship regular season and playoffs, third on the club with 3,846 minutes played and has recorded three assists and 31 chances created.

The Philippines international’s two-goals-in-three-minutes performance against Real Salt Lake – the top team in the MLS Western Conference at the time – in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup has become stuff of legend. The match was United’s first Open Cup contest at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park, and the 4-2 victory was one of the more meaningful results in the history of the club.