Montreal’s Olger Escobar#29 Does This Trick With a Soccer Ball — His Nickname Will Make You Laugh Out Loud!
You’ve seen young talents make a splash before, but honestly, not many have done it with the composure and skill of Olger Escobar, the 18-year-old attacking midfielder for CF Montréal.
Wearing number 29, he mixes pace, technical ability, and creativity in a way that just catches your eye in Major League Soccer.
His journey from the New England Revolution Academy up to his move north happened fast, and those Gold Cup performances for Guatemala? They only added to the buzz.
Escobar grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts, but he plays for Guatemala internationally and doesn’t seem fazed by big moments.
He scored twice in the 2025 Gold Cup, including a clutch goal against the United States—that’s the kind of thing that makes you pay attention.
CF Montréal brought him in on a two-year contract with multiple option years, showing they’re thinking about him for the long haul.
You can’t help but wonder how his sharp left foot, quick acceleration, and relentless work rate will translate to more minutes in MLS.
He’s flashed real quality in limited chances, and he’s got the toolkit to influence games right now, even as he works toward becoming a more complete player.
From youth prospect to international scorer, Escobar’s story feels like it’s just getting interesting.
Contents
Player Overview and Background
If you look at his path, you see a young midfielder who’s already proven he can perform at both the professional and international levels.
He’s moved from youth academy prospect to Major League Soccer starter, showing steady growth, adaptability, and a real sense of who he is out there.
Personal Details and Early Life
Olger Armando Escobar Real was born on September 11, 2006 in Lynn, Massachusetts.
He stands 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) and mostly plays as a midfielder or winger, though he’s been used as a striker at times.
He developed in the New England Revolution Academy from 2018 to 2023, sharpening his skills in MLS NEXT.
He made his pro debut for New England Revolution II in April 2023 and picked up the club’s 2022–23 Player of the Year award at the academy level.
In April 2025, CF Montréal picked up Escobar from New England in a deal worth up to $175,000 in General Allocation Money.
He’s wearing jersey number 29 for the Canadian side.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Olger Armando Escobar Real |
| Birthdate | September 11, 2006 |
| Birthplace | Lynn, Massachusetts, USA |
| Height | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Position(s) | Midfielder, Winger, Striker |
| Current Club | CF Montréal |
| Number | 29 |
| Youth Club | New England Revolution Academy |
Nationality and International Eligibility
Even though Escobar was born in the U.S., he represents Guatemala.
He’s eligible through his parents, who come from Escuintla, Guatemala.
He made his debut for the Guatemala senior team in November 2023 against Jamaica.
Since then, he’s scored some important goals, like his first senior strike against Honduras in March 2025 and a semi-final goal at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Escobar’s also featured for Guatemala’s U17, U18, and U20 squads, putting up solid scoring numbers at each level.
Choosing Guatemala over the U.S. really shows his connection to his roots and his commitment to the national program.
You can check his international stats on his Wikipedia profile—he’s got 14 senior caps and 3 goals as of July 2025.
Transfer to CF Montréal
Olger Escobar’s move to CF Montréal gives you a real look at how MLS clubs handle young talent, money, and long-term planning.
The deal included guaranteed and conditional payments, long-term contract options, and even retained rights for his old club.
Acquisition Details and Contract
CF Montréal bet on a young midfielder with a multi-year commitment.
They picked up Escobar from the New England Revolution in April 2025, just before the transfer window closed.
The contract covers 2025 and 2026, with options through 2029.
That gives Montréal plenty of control over how he develops and what happens if they sell him.
Escobar, born in Lynn, Massachusetts and a product of the Revolution academy, is just 18.
He went to Lynn Classical High School before turning pro.
His early career stood out—he earned MLS NEXT U17 MVP and helped his U19 side win the MLS NEXT Cup in 2022-23.
| Season | Club | Matches | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | NE Revolution II | 10 | 4 | 420 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | NE Revolution II | 12 | 5 | 500 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | NE Revolution II | 9 | 3 | 357 | 0 | 0 |
Role of New England Revolution
New England approached this move strategically.
They transferred Escobar’s Homegrown Priority Rights instead of just letting him walk.
The Revolution kept a sell-on percentage, so if Montréal sells Escobar later, New England gets a cut.
That way, they stay connected to his career without paying his salary.
Escobar’s time in New England’s system included youth success and professional minutes with their MLS NEXT Pro squad.
By moving him now, the Revolution opened up roster space and picked up allocation funds, while keeping a chance at future earnings.
General Allocation Money (GAM) Involvement
The financial side of this trade is pretty important.
Montréal sent $125,000 in 2025 GAM to New England, plus up to $50,000 in conditional GAM if Escobar hits certain performance marks.
GAM helps teams reduce a player’s budget charge, sign new players, or re-sign current ones.
In this deal, New England gets immediate and possible future cap relief, while Montréal invests in a young player they think can contribute now and grow over time.
The whole package could reach $175,000 in GAM—a measured but confident bet on Escobar’s upside.
Playing Style and Strengths
Olger Escobar brings quick acceleration, sharp dribbling, and a competitive edge that stands out for both club and country.
He blends technical skill with a high work rate, making an impact all over the pitch.
Technical Abilities and Dribbling
You notice right away that Escobar’s comfortable on the ball.
At 1.73 m, he keeps a low center of gravity, which helps him stay balanced when changing direction.
He favors his left foot, but he’s got enough control with his right to keep defenders on their toes.
In one-on-one situations, he uses quick touches and bursts of speed to get away from markers.
He often cuts inside from the right wing, linking up with teammates through short passes or one-twos.
His passing in tight spaces is sharp, especially when he threads ground balls into the box.
He can chip passes over defenders, though sometimes he hesitates and slows things down.
Still, his ball control under pressure lets him receive the ball with his back to goal and keep the play moving.
Physical Attributes and Work Rate
Escobar’s explosive first steps really stand out.
He accelerates fast, which helps him beat defenders or close down opponents.
His lean build supports his agility, but he’s got enough strength to hold his own in duels.
He plays with a high-intensity work rate, sprinting both in attack and when tracking back.
That energy lets him press defenders and recover quickly.
He’s not the tallest winger, but his balance and strength through contact let him keep possession in tight spots.
He absorbs challenges and keeps moving, which is huge in transition.
His conditioning lets him sprint repeatedly without losing much pace.
Offensive Contributions
Escobar’s shown he can finish under pressure—a chipped goal with his weaker foot against Guadeloupe, a low strike against the U.S. in the Gold Cup.
That composure at 18 is impressive.
He’s most dangerous cutting inside from the right and shooting with his left.
He can play accurate final passes in the attacking third, making him a creative threat as well as a scorer.
Here’s a quick look at his recent senior-level stats:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Cup 2025 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| MLS 2025 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
He also takes corners with his left, delivering both in-swingers and out-swingers with decent accuracy.
Defensive Work and Pressing
Escobar’s defensive value comes through in his pressing.
He anticipates passes well and uses quick feet to intercept high up the pitch.
Those turnovers often spark immediate attacks.
He’s not afraid to get physical in duels, winning the ball or drawing fouls.
Sometimes his aggression leads to mistimed tackles, though.
His recovery runs show he’s committed, but he can be a step late tracking runners in transition.
When pressing high, he works to close angles and force mistakes, making him a useful first line of defense for CF Montréal.
For a player still figuring things out at the pro level, his defensive output matches his attacking energy—pretty rare at his age.
You can dive deeper into his style in this scout report on Olger Escobar.
Club Career Progression
Olger Escobar’s path to CF Montréal really shows steady growth through competitive youth systems, early pro experience, and a quick adjustment to top-flight soccer.
His development highlights how leagues like MLS Next and MLS Next Pro actually prepare players for the demands of Major League Soccer.
MLS Next and Youth Achievements
You probably first noticed Escobar making waves in MLS Next, which stands as the top youth league in North America. He started out at New England Revolution Academy before moving over to CF Montréal’s setup, usually thriving in attacking roles.
He really caught attention with his left foot—tight control, quick turns, and an eye for goal. In several showcase events, he put up goals and assists, even when facing some of the league’s toughest academies.
Escobar also played for Guatemala at the youth international level, getting exposed to all sorts of playing styles. That experience sharpened his decision-making and made him smarter with his runs off the ball.
By the time he entered the pro pathway, people already saw him as a technically sharp midfielder with a strong work rate.
Notable Youth Highlights:
| Year | Team | Competition | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | NE Revolution Academy | MLS Next | 8 | 6 |
| 2023 | CF Montréal Academy | MLS Next | 10 | 7 |
MLS Next Pro Experience
Before his first-team deal, Escobar got minutes in MLS Next Pro with CF Montréal’s reserve side. That league acts as a bridge between academy soccer and the senior squad.
He adapted to the physicality pretty fast, usually playing as an attacking midfielder or out wide. His vision and passing range helped connect the midfield and attack, and he pressed high up the pitch to win the ball back.
Coaches liked how he handled different tactical setups. Even with a packed schedule, he stayed consistent, showing up in most matches and directly contributing to goals.
MLS Next Pro Stats (2024 Season):
| Matches | Goals | Assists | Key Passes per Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 4 | 5 | 2.1 |
This stretch gave him a taste of the speed and quick decision-making needed in MLS.
Debut and Appearances with CF Montréal
Escobar signed with CF Montréal on April 23, 2025, on a contract through December 31, 2026. He made his debut that summer against a strong Eastern Conference team, coming off the bench and completing over 90% of his passes.
He wears number 29 and has played both in midfield and out wide. His calmness on the ball and left-footed delivery have made him a solid option late in games.
In his first MLS starts, you could see how comfortable he was in tight spaces, pulling defenders and making room for others. He also tracked back and helped out defensively when needed.
2025 MLS Stats (as of August 2025):
| Matches | Starts | Goals | Assists | Passing Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 88% |
You can always check his current stats and profile on CF Montréal’s official site for updates.
International Career with Guatemala
You’ve watched Olger Escobar grow from a promising youth prospect to someone who’s actually making an impact with Guatemala’s senior team. His journey has included steady progress, key tournament performances, and some important moments in competitive matches.
Youth National Teams
Escobar first caught eyes with Guatemala’s youth squads, showing off his pace and technical skill. In U17 and U20 competitions, he generally played out wide or as an attacking midfielder.
He made a name for himself by linking play between midfield and attack, using quick one-twos and smart runs. That left-footed delivery from wide areas created real chances, and his calmness under pressure was rare for someone his age.
These performances got him early senior team camp invites. His time with the youth teams helped him get used to the physical side of international football and prepared him for the next step.
Senior Team Debut and Performances
Escobar made his senior debut for Guatemala in 2023 after impressing with the youth teams. He adapted quickly, using his speed and ball control to keep defenders on their toes.
Since then, he’s earned 14 caps, scored 3 goals, and added 2 assists in both friendlies and competitive matches. His ability to play as a winger or centrally gives Guatemala some nice tactical options.
Senior International Stats
| Year | Matches | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 2025 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
He’s also stood out for his work rate, often forcing turnovers high up the pitch.
Gold Cup Highlights
Escobar’s breakout came at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. He scored twice in five matches, including a big goal against the United States.
He started two games and came off the bench in three, showing he could handle different roles. His first goal—a chipped finish with his weaker right foot against Guadeloupe—showed a lot of composure.
Besides the goals, Escobar’s pressing and link-up play helped Guatemala get out of the group stage. His performances caught scouts’ attention and raised his profile at CF Montréal. You could see his confidence grow with every match, and it really felt like he was ready for bigger challenges.
For more on his tournament performances, check the Gold Cup performance recap.
Future Prospects and Potential Impact
Olger Escobar’s recent showings for Guatemala have definitely raised the bar for what people expect from his club career. He’s got a mix of pace, left-footed skill, and calm finishing that you don’t often see in an 18-year-old with just a handful of MLS games. The big question is how fast he’ll settle into regular top-flight action.
Development Opportunities at CF Montréal
CF Montréal tends to give young players a real shot if they show they’re ready. Escobar came over from New England Revolution for a reasonable fee, so the club’s thinking long-term, not just about quick results.
Right now, he mostly comes off the bench, which lets him get used to MLS speed and physicality without too much pressure. The coaching staff will probably keep working on his spatial awareness and decision-making in the final third.
Montreal’s system fits him well, especially since their wingers often cut inside and combine through the middle. With more starts, he’ll have the chance to sharpen his link-up play and create better chances for himself and others.
Recent Stats at CF Montréal (2025)
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS | 3 | 0 | 0 | 62 |
| MLS Next Pro | 4 | 0 | 1 | 137 |
If he gets more consistent starts next season, his numbers could rise in a hurry.
Pathways in MLS and Beyond
MLS actually lays out a pretty straightforward path for players like Escobar. You start by picking up regular minutes, then you earn a spot in the starting lineup, and before you know it, bigger clubs start watching.
His contract keeps him with CF Montréal through 2026, and they even hold options until 2029. So, the club really calls the shots about what comes next for him.
If he plays well in MLS, he might take the same route as other young attackers who jumped to Europe’s top five leagues. Belgian, Dutch, and Portuguese clubs keep an eye on MLS, always looking for affordable, high-upside talent.
Internationally, he already got noticed with his Gold Cup performances. If he keeps his spot with Guatemala’s senior team, he’ll keep building his profile and stay sharp by facing all kinds of competition.
Balancing club development with international duty isn’t easy, but it really can decide whether you stick around MLS or head abroad before you hit your mid-20s.
