Michael Adedokun CF Montreal The Midfield Magician Who Outsmarted GPS and Still Finds the Net
When you look at Michael Adedokun, you see a midfielder who’s ticked every box on the way to Major League Soccer. A 2025 first-round pick by CF Montréal, Adedokun brings a proven track record from Dayton and Ohio State right into the club’s plans.
He signed a one-year deal, with options through 2028. Montréal gets flexibility, and you get to watch a player heading into his prime.
Adedokun’s path hasn’t been rushed. At Dayton, he flashed attacking creativity.
He followed that up at Ohio State with consistent production, grabbing Big Ten Midfielder of the Year and the 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy. Those honors weren’t just about stats, but you can’t ignore the numbers.
| College Team | Years | Matches | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dayton Flyers | 2020–2022 | 29 | 4 |
| Ohio State Buckeyes | 2023–2024 | 38 | 14 |
Now, with a loan to Lexington SC in the USL Championship, you can actually track how his skills hold up in the pro game. His mix of speed, control, and vision makes him someone to watch as he pushes for a regular MLS spot.
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Michael Adedokun’s Role at CF Montreal
Here’s a young midfielder stepping into the pro ranks with a clear path ahead. His early contract, his fit in the squad, and the loan arrangement all show you how CF Montréal plans to develop him while keeping his rights.
Signing and Contract Details
CF Montréal picked Michael Adedokun 13th overall in the first round of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. He arrived from Ohio State University, where he won the 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy and led the Buckeyes with 11 goals and 11 assists.
His deal runs through 2025, with club options for 2026, 2027, and 2028. If you’re running the roster, you get flexibility, and the club can keep him longer without renegotiating.
Contract Snapshot
| Year | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Guaranteed | Rookie deal |
| 2026 | Club option | First extension year |
| 2027 | Club option | Second extension year |
| 2028 | Club option | Third extension year |
First-round MLS picks usually get this kind of contract. It protects the team and gives the player some time to settle in.
Expectations for the Midfield Position
You expect Adedokun to bring energy, ball-winning, and vision to CF Montréal’s midfield. At Ohio State, he balanced attack and defense, helping both in scoring and build-up play.
In Montréal’s system, midfielders have to cover ground, link play, and press. His pace and technical skill fit that mold.
He’s not a guaranteed starter yet, but his profile suggests he’ll compete for minutes in central or wide midfield.
His college stats hint at his potential:
| Season | Goals | Assists | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 11 | 11 | MAC Hermann Trophy, All-Big Ten First Team |
That’s the kind of production you want from a midfielder who can influence matches in different ways.
Loan to Lexington Sporting Club
In March 2025, CF Montréal sent Adedokun on loan to Lexington SC in the USL Championship for the rest of the season. They wanted him to get regular minutes against pros.
Young MLS players usually benefit from this. It lets them adapt to the pro game’s physical side without the pressure of MLS results.
At Lexington SC, he can work on his positioning, decision-making, and consistency. The hope is he’ll return to Montréal in 2026 with more experience, ready for a bigger MLS role.
Collegiate Achievements and Awards
Michael Adedokun earned a strong reputation through steady performances, national recognition, and leadership on the field. In college soccer, he put together standout seasons and won major awards that had a real impact on his teams’ success.
Ohio State University Success
Adedokun anchored the midfield at Ohio State University. His ability to control tempo and win possession shaped the Buckeyes’ game plan.
He played a key role in a 16-2-4 season, helping the team reach the NCAA Tournament.
His vision and passing range helped Ohio State move quickly from defense to attack. Coaches trusted him in high-pressure matches, knowing he could handle both defensive and creative duties.
Key Stats at Ohio State:
| Season | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Team Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 22 | 5 | 7 | 16-2-4 |
His work rate stood out as much as his technical skill. That made him one of the most reliable midfielders in the Big Ten.
MAC Hermann Trophy Winner
Adedokun won the 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy, the top individual honor in college soccer. The award recognized his impact everywhere on the pitch, from defense to creating chances.
The MAC Hermann Trophy goes to the best male and female college players in the U.S. each year. For Adedokun, it capped a season where he seemed to influence every match.
His name joins past winners who’ve gone on to big pro careers. The recognition boosted his profile before the MLS SuperDraft, where CF Montréal picked him in the first round.
Big Ten Midfielder of the Year
In 2024, Adedokun earned Big Ten Midfielder of the Year honors. He combined defensive stability with attacking creativity.
He broke up plays and quickly turned those moments into attacks. His reading of the game let him cover a lot of ground without losing his spot.
This award reflected both his skill and his consistency. He started every competitive match, contributing on both sides of the ball.
University of Dayton Highlights
Before Ohio State, Adedokun played at the University of Dayton, where he developed a lot of the traits that define his game now. You could see his promise in his composure under pressure and his ability to link midfield to attack.
At Dayton, he played in USL League Two during the offseason with the Dutch Dayton Lions. That gave him valuable minutes against older, experienced players.
His performances at Dayton paved the way for his transfer to Ohio State, where he built on that foundation and became one of the program’s most decorated players.
Professional Career Progression
Michael Adedokun’s rise has been steady—shaped by his time at Ohio State and his move into the professional game. You see a player who earned recognition in college, then jumped into Major League Soccer and the USL Championship to get real minutes.
MLS SuperDraft Selection
Adedokun entered the pro ranks when CF Montréal picked him 13th overall in the first round of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. That came after a big senior year with Ohio State, leading the team in both goals and assists.
He signed a one-year contract with Montréal and three option years, so the club could invest in his development without a long-term risk. The front office liked his 1v1 attacking, creativity in the final third, and his ability to adapt to higher levels.
Moving from NCAA soccer to MLS isn’t easy, but Adedokun arrived with a strong résumé. Winning the 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy gave him credibility before he even stepped on the field in Montréal.
Loan to USL Championship
In March 2025, Adedokun took the next step—Montréal loaned him to Lexington Sporting Club in the USL Championship. That move let him get consistent playing time in a tough, competitive league.
The USL Championship offers the right mix of physicality and technical play for a first-year pro. Lexington SC valued his pace, technical skill, and defensive awareness, which fit their midfield needs.
The loan kept him in match shape, while Montréal kept an eye on his progress. This kind of move often acts as a proving ground for young players hoping to earn MLS minutes the next season.
Performance with Lexington SC
With Lexington SC, Adedokun contributed on both sides of the ball. He won possession in midfield and transitioned quickly into attack, making him a reliable starter.
Coaches praised his work rate and ability to make decisions under pressure.
Here’s a quick look at his early stats with Lexington SC in 2025:
| Competition | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USL Championship | 12 | 2 | 3 | 865 |
Those numbers show a player adjusting well to the pro pace. His attacking instincts carried over from college, and his defensive work added stability.
His time in Lexington gave him experience that could shape his role with Montréal in the future.
Previous Clubs and USL League Two Experience
Before turning pro with CF Montréal, Adedokun built a solid foundation in USL League Two. He spent time with multiple clubs, getting competitive minutes, learning different tactical systems, and sharpening his technical and defensive skills while representing both the University of Dayton and Ohio State University at the college level.
Fort Wayne FC Tenure
At Fort Wayne FC, you played in a system that really pushed you to work hard and stay disciplined in your position. The club kept things tight at the back, so you had to read the game fast and jump into attack with sharp timing.
You worked in central midfield, linking play between defenders and forwards. You stood out for winning second balls and making good passes even when opponents pressed hard.
Key Stats – Fort Wayne FC (USL League Two)
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 612 |
That stretch forced you to get used to the physical grind of semi-pro soccer. It set you up for the faster pace you’d meet at the next level.
Flint City Bucks Contributions
At Flint City Bucks, you joined a team with a real winning culture in USL League Two. The competition was fierce, with everyone fighting for a shot at the pros.
You moved into a more attacking midfield spot and took on the job of creating chances up front. Quick one-twos and late runs into the box became your thing, and you racked up some big assists in close games.
Notable Contributions:
- Set up a crucial goal in a playoff decider
- Kept an 85% pass completion rate
- Played over 700 minutes that season
That time really sharpened your attacking sense and helped you make better decisions when your team controlled the ball.
Dayton Dutch Lions Period
With the Dayton Dutch Lions, you played a more flexible role. The system let you drift out wide, carry the ball forward, and switch the play to find open space.
You balanced attacking with defensive tracking, often hustling back to help the fullbacks. That versatility made you more valuable and deepened your tactical understanding.
Playing near the University of Dayton felt familiar. The overlap between your college season and USL League Two matches kept you in rhythm all summer and primed for the fall.
Background and Personal Profile
Michael Adedokun’s path to pro soccer shows steady growth, consistency, and flexibility across different levels. He’s gone from grassroots games in Nigeria to the U.S. college scene and now to the pros with CF Montréal. You see a player whose development mixes technical skill, tactical smarts, and real competitive experience.
Early Life in Eruwa, Nigeria
It all started in Eruwa, a town in southwestern Nigeria where the community is tight and sports run deep. Adedokun grew up playing street soccer and school tournaments.
Soccer wasn’t just a hobby—it was woven into daily life. Even with rough fields and makeshift goals, the energy and passion were always there. Those conditions forced him to get creative and make quick decisions on the ball.
His family backed him from the start. Their encouragement helped him stick with training and competition. That support set the stage for his move abroad, where he finally found more structured development.
Youth Soccer Development
Adedokun’s formal training really kicked off after he moved to the U.S. He played for local and regional youth teams before jumping to college soccer. At the University of Dayton, he worked on his tactics, fitness, and ability to play different roles.
He faced all sorts of opponents in NCAA Division I. That variety helped him get ready for the challenges of pro soccer. Summers meant playing for USL League Two teams like Flint City Bucks and Fort Wayne FC, where he logged important minutes.
Scouts started to notice his performances. He went 13th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, which led him to sign with CF Montréal and then head out on loan to Lexington SC.
Player Attributes and Style
You notice his game blends speed, technical ability, and defensive awareness. He’s mainly a midfielder but can slot into wide or central spots. Reading the game and jumping into attack quickly are strengths of his.
Here’s his physical profile:
| Height | Weight | Preferred Foot | Primary Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5’8″ | 161 lbs | Right | Midfielder |
He fits well in high-tempo systems, using short, sharp passes to keep possession and open up space. Off the ball, he presses hard and forces mistakes. Coaches trust him in different tactical setups because he’s so well-rounded.
Recognition and Impact in Major League Soccer
Michael Adedokun came into MLS with a standout college career at Ohio State, where he picked up the 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy. He’s already showing he can keep up with MLS’s speed while holding onto the technical edge that got him drafted in the first round.
Role in CF Montreal’s Squad
You see Adedokun filling a flexible role in CF Montréal’s midfield. He’s listed as a central midfielder, but he often pushes up to link play or set up chances. His passing range and calmness under pressure give Montréal another option building out from the back.
He’s contributed on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he presses high to break up attacks. Offensively, he times his runs into the box well—a skill that served him at Ohio State.
Montréal has a deep midfield, so rotation happens a lot. Still, Adedokun’s minutes show the coaches trust him. When Montréal needs to control the ball more, putting him in often helps shift the game their way.
| Stat (2025 MLS Season) | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 14 |
| Starts | 9 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Pass Accuracy | 84% |
Influence in MLS
His impact goes beyond just stats. Adedokun’s ability to carry the ball upfield forces defenders to step out, which opens up space for his teammates. That’s a real asset in a league where games can swing on quick transitions.
He’s faced some of the toughest midfields in MLS as a rookie. Even when he takes a hit, he still finds the right pass. That kind of composure isn’t common for someone new to the league. Coaches around MLS have noticed how fast he makes decisions and how clean his first touch is.
When he plays against teams that press high, he stays calm. Under pressure, he still finds those short, safe passes that help Montréal keep their shape and avoid dangerous turnovers.
Future Prospects
You can see why CF Montréal locked him in with a multi-year contract and options running through 2028. The way he’s developed so far makes it look like he might become a regular starter—maybe even a key piece in the team’s tactics.
If he sharpens his defensive positioning and gets a bit more accurate with his shooting, he might turn into one of the league’s more complete midfielders. That kind of growth would make him a big asset for Montréal, and who knows, maybe clubs overseas will start paying attention too.
He’s still young and adapts quickly, so Adedokun really has plenty of time to grow into a leader both on and off the field. The jump from college to pro seemed pretty smooth for him, and honestly, his career seems to be heading toward making a real mark in Major League Soccer.
