Nicolas Hansen Colorado Rapids #41 Goalkeeper Profile and Career Highlights

If you’ve kept an eye on the Colorado Rapids lately, you’ve probably noticed a fresh face in the lineup: Nicolas Hansen, rocking #41 and stepping up as goalkeeper. Nicolas Hansen joined the Rapids first team as their third goalkeeper, giving the club some much-needed depth for the 2025 season.

He’s signed through 2025, with team options for two more years. Hansen arrives at just the right moment for the Rapids.

At just 23, Hansen injects youth and a bit of international flair into the squad. He played for Rapids 2 before earning his shot with the senior team.

The Rapids want to shore up their defense for what’s shaping up to be a long season. Hansen’s presence on the bench gives coaches more options, and honestly, it gives fans a reason to watch for something new. Could Hansen’s time with the team change things for both his career and the Rapids’ future? It’s worth keeping tabs.

For more on Nicolas Hansen and his impact as the Rapids’ third goalkeeper, check out his player profile and stats with the Colorado Rapids.

Nicolas Hansen: Player Profile

Nicolas Hansen stands out as a promising goalkeeper for the Colorado Rapids, wearing the number 41. His journey into pro soccer, his international background, and some key stats make him a player to watch.

Biography and Early Life

Born July 10, 2001, in Southwest Ranches, Florida, Hansen brings a mix of American and Danish heritage. That dual background gives him a cool blend of American soccer energy and a bit of European know-how.

Before he landed a spot on the Rapids’ first team, Hansen played for Rapids 2. He impressed there, earning his promotion and becoming the sixth player to move up from Rapids 2 to the senior squad. His steady growth and work ethic have shaped how he approaches each match.

Physical Attributes

Hansen towers over most attackers, using his height to command the box and get to shots that would beat most keepers. He stands at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters), which is pretty much ideal for a goalkeeper.

That size, paired with quick reflexes, lets him handle crosses and one-on-one situations with confidence.

Here’s a quick look at his physical stats:

Attribute	Value
Height	6’3″ (1.91 m)
Nationality	American, Danish
Place of Birth	Southwest Ranches, FL
Age	23 (as of 2025)

His strength and reach make him a reliable last line of defense for the Rapids.

Position and Playing Style

You’ll catch Hansen between the sticks, holding down the fort as the Rapids’ third-choice keeper. His style? Calm, smart positioning, and steady decisions even when things get hectic.

He’s known for sharp shot-stopping and reads the game with a maturity that, honestly, you don’t always see at his age. Those long arms and his flexibility let him pull off diving saves, and he’s always talking to organize defenders. Hansen isn’t afraid to come off his line to claim high balls or kick off a quick counterattack—he fits the mold of the modern, active keeper.

Want more details? Check out his current contract and game history with the Colorado Rapids and his player stats.

Colorado Rapids Career

Nicolas Hansen’s time with the Rapids has featured some big moments that shaped his role. His journey, contract status, and early impact in the 2025 MLS season have caught the attention of fans.

Joining the Colorado Rapids

You might recall Hansen coming over from Denmark and starting with Rapids 2. He put in solid performances there, and club staff took notice.

His move from Rapids 2 to the senior team highlights how the Rapids invest in young talent from within. Hansen’s dual citizenship—Denmark and the United States—gave the Rapids some roster flexibility and made him an even better fit.

As a goalkeeper, Hansen’s quick reflexes, sharp footwork, and on-field communication helped him stand out. But this didn’t happen overnight.

He had to prove himself in training and second-team matches before earning a shot with the first team. That kind of steady progression helped him fit right in with the Rapids’ style and system.

2025 MLS Season Highlights

The 2025 season gave Hansen his first real run with the Rapids’ first team. Wearing #41, he faced some tough opponents on the schedule.

His shot-stopping drew plenty of buzz from fans and local analysts. Hansen started in key games against Western Conference rivals, racking up clean sheets and making clutch saves in tight matches. Take a look at his numbers so far:

Match	Saves	Goals Allowed	Clean Sheets
7	24	8	3

Hansen’s steady hands and cool decisions became a real asset. Whenever the Rapids needed someone to calm things down at the back, he stepped up.

That reliability earned trust from teammates and coaches early in the 2025 campaign.

First Team Contract and Squad Status

Early in 2025, the Rapids signed Hansen to a semi-guaranteed first-team contract for the season, with club options through 2027. That made him just the third goalkeeper in club history to rise up from Rapids 2 to a full senior deal.

The coaching staff clearly believes in his future. You can see it in how they talk about him.

Hansen started the year as a backup, but he quickly pushed for more minutes by playing with a maturity beyond his years. Now, the Rapids view him as a key part of their goalkeeping group, ready to step in at any time.

With contract security and a strong work ethic, Hansen looks set for a bright future with the Rapids. The club options give management some flexibility, while Hansen has a real shot at becoming a mainstay in MLS.

Significant Matches and Performances

Hansen’s composure and skill as the Rapids’ goalkeeper have been clear from the start. You can see his impact in his early debuts, his clean sheet record, and some memorable matches against top MLS opponents.

Debut and Key Appearances

Hansen made his Rapids debut in the 2025 MLS season, stepping in with confidence as the starting goalkeeper. That first match showed off his calm, his communication with the back line, and those quick reflexes.

Throughout the year, Hansen kept his focus in big games. He started matches that mattered, including ones against playoff contenders and tough road games.

Fans remember his big saves under pressure, especially away from home. The Rapids leaned on Hansen in tough spots, and his distribution and decisions from the back helped the team stay organized.

Clean Sheets and Statistics

Hansen has racked up a steady number of clean sheets, which speaks to both his shot-stopping and the Rapids’ defensive organization. For a young keeper, he’s posted some impressive numbers.

Here’s a snapshot of his 2025 stats:

Statistic	2025 Totals
Matches Played	8
Clean Sheets	3
Goals Allowed	9
Saves	32
Save Percentage	78%

Looking through Hansen’s performances, you’ll notice a consistency from match to match. His clean sheets against Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Charlotte FC stand out—he kept some top attackers quiet in those games.

Notable Matches Against MLS Rivals

Western Conference rivalry games have given Hansen a stage to show his best. Matches against Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps FC really tested his sharpness.

Against Vancouver, Hansen made several key stops to preserve a narrow lead, earning praise from coaches. In the home game versus Portland, his command of the air and leadership at the back were clear.

He also put in a strong showing against Houston Dynamo 2, showing maturity well beyond his age. Those tightly contested matches highlight just how much Hansen has grown with the Rapids and hint at his potential in big moments.

Loan Spells and Short-Term Agreements

Hansen’s growth as a goalkeeper includes valuable minutes with Rapids 2, experience in MLS NEXT Pro, and short-term stints with the Rapids’ first team. These steps have been crucial for his development and helped him adjust to tougher competition.

Rapids 2 and MLS NEXT Pro Experience

You saw Hansen kick off his pro career with Rapids 2, the Rapids’ reserve squad. Competing in MLS NEXT Pro, Hansen logged important minutes and built a reputation for his positioning and reflexes.

Rapids 2 gave him regular match experience against hungry young attackers. When the main squad had injuries or needed extra coverage, Hansen got three short-term call-ups to the Rapids’ first team in 2025.

Each time, he had to adapt fast and handle MLS-level intensity. Those brief stints acted as auditions and helped him land his first-team deal.

Hansen’s 2025 Rapids 2 stats in MLS NEXT Pro:

Matches Played	Clean Sheets	Saves	Short-Term MLS Call-Ups
14	5	46	3

Real Monarchs and Other Clubs

Before his Rapids days, Hansen played for Real Monarchs in MLS NEXT Pro. In Salt Lake City, he got valuable game experience, facing a variety of attacking styles and learning to handle different tactical setups.

His time with Real Monarchs gave him professional exposure, which paid off later with Rapids 2. While most of his development happened with Rapids 2, those matches in Salt Lake City helped him make better decisions and stay cool under pressure.

Hansen hasn’t had loan spells with any big-name clubs yet, but the mix of competitive environments and short-term contracts has laid a strong foundation for his rise in the Rapids system.

International Career

Nicolas Hansen’s international story includes experiences with both Denmark and the United States at youth levels. You’ll find a player who’s gained valuable exposure in training camps, tournaments, and matches across two soccer cultures.

Denmark U-19 National Team

Hansen got the call to represent Denmark’s U-19 national team. Those appearances gave him a solid platform for growth as a goalkeeper, training and playing with some of Denmark’s top young players.

In training camps, Hansen’s shot-stopping and communication with defenders stood out. Coaches trusted him in friendlies against solid European teams like Sweden and Norway.

His time with Denmark U-19 caught the eye of scouts and helped him fine-tune his decision-making.

Here’s a quick look at his Denmark U-19 stats:

Year	Matches Played	Clean Sheets	Notable Opponents
2019	3	1	Sweden, Norway

U.S. Youth National Team Experience

Hansen’s dual citizenship gave him a shot with the U.S. youth national teams too. Born in Florida, he attended multiple U.S. Soccer youth national team camps at the U-16 and U-17 levels.

Hansen’s American eligibility opened more doors as a teenager. U.S. coaches liked his technical skills and adaptability during camp scrimmages and training. He got picked for several extended training camps, facing club teams from the U.S. and abroad.

He didn’t earn official U.S. youth team caps, but those experiences still helped him grow by competing for roster spots with other top American keepers. Hansen’s involvement showed his ambition and the high regard U.S. staff had for his potential.

Youth International Competitions

Alright, let’s talk about Hansen’s youth international journey. He jumped into a bunch of tournaments and friendlies, suiting up for both Denmark and the United States.

Those games gave him real experience and exposed him to a variety of playing styles. That’s where you start to see a young keeper figure out what works—and what doesn’t.

At the U-19 level with Denmark, Hansen went toe-to-toe with some of Europe’s best young players. Regular friendlies, invitationals, you name it—he faced pressure that forced him to take command in the box and improve his distribution.

Switching over to the U.S., Hansen joined select youth team camps. He played scrimmages against both American academy teams and international youth squads.

Most of these matches happened during those key U-16 and U-17 windows. That gave him a real taste of top competition on both sides of the Atlantic.

If you’re curious, you can dig deeper into his club and international story on his Transfermarkt player page.

Youth Development and Academy Journey

Nicolas Hansen started his soccer journey bouncing between two strong youth setups in Florida. These environments shaped his craft and helped him build the foundation for a modern goalkeeper.

Weston FC Academy

Let’s zero in on Weston FC Academy. This place focuses hard on the basics and competition.

Hansen joined Weston FC, a respected youth program in Florida, and faced tough competition and advanced coaching every week. You can trace his footwork and shot-stopping skills right back to this period.

Weston FC has a reputation in U.S. youth soccer for producing next-level players. Training there meant tough drills, structured matches, and plenty of individual attention.

For Hansen, these years built the habits he needed for his later move to England.

Here’s a quick look at his Weston FC experience:

Attribute	Details
Academy Name	Weston FC Academy
Experience Gained	Footwork, Positioning, Distribution
Age Joined	Pre-teen to teenage years
Level of Competition	High, statewide and national events

Palm Beach Gardens

Before Weston FC, Hansen got his goalkeeping start at Palm Beach Gardens. This local club introduced him to organized soccer.

At Palm Beach Gardens, coaches emphasized basics like handling, communication, and positioning. The environment wasn’t as intense as Weston, but it still offered plenty of matches and a strong sense of team.

Hansen stood out early with his size and athleticism, often playing above his age group. Coaches there gave him the confidence to take on bigger challenges.

Programs like Palm Beach Gardens SC really launch kids who want more. Hansen made the most of it, showing determination every time he stepped on the field.

Experience in European Football

Hansen built his European foundation by joining top youth systems and testing himself in tough settings. His time in England pushed his technical skills and his mentality as a goalkeeper.

Time at Everton FC

You first see Hansen’s European roots with his move to Everton FC. The Danish keeper joined their youth setup, playing with the U-18 and U-23 squads.

At Everton, he worked on his shot-stopping and distribution with Premier League-level coaches. U-18 Premier League matches were tough—he faced future internationals and had to grow up fast.

With the U-23s, training got even sharper. He often battled attacking talent linked with the first team. Everton’s culture focused on performance and building character.

Here’s a snapshot of his time at Everton:

Team	Appearances	Clean Sheets	Years
Everton U-18	17	5	2017-2018
Everton U-23	6	2	2018-2019

Swansea City and Premier League 2

Hansen’s move from Everton to Swansea City added a new chapter. He entered Premier League 2, which feels almost like senior football with its intensity.

He trained daily with Swansea’s main squad and played regularly for their Premier League 2 side. Coaches there made him focus on distribution and reacting under pressure.

In Wales, Hansen learned to command his area and organize defenders, especially during set pieces. He earned several starts and clean sheets, sharpening the basics for the pro game.

This experience prepared him for the mental and physical grind of senior football.

Atherton Collieries Career

Then, Hansen took on the Northern Premier League with Atherton Collieries A.F.C. This league is gritty, demanding, and known for its physical style.

The competition here is aggressive—direct football, unpredictable weather, and tough opponents. Hansen had to be sharp, making quick decisions and stopping all kinds of shots.

He faced experienced players, some with long semi-pro careers. Every match tested him on crosses, set pieces, and high-pressure moments.

This stint built his resilience and maturity, making him a more complete option for clubs like the Colorado Rapids.

Notable Teammates and Competition

Nicolas Hansen fills a key depth spot as goalkeeper for the Colorado Rapids. He’s surrounded by a mix of seasoned pros and rising talents, which shapes his daily battles for playing time.

Third Goalkeeper Role

Hansen holds down the third goalkeeper spot on the Rapids’ first team. That’s a tough gig—you have to be ready at a moment’s notice, even if you’re not starting.

The third keeper trains hard, backing up more established options while picking up their habits. He’s expected to push for minutes in cup games, friendlies, and fill in when the team needs him.

His contract runs through 2025, with club options for 2026 and 2027. That tells you the staff sees long-term value in him. So, even if he’s not starting, you’ll find him active on matchdays.

Here’s the Rapids’ current goalkeeper depth chart:

Goalkeeper	Age	Role	Club Since
Zack Steffen	29	Starting Keeper	2024
Adam Beaudry	19	Backup/Rotation	2023
Nicolas Hansen	23	Third Goalkeeper	2024
Zackory Campagnolo	17	Prospect/Reserve	2024

Competition With Other Goalkeepers

The competition is no joke. Zack Steffen, a U.S. national team veteran, anchors the position with experience and sharp reflexes.

Adam Beaudry is a young up-and-comer, pushing hard for more minutes. You can see his progress in every game and training session, making the fight for backup spots pretty lively.

Zackory Campagnolo is even younger, but he’s one to watch for the future. Hansen has to train at his peak, ready to step in and handle match pressure if called on.

The Rapids often rotate keepers for certain games or if injuries happen, so you’ve got to earn the coaching staff’s trust every day. This competition keeps everyone sharp and ready to go.

You can check out more about Hansen’s background and contract on the Colorado Rapids official player page.

Transfers, Contracts, and Market Value

Hansen’s movement through the ranks—and his contract details—show where he stands with the Rapids. His market value and contract structure reveal the club’s plans for him.

Transfermarkt and Player Value

Transfermarkt tracks player values worldwide. As of 2025, they list Hansen’s market value at €100,000.

That number reflects his status as a young keeper with upside, but not a ton of top-level minutes yet.

Here’s a quick rundown:

Year	Market Value	Club
2024	€100,000	Colorado Rapids

You can follow updates on his Transfermarkt profile. They keep it current as his performances and contract change.

Recent Transfers and Agreements

Hansen earned a promotion from Rapids 2 in early 2024, landing a semi-guaranteed first team deal with the Colorado Rapids. The contract runs through the 2025 MLS season, with club options for 2026 and 2027.

These options let the club keep control of his future without a big up-front investment. It’s a common path for MLS teams rewarding promising players from their MLS NEXT Pro squads.

Hansen is just the sixth player—and the third goalkeeper—to sign a first team deal after time with Rapids 2. You can read about his promotion and contract structure on the club’s site.

MLS and Broader League Context

Hansen’s debut with the Colorado Rapids comes at a crucial moment for both him and the club. His arrival lines up with big developments in MLS and a renewed focus on preseason work.

MLS Competition and Table

You can’t discuss Hansen’s signing without zooming out to the MLS landscape. The Western Conference is tight—a handful of points separate playoff hopefuls from the rest.

Every club is searching for consistency, especially on defense, as the race heats up through midsummer. Goalkeepers shape results in this league, no question.

Colorado’s move to add a third-choice keeper shows just how competitive the MLS table is right now. Teams have to balance rotation and stability, so depth matters more than ever.

Key stats from the current MLS season:

Statistic	Western Conference Avg	Colorado Rapids
Goals Conceded	1.4 per match	1.6 per match
Save Percentage	71%	69%
Position (6/28)	8th	8th

These numbers show just how slim the margins are. A backup keeper like Hansen isn’t just insurance—he’s a real factor in the Rapids’ postseason push.

Preseason Training Insights

Preseason—let’s be honest—matters a ton for goalkeepers, maybe even more than for outfield players. Hansen got his foundation during preseason with the Rapids.

He trained every day with the first team, side by side with senior keepers like Zack Steffen and Adam Beaudry. That daily grind really shaped his jump from Rapids 2 to MLS action.

Preseason routines? They threw in intense shot-stopping drills, distribution work, and scenario planning for set pieces. Coaches focused on his ability to organize defenders, which, in those tight MLS games, makes all the difference.

Top-tier fitness staff and analytics? Yeah, those helped speed up his development. You could actually see his confidence building, especially when he communicated or managed the game.

By the end of camp, coaches noticed his reaction time had picked up. That gave the Rapids some extra options as the regular season heat started to turn up.

Relationships With Other Clubs

Nicolas Hansen’s journey as Colorado Rapids #41 has brought him into some pretty meaningful showdowns with clubs both at home and abroad.

You can really see his growth, adaptability, and those big moments under pressure in these matchups.

Matches Against Houston Dynamo 2

When Hansen steps in against Houston Dynamo 2, you know there’s always something brewing. Houston Dynamo 2 play fast and hit you with quick attacks, so the keeper has to stay sharp.

Hansen’s agility? It pops, especially in those nail-biting matches.

Take a look at some of his performance stats from recent games against Houston Dynamo 2:

Match Date	Saves	Goals Conceded	Result
2024-06-10	5	2	Rapids 2-2
2024-08-14	4	1	Rapids 1-1
2025-04-20	6	1	Rapids 2-1

His shot-stopping keeps the Rapids in games that could easily tip the other way. Hansen talks constantly with his back line and stays cool in those one-on-one moments.

You just get the feeling he can handle whatever Houston Dynamo 2 throws at him.

Facing Querétaro

Alright, let’s talk about Hansen facing Querétaro. When he steps onto the field against them, he gets a taste of a totally different style—think skill, speed, and a lot of quick movements.

The Mexican side really brings a technical challenge. You can’t just stand around; you’ve gotta react fast, adjust your positioning, and make quick decisions.

When Hansen lines up against Querétaro, he usually deals with more shots from distance. That’s where his reflexes come alive.

He’s not just stopping shots—he’s barking out instructions, getting his defenders in the right spots. In a friendly early in 2025, Querétaro came out flying for the first half hour, and Hansen? He made three massive saves to keep Colorado Rapids right in it.

Querétaro’s set pieces are no joke. They force a keeper to stay sharp and aggressive.

Hansen meets those moments head-on, coming off his line to punch away crosses and shut down threats. That kind of anticipation helps his team keep their heads above water in those wild, pressure moments.

Honestly, these battles have made Hansen a more well-rounded keeper. He’s picking up new tricks every time he faces them, and you’ve gotta think that’s gonna pay off down the line.