D. Leyva’s Hilarious Trick That Has Sounders Fans Losing Their Minds — Midfielder #75’s Unstoppable Move!
When you tune in to a Seattle Sounders FC match, #75 in the midfield stands out. Danny Leyva, who grew up in Las Vegas and came up through the Sounders Academy, brings a calm vibe on the ball and a passing game that just works for Seattle’s approach.
Honestly, you’re looking at a young midfielder with real MLS and international experience already under his belt. That makes him one of the more interesting homegrown players around.
Leyva signed his first pro contract before he even turned 16. He became the youngest in Sounders history to do it. Since then, he’s picked up minutes with both the first team and Tacoma Defiance. He even went on loan with the Colorado Rapids to sharpen his skills.
His path really shows the push and pull between development and opportunity. Seattle keeps investing in its academy talent, and Leyva is proof of that.
As you follow his career, you see how he’s grown from a promising teenager into a steady option in Brian Schmetzer’s midfield. From his first MLS start against Vancouver to his U.S. Open Cup appearances, Leyva keeps moving forward.
International call-ups and a rising market value make him one to watch as he takes his next steps.
Contents
Player Profile and Background
Danny Leyva has built his career on technical precision and steady progress through the Sounders FC Academy. He’s become a reliable central midfielder in Major League Soccer.
His journey shows early promise, international youth recognition, and a style grounded in control and composure.
Early Life and Youth Career
Leyva’s roots run back to Las Vegas, where he grew up before making the jump to Seattle’s academy. In 2017, he left his local club, Barcelona Las Vegas, and joined the Sounders FC Academy. That move quickly set him apart.
At just 15, he played two age groups up in the Generation Adidas Cup. He helped Seattle’s U-17s win a national title. That early experience against older players showed off his sharp passing and tactical maturity.
In 2018, he became the youngest player to start a USL match for Tacoma Defiance. He handled the professional stage with confidence. By 2019, he signed as Seattle’s 12th Homegrown Player, the youngest First Team signing in club history.
His steady rise through the academy and Defiance paved the way for his MLS debut at 16. From there, his development stayed closely tied to Seattle’s focus on youth.
Personal Background
Born May 5, 2003, in Las Vegas, Leyva grew up with a family that backed his soccer dreams from the start. His Mexican-American heritage shaped who he is, connecting him to both U.S. and Mexican soccer circles.
He played for the United States at the U-15 and U-16 levels. Later, he earned call-ups with the U-17 national team. In 2018, he scored a clutch goal against Italy at the Torneo Delle Nazioni—a moment that really hinted at his potential.
Leyva’s ties to the USMNT youth system keep him in the mix for future senior team chances. He’s a player who balances club duties with international hopes.
He skipped college and went pro straight through the Sounders’ developmental pathway. That move put him in a professional environment before he even turned 16.
Playing Style and Strengths
You mostly see Leyva as a defensive or central midfielder. His game is all about short, accurate passing and knowing where to be. He slows things down when needed.
He doesn’t score a ton, but he controls the midfield with smart decisions. In transition, he breaks up plays and recycles possession quickly.
Coaches trust him to keep the structure, especially when he’s paired with more attacking midfielders.
Here’s a quick look at his pro record:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Seattle/Tacoma | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Seattle/Tacoma | 28 | 1 | 3 |
| 2024 | Seattle/Tacoma | 26 | 1 | 2 |
His passing accuracy and defensive positioning stand out. He values efficiency, linking defense to attack without taking silly risks.
That balance makes him a solid player in MLS, especially when a match calls for control.
Seattle Sounders FC Career
Danny Leyva’s journey with Seattle Sounders FC started with an early debut and steady growth in the midfield. His time with Tacoma Defiance gave him extra minutes to refine his game before making a bigger MLS impact.
First Team Debut and Milestones
Leyva broke through in 2019, signing as Seattle’s 12th Homegrown Player at just 15. That made him the youngest first team signing in club history.
His MLS debut came in June 2019 against Montreal. He started his first match later that month against Vancouver.
He logged over 400 minutes in his first MLS season—a rare thing for a teenager. By 2021, he became a steady part of the rotation, starting eight of 24 matches.
That year, he played in the historic match at Austin FC, when Seattle started five teenagers and still won 1-0.
Leyva also got valuable time with Tacoma Defiance, sharpening his passing and defensive positioning. He balanced first team minutes with developmental games in the USL Championship and MLS NEXT Pro.
| Season | MLS Appearances | MLS Starts | Tacoma Defiance Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 6 | 4 | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 24 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 19 | 12 | 9 | 1 | 2 |
| 2024 | 21 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
Role in the Midfield
Leyva’s role in the midfield shifts depending on who’s around him. As a defensive midfielder, he focuses on ball recovery, short passing, and linking play from defense to attack.
He doesn’t rely on speed—he uses positioning and quick decisions.
When he plays with guys like Obed Vargas or Bryan Acosta, he usually sits deeper, covering space while others push forward. His passing accuracy stays above 80 percent, showing he’s reliable in possession.
Coaches appreciate that stability, especially when Seattle needs to control the middle third.
He also brings flexibility. Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, Leyva adapts to different roles—from shielding the backline to sparking attacks with quick passes. That adaptability keeps him in the first team mix, even with competition for minutes.
Notable Performances and Highlights
A few matches really stand out in Leyva’s career. In 2022, he notched his first MLS assist in a 4-0 win over Vancouver, setting up Alex Roldan’s late goal.
Later that season, he added another assist in a tough loss to Real Salt Lake, showing progress in creating chances.
In 2024, he made 21 appearances and chipped in a key assist in the U.S. Open Cup against Louisville City. He also played in Seattle’s playoff match with Houston, where his composure in midfield helped steady the team.
For Tacoma Defiance, he scored and assisted in just five games, proving he can impact matches at different levels.
His consistency might not always grab headlines, but when Seattle needs calm passing or defensive cover, he delivers. Those steady contributions, along with his early academy rise, make him a trusted option for Brian Schmetzer.
Leyva, a Las Vegas native who developed with the Sounders Academy, keeps building on the foundation he set as a teenager. He balances steady MLS minutes with the chance for bigger roles ahead.
He skipped college soccer and went straight to Seattle, a decision that shaped his pro path from the start.
If you want more details, check out his Seattle Sounders FC profile or his Wikipedia page.
Loan to Colorado Rapids
Danny Leyva left Seattle to find more playing time and new challenges. Moving to Colorado gave him a shot at competing in a different system and facing a crowded midfield.
Loan Details and Transfer Terms
Seattle Sounders FC loaned Leyva to the Colorado Rapids in April 2023, just as the MLS Primary Transfer Window was closing. The deal sent him to Commerce City for the rest of the season.
In return, Seattle got $92,000 in General Allocation Money and Colorado’s third-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft.
Both clubs included a clause so the loan could end early during the Summer Transfer Window. That gave Seattle the option to recall him if roster needs changed.
The Sounders saw the move as a way for Leyva to get minutes in a system that fit him better. At the time, Seattle’s midfield was crowded, so his chances were limited.
Loan Terms Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Club sent | Seattle Sounders FC |
| Club received | Colorado Rapids |
| Transfer window | Primary Transfer Window, April 2023 |
| Compensation | $92,000 GAM + 2025 MLS SuperDraft 3rd Round Pick |
| Recall option | Summer Transfer Window |
Performance with Colorado Rapids
Leyva stepped into a Colorado side that needed midfield depth. He played in league matches and cup games, usually as a central or holding midfielder.
Compared to Seattle, he got more minutes since he’d struggled to find consistent starts there.
Leyva’s style—short passing, ball retention, composure—fit into Colorado’s midfield rotation. He didn’t light up the stat sheet, but his ability to link play and keep possession gave the Rapids some stability.
In 2023, he started MLS matches and made appearances off the bench. He didn’t score, but he contributed with distribution and defensive work.
The Rapids gave him the regular playing time he needed at 19.
2023 Colorado Rapids (Loan) Stat Line
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS | 12 | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| U.S. Open Cup | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Key Teammates and Competition
When Danny Leyva landed in Colorado, he joined a midfield group with Ralph Priso, Connor Ronan, and Bryan Acosta. Each guy brought something different to the table, which meant Leyva faced both competition and some solid support.
Priso brought a defensive edge. Ronan managed the tempo with his passing range. Acosta added physicality and box-to-box energy. Leyva carved out his spot as a reliable connector, keeping things moving in possession.
The Rapids coaching staff mixed and matched these players based on the opponent. Leyva often found himself battling Priso for minutes as the deeper midfielder.
When coaches paired him with Ronan or Acosta, Leyva played a disciplined role. He focused on distribution and positioning, not so much on attacking runs.
This setup forced Leyva to adapt fast. Training with experienced guys like Acosta helped him polish his game.
That internal competition gave Leyva real chances to prove he could handle the grind of MLS.
International Experience
Danny Leyva grew up in Las Vegas, yet he quickly stepped onto international stages. He’s a player who’s represented the United States at several youth levels, testing himself against top teams and gaining experience in tournaments that really shaped his development.
Youth National Team Appearances
Leyva’s rise started with the USMNT youth system. He earned call-ups with the U-15 and U-16 squads after some strong performances in the Seattle Sounders Academy.
In a friendly against the U.S. U-15s, Leyva scored and picked up an assist, which put him firmly on the national team’s radar.
By 2018, he became a regular with the U-16s. He went to four camps and traveled overseas with the team.
Leyva even captained the squad in a handful of friendlies, showing early leadership.
His biggest moment came at the 2018 Torneo Delle Nazioni in Italy. He faced Croatia, Slovenia, Japan, and Italy, and he scored a clutch goal off a corner against the hosts.
That moment really showed he could handle international pressure.
Youth National Team Stats
| Level | Years | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-15 | 2017 | 2 | 1 |
| U-16 | 2018 | 6 | 1 |
| U-17 | 2019 | 4 | 0 |
FIFA U-17 World Cup Participation
Leyva also played in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2019. He was one of the youngest players called up by coach Raphael Wicky.
The team traveled to Brazil and faced a brutal group: Japan, the Netherlands, and Senegal.
Leyva played in midfield, but the U.S. struggled and finished without a win. Still, the experience gave him real minutes against some of the world’s top youth programs.
Playing in Brazil, where soccer is everything, forced him to adjust to high-pressure environments quickly.
For a teenager, those matches really showed how international tournaments can speed up a player’s growth, even if the results sting.
CONCACAF Champions League Involvement
Most of Leyva’s international résumé comes from national team play, but he also got a taste of the CONCACAF Champions League with Seattle. He was part of the Sounders squad during their 2022 run, when they became the first MLS team to win the modern version of the tournament.
He didn’t get a ton of minutes, but just being around matches against Liga MX sides like Pumas UNAM gave him exposure to different playing styles.
That tournament also set the stage for Seattle’s trip to the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco.
When you look at his career, those Champions League nights gave him a taste of continental competition—the kind that matches the intensity of international play.
Facing teams from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean helped turn him into a more adaptable midfielder.
Contract, Transfers, and Market Value
Danny Leyva has built steady value with Seattle Sounders FC through consistent midfield play and developing from the homegrown pathway. His career has included contract extensions, trade activity within MLS, and some buzz from both domestic and international markets.
Contract Extensions and Options
Leyva signed a four-year homegrown extension with Seattle in January 2023, running through 2026, with a club option for 2027. At 22, he earns a base salary of $325,000 in 2025, and his cap hit sits at $349,900 under the MLS budget.
The structure of his deal matters. That 2027 club option gives Seattle the choice to keep him during his prime, but also protects them from losing him for nothing.
Contract Snapshot
| Year | Age | Base Salary | Cap Hit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 20 | $200,000 | $224,900 | Active |
| 2024 | 21 | $235,000 | $259,900 | Active |
| 2025 | 22 | $325,000 | $349,900 | Active |
| 2026 | 23 | – | – | Active |
| 2027 | 24 | – | – | Club Option |
This kind of contract is pretty standard for homegrown players. It gives the club cost control but still rewards the player for developing.
Transfer Rumors and Market Interest
Clubs in Liga MX and abroad have kept an eye on Leyva, but he hasn’t made a permanent move yet. His market value has bounced around, with Transfermarkt listing him at €1.20m in 2025.
His ability to play as a defensive or box-to-box midfielder makes him attractive to teams outside MLS. Still, his lack of goals has kept bigger offers away.
In April 2023, Seattle traded him on loan to Colorado Rapids for $92,000 in General Allocation Money and a 2025 MLS SuperDraft pick.
That deal showed how MLS clubs use trades to manage their rosters and cap space.
Rumors of a summer transfer always pop up, but Seattle has held onto him. They value his age and his ability to cover multiple midfield spots.
MLS Transfer Mechanisms
To really get Leyva’s career, you have to understand how MLS handles player movement. Unlike Europe, MLS uses allocation money, discovery rights, and draft picks to make trades.
Seattle has used General Allocation Money in deals involving Leyva, showing how these tools shape roster building.
The MLS SuperDraft matters too, like when Colorado got a future pick for Leyva. These mechanisms create value beyond just cash, and they influence how clubs make moves.
Timing plays a role. The primary transfer window runs in spring, and the summer window opens midseason. Leyva’s trade to Colorado happened during the spring window, which is a typical time for roster tweaks.
So Leyva’s future depends not just on his play, but on how Seattle works the roster rules, cap space, and any outside interest.
Media, Recognition, and Off-Field Presence
Leyva’s career isn’t just defined by what he does on the pitch. The way media covers him, his online presence, and the recognition he’s earned for his development all play a part.
His path through Seattle Sounders FC and Tacoma Defiance has drawn plenty of attention from local and national outlets.
Media Coverage and News
If you follow Major League Soccer, you’ve probably seen Danny Leyva’s name pop up. He signed with Seattle as the youngest Homegrown in club history, which definitely made headlines.
Writers covered his early debut in the USL Championship with Tacoma Defiance, where he became one of the youngest to ever start a match.
Coverage has followed his steady climb through the Sounders system. In 2019, he made his MLS debut at just 16, which got a lot of attention from MLSsoccer.com and other league sites.
People also talk about his role in matches where Seattle leaned on its young players, like that 2021 game in Austin when five teenagers started.
You’ll find his name in transfer-focused outlets like Transfermarkt, where his stats and market value are tracked.
These reports keep him in the mix as one of Seattle’s most promising midfielders.
Social Media and YouTube Presence
Leyva doesn’t go all out online, but he keeps a steady presence. His Instagram shows training shots, matchday pics, and moments with teammates.
Fans regularly post clips of his passing and composure on YouTube, with highlight reels from his time in Seattle and Tacoma.
The Sounders’ official channels feature him, too. You’ll see him in match previews, postgame interviews, and behind-the-scenes videos. These clips show his calm vibe and team-first mindset.
He doesn’t post as much as some younger guys, but his content feels focused and professional. Honestly, his online presence seems more about reinforcing his role with the club than building a flashy personal brand.
Awards and Honors
You can spot Leyva’s recognition at both club and international levels. With the Sounders Academy, he helped the team clinch the U.S. Soccer Development Academy national championship at the U-17 level. That milestone really put him on the national radar.
He hasn’t picked up major individual awards yet at the professional level, but his career milestones stand out. Seattle signed him as the youngest First Team player in their history, and he’s still one of the youngest signings in MLS.
Here’s a quick look at some early career highlights:
| Year | Team | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Tacoma Defiance | Second-youngest USL Championship starter |
| 2019 | Seattle Sounders FC | Youngest Homegrown signing in club history |
| 2022 | Seattle Sounders FC | Career-high 12 MLS starts |
| 2024 | Seattle Sounders FC | 21 appearances, 1 assist |
On the international side, Leyva’s name pops up with U.S. youth teams. He’s played for the U-15, U-16, and U-17 squads.
He even scored a game-winner against Italy at the Torneo Delle Nazioni. That kind of moment really shows his steady progress on the national stage.
