MIAMI – Miami FC announced on Thursday the club had signed goalkeeper Felipe Rodriguez to a multi-year contract ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval. 

With the signing, Rodriguez becomes the first Miami FC Academy player to sign a professional contract with the First Team in club history.

Rodriguez first joined Miami’s U20 team in the summer of 2022. He continued to play on the squad the following season and helped lead the team to USL Academy National Playoffs in 2023. 

He then signed his first USL Academy contract with the club ahead of the 2024 season and made his professional debut in Miami’s U.S. Open Cup match against South Georgia Tormenta FC. Rodriguez recorded his first start in the USL Championship regular season among later against North Carolina FC.

That season, Rodriguez recorded the most minutes played amongst all USL Academy signings in the USL Championship, logging more than 900 minutes of action. The young goalkeeper also earned the USL Championship 2024 Save of the Year award.

“Proud to continue defending these colors,” said Rodriguez. “With the same hunger, the same commitment, and the grit of always, with a clear objective: to give everything for this club and its people.”

In 2025, Rodriguez continued as a USL Academy signing with the First Team, and has now recorded 1,505 minutes in 17 appearances in league play. His move to a professional contract highlights Miami’s aim to provide professional opportunities to top local talent.

“Felipe’s signing reflects what we’ve been building at our club,” said Miami FC Academy’s Executive Director Firmiano Ribeiro. “He’s a local player who’s earned this opportunity and signing him to a multi-year deal endorses our commitment to investing in local talent. As a club, we’re committed to identifying, developing, and retaining young talent from our community, and providing a clear pathway to the professional level. Felipe is an example of that pathway, and we believe his best years are still ahead of him.”