Nashville SC announces 2026 club award winners

Nashville Soccer Club capped off its historic 2026 season by honoring its own Tuesday night, announcing the winners of the club’s annual awards at a private End of Year dinner at GEODIS Park. The celebration, presented by Renasant Bank and attended by players and staff, recognized the individuals who propelled the Boys in Gold to their first-ever Supporters’ Shield and a season of record-shattering dominance on the pitch. SixOneFive Soccer confirmed the ceremony, which came just one day after Nashville’s 15W-0L-2D home season secured two new MLS single-season records.

This is a season for the history books. The club’s dominance at home was particularly staggering, becoming the second club in league history to finish unbeaten at home twice and setting records for home wins (15) and home points (47). The players honored Tuesday were the architects of this success.

The MVP and Offensive Force That Built a Champion

Leading the charge was the club’s captain, Hany Mukhtar, who was named Most Valuable Player. SixOneFive Soccer reported that Mukhtar became the first player in MLS history to record at least 25 goal contributions in five different seasons. This year, he ranks seventh in MLS with 25 goal contributions (17 goals, eight assists) and is just one goal away from becoming the 14th player in league history to reach 100 regular season career goals.

Goal of the Year: Andy Najar 🚀 pic.twitter.com/VIL5gQUgtQ

— https://x.com/NashvilleSC/status/2118373297784259044

Joining him as a finalist for the league’s own MVP award was forward Sam Surridge, who took home the club’s Offensive Player of the Year honor. Surridge’s 19 regular season goals lead the team and rank fourth in the MLS. His seven match-winning goals top the entire league, including the crucial tally that clinched the Supporters’ Shield on Oct. 24 at CF Montréal. In all competitions, Surridge has scored 21 goals, tying him for fourth in the Golden Boot race seven behind Lionel Messi’s league-leading total.

Defense Anchors League's Best Defense

While the offense garnered headlines, the defense’s quiet strength was equally vital. First-year centerback Maxwell Woledzi was named Defensive Player of the Year, an anchor in a back that leads MLS in shutouts (16) and fewest goals conceded (25). In his inaugural season, Woledzi has played the most minutes of any outfield player, appearing in all 33 regular season matches. His impact wasn’t just defensive; he contributed three goals and one assist, proving to be a dynamic presence from the back.

The award for Newcomer of the Year went to another engine of the team’s success, Cristian Espinoza. The Argentine winger, signed as a high-profile free agent, has quickly become part of the Nashville attack. His 15 assists in MLS are tied for the third-most in the league, and his 17 assists across all competitions set a new single-season record for the club.

A Goal of the Year for the Ages and a Community Champion

The Goal of the Year award was a dramatic choice, honoring a moment that defined the team’s resilient spirit. In the 95th minute of a match against the Columbus Crew on Aug. 22, Nashville was down 2-1 in second-half stoppage time. Jeisson Palacios received the ball from midfielder Bryan Acosta and slipped it to Andy Najar, who took a touch and fired a right-footed strike into the far netting to cap off a stunning comeback. SixOneFive Soccer noted that this goal capped off one of the more dramatic wins in the club’s MLS history.

Off the field, defender Josh Bauer was honored with the Humanitarian of the Year award for his dedicated work with Friends Life Community, a nonprofit that provides adults with developmental disabilities with opportunities for personal and social growth. Bauer was introduced to the organization through his mother and regularly participated in its “Lunch Bunch” initiative. Bauer’s work is a key part of Nashville SC’s inaugural Champions Project, which supports five local nonprofits.

The Future is Bright in Nashville and Huntsville

The club’s commitment to player development was on full display with two key awards honoring the next generation. Will Mackay, the 18-year-old goalkeeper for Huntsville City FC, was named the team’s Player of the Year. Mackay, who arrived after three seasons with Real Monarchs, made 22 starts and set career highs in shutouts (six), saves (69), and penalty kick saves (two). His performance earned him a finalist spot for MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year and a Best XI honorable mention.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell on Nashville’s Entrepreneurial Future | 2026 NEXT Awards

In the academy, U18 attacking midfielder Xavier Aguilar was named Academy Player of the Year. In his debut season with both the U18s and Huntsville City FC, Aguilar scored his first professional goal on April 18 and finished with 22 appearances across both competitions, showcasing his readiness for the next level.

Nashville SC announces 2026 club award winners — Photo: sixonefivesoccer.com

The awards also recognized the unsung heroes behind the scenes. In the sporting operations department, First Assistant Athletic Trainer Dylan Green was named Employee of the Year. On the business side, Director of Ticket Operations CJ Berthelsen won the same honor, while Director of Booking Max Shafer was named Newcomer of the Year. On the player engagement side, Bruno Paschoalini was named Newcomer of the Year.

As Nashville SC prepares for its final regular season match and the postseason, these individual honors highlight a collective achievement. The club’s success wasn’t built on star power alone, but on the contributions of every single member, from the MVP and the academy prospect to the community advocate and the front-office employee. The foundation for this historic season was solidified not just on the field, but in the community and in the culture the club has worked so hard to build.