F. Barajas D.C. United Forward #99 Performance and Stats Overview

If you’ve been following D.C. United this season, you definitely know the name Fidel Barajas. Number 99, folks—Barajas is the young forward hoping to make a splash for the Black-and-Red.

Barajas joined from Chivas Guadalajara, and he’s brought a spark to the attack. He’s just 19, but you can already see his confidence and skill on the ball.

So, what’s the big deal with Barajas? Well, he’s spent time in both the United States and Mexico, picking up bits from two soccer cultures.

That mix gives him a unique edge. He can break open matches and brings something fresh for United fans. Honestly, if you’re looking for a reason to tune in, Barajas is a good one.

Quick Stats Table

Name	Position	Club	Number	Age	Contract
Fidel Barajas	Forward	D.C. United	99	19	Loan through June 2025, option to extend
Want more details? Check out his D.C. United player page.

Fidel Barajas: Profile and Background

Barajas lines up as a forward for D.C. United, wearing that #99. He’s a young winger who’s already picked up experience in both the U.S. and Mexico.

Personal Information

Fidel Junior Barajas Juárez—there’s a name for you—was born April 5, 2006, in Sacramento, California. He’s only 19, but he’s already grabbed the attention of coaches and fans.

You’ll usually spot him on the right wing, but he’s versatile. D.C. United took him on loan from Chivas Guadalajara. The loan kicked off in early 2025 and runs through the summer, with an option for more.

Here’s a quick rundown:

Detail	Value
Name	Fidel Junior Barajas Juárez
Date of Birth	April 5, 2006
Age	19
Position	Forward, Winger
Club	D.C. United (on loan)
Shirt Number	99
Parent Club	Chivas Guadalajara

Nationality and Early Life

Barajas holds dual nationality—born in the U.S., but with Mexican roots. Sacramento, his hometown, has churned out plenty of soccer talent.

He had the choice to play for either the U.S. or Mexico. Lately, he’s suited up for Mexico at youth levels. He once played for U.S. youth teams but chose Mexico, and he’s found success there.

Coaches have praised his technical skills and vision. He’s stood out at every youth tournament he’s played.

He trained and competed in top youth systems in both countries. That background shaped his style and made him adaptable. You can read more about his journey on the D.C. United official website.

Physical Attributes

Barajas stands about 178 cm, or 5’10”, and weighs in at 70 kg (154 lbs). That frame gives him speed and balance—just what you want in a winger.

He favors his left foot for crosses, shots, and passes.

He’s got a quick first step and can hold off defenders with his low center of gravity. Barajas mixes strength and agility, making him a real handful in one-on-one situations.

He relies on acceleration, short sprints, and sharp changes of direction. That, plus his fitness, lets him play at a high tempo all match long.

You’ll spot him on the field by his #99 and his non-stop movement out wide.

D.C. United Tenure

Barajas came to D.C. United with a lot of buzz, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing. His loan from Chivas Guadalajara got people talking, considering his age and how quickly he’s moved around.

Loan Details and Contract

D.C. United brought Barajas in on loan from Chivas Guadalajara in late February 2025. The deal runs through June 30, 2025, and they’ve got an option to extend.

D.C. United’s front office, led by Ally Mackay, wanted more depth on the wings. Barajas had played just five games for Chivas before making the move.

They planned the move as a short-term fix, but left the door open for something longer if he impressed. You can read more about the loan agreement and contract on the club’s official site.

Debut and Initial Performances

Barajas debuted for D.C. United not long after arriving, stepping onto the pitch as a forward in early March. Audi Field was buzzing that day, and he brought energy on the flanks.

He showed off solid ball control, though he needed a little time to click with the team’s attack. In his first five games, he made some sharp passes but didn’t hit the scoresheet.

He kept his shape, hugged the sideline, and looked for space behind defenders. Barajas pressed hard and won the ball back high up the field.

Key Stats During First Five Games

Matches	Goals	Assists	Shots on Target	Minutes Played
5	0	0	2	228

Impact on the Black-and-Red

Fans expected speed, creativity, and work rate from Barajas. He filled a hole left by injuries, giving D.C. United a way to stretch the field.

He ran at defenders and opened up space for the strikers.

Coaches liked his attitude in training. Teammates noticed his work ethic and how he communicated in the locker room.

He didn’t post big numbers, but his presence helped balance the attack.

The coaching staff, including Ally Mackay, kept a close eye on his progress. By the end of June, Barajas had logged solid minutes, but the club decided not to extend the loan.

For details on his return to Chivas Guadalajara, check out the full story.

Playing Position and Style

Barajas rocks the #99 shirt for D.C. United and works mostly up front. You see a player who brings energy, quick thinking, and the kind of technical ability modern teams want.

Role as Forward #99

Barajas usually lines up as a forward, helping the attack from the middle or the wings. His spot shifts based on tactics and opponents.

He often cuts inside from the right, setting up his left foot for shots or crosses.

D.C. United signed him on loan from Chivas, and at 19, he’s brought new energy. In the current MLS season, he’s played in 4 matches, logging valuable minutes even though he hasn’t scored yet.

Season	Team	Matches	Goals	Assists	Position
2025	D.C. United	4	0	—	Forward

What stands out? He loves to press defenders, joins the build-up, and finds space between the lines.

His movement stretches defenses and lets teammates create in the final third. For more on his squad profile, check his DC United player page.

Technical Skills and Strengths

Barajas plays left-footed and can slot in as a right midfielder or winger. That gives the team some real flexibility.

He’s quick, balanced, and can work his way through tight spots. His goal tally isn’t there yet, but he keeps the play moving with calm passes and a steady touch.

He’s got quick feet, solid skill moves, and a reliable first touch. At 175 cm and 70 kg, he’s agile but strong enough to handle challenges.

He’ll drop deep to help out in midfield and recycles possession when needed.

His FC 25 overall rating is 69, with room to grow up to 78. That’s a solid number for a young guy learning the MLS ropes. Want more stats? Take a look at his performance with DC United.

Fidel Barajas in Major League Soccer

Barajas arrived in Major League Soccer as a teenager, and people noticed his technical skills and knack for creating chances. His time in the league has had its bright spots and learning curves.

Real Salt Lake Stint

Barajas first joined the Real Salt Lake setup, and you could already see the winger had something special. In the academy, he stood out with his quick feet and his ability to take on defenders.

He trained with the first team a few times, but never got into an official MLS match for RSL.

Still, his stint at Real Salt Lake gave him a taste of the league’s speed and physicality. He went up against seasoned pros in practice, and that experience helped set the stage for his next steps—even if most of his minutes came at the youth and reserve level.

MLS Performance Highlights

Barajas made the jump to D.C. United on loan from Chivas Guadalajara in early 2025. He rocked the number 99 shirt, usually lining up as a forward or out wide on the wing.

Through June, fans saw him take on defenders with a fearless attitude and flash some creativity in the final third. You could see he wasn’t shy about trying something different.

Let’s take a quick look at his MLS performance stats for D.C. United:

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2025	D.C. United	5	0	1	120

Barajas came off the bench for his debut and gradually saw more time on the pitch as the season went on. His highlight? That slick assist—he whipped in a clever cross and showed off some real vision when it mattered.

He didn’t find the back of the net, but you could tell he played with a poise that’s rare for someone his age. That’s the kind of thing that gets coaches and fans excited about what’s to come.

International and Youth Career

Fidel Barajas stands out up top not just for his club journey, but for his international experience as well. He’s got a résumé that includes representing both Mexico and the United States at youth levels, and he’s picked up some hardware at major tournaments.

Representing United States and Mexico

You get a sense of Barajas’ unique story as soon as you check out his international background. Born in the U.S. with Mexican roots, he’s played for youth squads from both countries.

In 2022, Barajas joined the United States Youth National Team for a UEFA Development Tournament. He faced off against under-17 squads from Portugal, Italy, and Belgium, getting a taste of European competition that’s tough to come by.

Switching between federations isn’t something you see every day, but Barajas managed both environments with ease. His time with the U.S. caught attention, especially with more dual nationals popping up in the pool.

Mexico called him up too, so he got to experience two different styles at the youth level. That’s a big plus for his growth.

Here’s a table showing his youth national team appearances:

Team	Level	Notable Events
USA	U-17, U-15	UEFA Dev Tournament (2022)
Mexico	U-17	CONCACAF U-17, training camps

CONCACAF U-17 Championship Achievements

Barajas made an impact at the CONCACAF U-17 Championship with Mexico. His performances mattered as Mexico pushed for the title in 2023.

He played as a playmaker and attacking threat, scoring big goals and creating chances for his teammates. Scouts and coaches noticed how he made decisions under pressure.

Sure, goals and assists stand out in the box score, but his ability to connect with teammates made just as much of a difference. That tournament really boosted his reputation and put him in the conversation for senior national team opportunities down the road.

Barajas’ progress in these youth events turned heads. He’s now seen as a rising star in North American soccer.

Club Career Before D.C. United

Fidel Barajas built his name with meaningful stints at Chivas Guadalajara in Liga MX and Charleston Battery in the USL Championship. His time at both clubs showed off his technical ability and his drive to climb the ladder.

Chivas Guadalajara Transition

Barajas’ path took him to Liga MX, where he signed with Chivas Guadalajara. Chivas, a legendary club in Mexican soccer, brought him in from Real Salt Lake for a reported $4 million—pretty big statement.

He didn’t spend long at Chivas, but he did appear in seven first-team matches, picking up valuable experience in Mexico’s top league. He had to adapt quickly, going up against seasoned pros and international players.

These matches sharpened his tactical sense and helped him polish his skills. The pressure at Chivas? That’s no joke, and it helped him build resilience.

He learned from veteran teammates and coaches, and that support was huge for his development at such a young age. You can check out more at his Chivas Guadalajara profile.

Key Stats at Chivas Guadalajara

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2024	7	0	1

Experience With Charleston Battery

Before heading to Liga MX, Barajas broke through at Charleston Battery in the USL Championship—a league that’s built its reputation on developing young talent.

He signed as a teenager and wasted no time adjusting to senior-level soccer in the States. Barajas used his speed and attacking instincts to contribute goals and assists, quickly standing out among his peers.

Scouts took notice, and his maturity on the field drew plenty of praise. Playing in the USL, with its physical style, toughened him up for bigger challenges.

He showed he could adapt to different roles—winger or forward, didn’t matter—and that versatility paved the way for his move to Chivas.

Charleston Battery Stats

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2022-23	31	5	8

Key Matches and Competitions

Fidel Barajas has earned a rep as a forward who stays cool and delivers in high-pressure situations. You really get a sense of his impact when you dive into his cup and tournament appearances—those are the moments that matter.

Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Appearances

Barajas played in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and that’s where you see how he handles knockout matches. The U.S. Open Cup throws MLS players like Barajas against hungry lower-league teams, and it’s always unpredictable.

He featured in attacking setups, pressed defenders, and created chances. His work rate jumped out, especially when D.C. United needed to flip the switch and break quickly.

Here’s a quick look at his recent U.S. Open Cup stats with D.C. United:

Match	Minutes Played	Goals	Assists	Shots
vs. Loudoun United	62	1	0	3
vs. NY Red Bulls	78	0	1	2

His performances showed that coaches trusted him when it counted. Barajas adjusted well to the intensity of knockout soccer in the U.S.

Want the full rundown? Check out his official match log.

Coaching and Management Influences

The coaching and management staff at D.C. United have shaped Barajas’s path. Their systems, values, and leadership play a big role in how he develops—on and off the field.

Troy Lesesne’s System and Philosophy

Alright, let’s talk Troy Lesesne, the head coach at D.C. United. He brings a sharp, detail-obsessed style to the sidelines, and honestly, you can feel it in every match.

Lesesne builds his tactical system around high-energy pressing and smart ball control. He wants his forwards—like Barajas—to find and exploit space, and you can tell he’s mapped out every inch of the pitch in his head.

He expects his players to make decisions fast. You see it in Barajas’s runs and his positioning—always thinking, always moving. Lesesne’s dedication to growing young talent stands out, too.

He gives Barajas direct feedback during training, making sure the kid knows exactly what’s expected when game day rolls around. There’s no guessing here.

Lesesne keeps the communication lines wide open. He runs team meetings that actually invite players to speak up, so if you’re a forward, you can tweak your game while staying inside the system.

Check out this table—it shows how Barajas has developed under Lesesne’s leadership. You can see the trends as the season unfolds:

Match	Minutes Played	Shots	Goals	Assists
1	45	2	0	0
2	68	3	1	0
3	75	4	1	1

Lesesne’s coaching style? It’s hands-on and energetic. He pushes you, but he’s right there supporting you, too.

That influence really shapes Barajas’s journey with D.C. United. You can’t miss it.