R. Leal D.C. United Midfielder #11 Performance Analysis and Season Highlights
If you’ve kept an eye on D.C. United this season, you’ve probably spotted a fresh face shaking things up in the midfield. Randall Leal, sporting number 11, has landed in D.C. and he’s brought a truckload of energy, versatility, and that veteran savvy every team craves.
His arrival? It’s got fans buzzing. D.C. United needed a spark—someone who can bring both creativity and a bit of stability right in the heart of the pitch.
You might remember Leal from his days with the Costa Rica national team, or maybe his earlier MLS seasons. Now, he’s anchoring D.C. United’s midfield, signed through 2025 with a possible extension into 2026. Leal’s tactical smarts, crisp passing, and knack for linking up with the attack make him a pretty sharp signing for a club hungry for progress.
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Let’s check out some quick numbers:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Nashville SC | 20 | 2 | 4 |
| 2024 | D.C. United | 12 | 1 | 2 |
With Leal in the mix, D.C. United fans have a lot to look forward to as the season rolls on. Want the backstory? Read more about his transfer and what he brings to D.C. United.
Contents
Randall Leal’s Role at D.C. United
Randall Leal, wearing that number 11, stands out for his creativity and the calm presence he brings to the midfield. Since joining up with D.C. United, he’s really given the attack some extra options in Major League Soccer.
Position and Playing Style
Leal lines up as a midfielder—usually on the left, but honestly, he’s comfortable across the front. You see him driving at defenders, using quick feet and sharp vision to open up opposing defenses.
He shifts between central and wide spots, making life tricky for anyone trying to mark him.
Leal leans on solid technique and balance. You’ll catch him playing short passes, working quick one-twos, and sneaking through tight spaces. He drops back to help win the ball, then launches counters when D.C. United regains possession.
His passing is sharp, and he isn’t shy about cutting inside on his right foot to create chances for himself or his teammates.
Jersey Number and Squad Status
Leal wears number 11 for D.C. United—a classic attacking number, and it fits. He’s one of the first names on the team sheet, trusted for his experience and creativity.
He joined D.C. United off waivers in early 2025, signing through the end of the year with an option for 2026. Coaches count on him for leadership up front and for connecting play through midfield.
Leal’s spot in the squad feels secure, and his regular selection shows his value to the current MLS roster. For the official word, check out D.C. United’s announcement of his arrival.
Impact Since Joining D.C. United
Leal’s made an instant impact. Since he arrived, D.C. United’s attack looks livelier, with his versatility and international experience on full display.
He’s chipped in with goals and assists already. Here’s a quick look at his early stats:
| Season | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Key Passes per game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | 3 | 4 | 2.1 |
In the locker room, he leads by example, helping younger guys adjust to the league’s pace. Coaches love his attitude and work rate.
With Leal out there, D.C. United plays with more confidence and composure, especially when they’re building up in the attack. For more on his transfer and early days in D.C., check out MLSsoccer.com’s coverage.
Transfer to D.C. United
D.C. United made a splash in the offseason by grabbing Costa Rican midfielder Randall Leal. This move adds some real creative juice to the midfield and signals a fresh approach for the coming MLS season.
Details of the 2025 Waiver Claim
Randall Leal joined D.C. United in January 2025 after the club picked him up off MLS waivers. Nashville SC let him go after a rough, injury-filled 2024, making him available for any team willing to take on his deal.
D.C. United moved fast and announced the signing by mid-January. Leal, now 27, comes in with a reputation for versatility—he can play as an attacking midfielder or out wide. That’s huge for a team looking to rebound from a tough 2024.
Want the details on how Nashville handled the move? Here’s their official announcement.
Contract Terms and Salary
Leal’s contract with D.C. United runs through 2025, with an option for 2026. Reports peg his guaranteed salary near $1.3 million, which feels about right for a seasoned international with plenty of Costa Rica caps.
D.C. United didn’t pay a transfer fee because of the waiver process, but they cover most of his contract. That’s a win—a proven playmaker, no big up-front price tag.
His salary bumps up D.C. United’s payroll but fits under MLS roster rules. For more on his contract, check the Washington Post’s report.
Leal’s D.C. United Contract Highlights
| Term | Value |
|---|---|
| Contract Length | Through 2025, option 2026 |
| Salary | ~$1.3 million, guaranteed |
| Transfer Fee | None (waiver claim) |
Roster Implications for D.C. United
Leal’s arrival shakes up the D.C. United roster as the new season gets underway. He brings competition for the attacking spots, especially around Christian Benteke, the team’s top scorer.
Expect the midfield to look more dynamic. Leal’s creativity and experience give D.C. United more ways to attack and cover for injuries—something that definitely hurt last year.
His MLS experience and chance creation match up with the club’s plan to rebound after a 10th-place finish. The front office is showing they’re ready to make bold moves.
For a deeper dive on how Leal’s presence changes things, check out OneFootball’s transfer coverage.
MLS Career Overview
Randall Leal has carved out a reputation in Major League Soccer as a dynamic midfielder. He started with Nashville SC and now finds himself with D.C. United.
His career features technical skill, versatility, and a few battles with injuries along the way.
Nashville SC Tenure
You probably first noticed Randall Leal as a key piece for Nashville SC, joining just before their debut MLS season in 2020. He brought international experience from Costa Rica and settled into the core group right away.
Leal started most matches that first year, often playing a creative role on the wing or in the middle.
At Nashville, Leal played all over—attacking midfielder, winger, you name it. Injuries slowed him down in 2024, but in the earlier seasons, he logged consistent minutes and built solid partnerships up front.
His creativity, especially in transition, helped Nashville reach the playoffs more than once.
After Nashville bought out part of his contract for 2025, Leal made the jump to D.C. United in January 2025. That move gave him a new challenge and a fresh start.
Statistical Performance in MLS
Leal’s MLS stats show he can score and set up goals. With Nashville SC, he racked up three goals and several assists across regular seasons, peaking in 2023.
Even with limited minutes in 2024, he chipped in an assist—proof he can still make an impact.
Randall Leal: MLS Regular Season Stats (2020-2024)
| Year | Club | Matches | Starts | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Nashville SC | 21 | 17 | 2 | 4 | 1488 |
| 2021 | Nashville SC | 30 | 29 | 3 | 4 | 2340 |
| 2022 | Nashville SC | 27 | 20 | 2 | 7 | 1720 |
| 2023 | Nashville SC | 25 | 18 | 3 | 4 | 1450 |
| 2024 | Nashville SC | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 43 |
You really see his versatility in the way he adapts to whatever the team needs. He’s not just about goals and assists—he puts in a shift defensively, too.
Notable Matches and Achievements
In 2023, Leal stepped up in playoff qualification matches, including Nashville’s group stage win over New York City FC in the Leagues Cup.
He delivered in big moments, especially against tough teams like Toronto FC and Inter Miami CF.
Leal’s quick transitions often led to game-winning plays, and his goals came at crucial times against playoff rivals. He also helped Nashville SC keep a strong home record, especially against Eastern Conference foes like New England Revolution.
Now with D.C. United, Leal brings that same experience and spark. He’s got playoff experience and knows how to rise to the occasion—something D.C. United will count on as the season heats up.
International Career with Costa Rica
Randall Leal’s journey with Costa Rica shows real growth and some pretty big moments. You can see how he went from youth promise to regular senior call-ups and key contributions in regional tournaments.
Youth and Senior National Team Appearances
Leal first made waves with Costa Rica’s youth teams. He played a big part in the Under-20 squad, standing out in FIFA U-20 World Cup qualifiers and regional youth tournaments.
He earned his senior debut for Costa Rica at age 20. Since then, coaches have called him up for international duty in World Cup qualifiers and the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Leal’s flexibility lets him play out wide or in the middle, depending on what the team needs.
Here’s a snapshot of his international appearances:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup Qualifiers | 10 | 1 |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup | 8 | 1 |
| Friendlies & Other Matches | 20 | 2 |
| Total | 38 | 4 |
Leal remains in the mix for Costa Rica as they look ahead to the next round of qualifiers.
Notable International Performances
Leal really made his mark during the Gold Cup. His attacking play sparked a key goal and an assist in the group stage.
Costa Rica rode his energy and well-timed passing deep into the tournament. Honestly, that’s the kind of stuff that’s made him a fixture in recent squads.
Remember that World Cup qualifier against Honduras? Leal hammered home a goal in the 68th minute and snagged a crucial point.
He darted into the box late and finished with the kind of cool you expect from him, whether he’s in club colors or repping Costa Rica.
Leal has logged his minutes for Costa Rica in some real pressure cookers—regional derbies, friendlies, you name it.
He brings a steady work rate and sharp tactical sense, which lets him slide into different midfield roles as needed. Coaches appreciate that kind of reliability when they’re drawing up plans at the highest level.
If you want to dig deeper into his Costa Rica days, check out his Wikipedia page or peek at his stats on Soccerway.
Early Career and Development
Randall Leal grew up in Costa Rica, showing off skill and vision from a young age.
He spent his early years making waves at clubs in both Costa Rica and Europe, setting the stage for his move to D.C. United and the national team.
Professional Debut with Belén F.C.
Leal first caught your eye at Belén F.C. in Costa Rica’s top league.
He debuted in 2013 at just 16 and played with maturity that turned heads. Mostly working as a winger, he used his quick feet and sharp vision to make a difference.
Over three seasons, he tallied 3 goals in 45 league games. His knack for creating chances stood out.
Coaches loved his work ethic and his ability to read the game. That consistency got scouts in Europe paying attention.
Belén F.C. Stats:
| Season | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2013–2016 | 45 | 3 |
Belén gave Leal the confidence and experience he needed in a tough league.
Experience at KV Mechelen
Leal’s jump to KV Mechelen in Belgium was a big one.
He signed in 2015 and had to adapt to a new country, new language—the works. He didn’t get a ton of minutes, but the Belgian Pro League pushed him tactically.
He made 10 senior appearances, mostly coming off the bench. Most of his time came with the reserves, but trainers noticed his professionalism and technical skills.
That stint in Belgium toughened him up and sharpened his tactics.
He left KV Mechelen more seasoned and ready for bigger challenges.
Rise at Deportivo Saprissa
Leal returned home in 2018 and joined Deportivo Saprissa, one of Costa Rica’s legendary clubs.
He quickly became a dynamic midfielder, trusted by coaches in big moments.
Leal played 47 league games and scored 10 goals for Saprissa.
His creativity really came alive; he became a regular starter, and his form caught the national team’s eye. At Saprissa, he built a rep for seeing the field and linking up play from back to front.
Deportivo Saprissa Stats:
| Season | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2018–2019 | 47 | 10 |
Saprissa put Leal on the map, setting him up for his Costa Rica run and making him a hot prospect for MLS clubs.
Key Matches and Memorable Moments
Leal’s run as D.C. United’s midfielder has been packed with game-changing goals, clutch performances, and moments that stick with fans.
He’s delivered in both league and cup action, building a reputation among MLS supporters.
Goals Against Major MLS Clubs
Leal has shown up in big games, scoring against some of the league’s giants.
His sharp positioning and quick feet have led to goals against teams like New York City FC and Inter Miami CF.
When the pressure’s on, Leal finds ways to make an impact. That’s why he’s a key contributor for D.C. United.
One performance that stands out? That home match against Toronto FC—Leal scored in the first half and set up several chances.
Against New England Revolution, he played a big role building attacks from midfield.
Key Goal Stats (2024/2025 MLS Season)
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto FC | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| New York City FC | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Inter Miami CF | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| New England Revolution | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Leal’s influence goes beyond just goals—his timing and knack for big moments can flip the script for D.C. United.
Cup Competitions and Playoff Highlights
Alright, let’s get into it—Leal’s grit really jumps out in those big cup matches. When he suited up for Nashville SC, you could see him growing in those knockout competitions, especially the Leagues Cup.
Then he made the move to D.C. United, and honestly, he didn’t miss a beat. He jumped right in and played a huge role during their deep tournament runs.
Whenever D.C. United lined up against MLS rivals in the U.S. Open Cup, Leal stepped up. He dropped crucial assists and kept things ticking in the midfield.
You can’t ignore how he reads the game—he just seems to know where to be, especially when the pressure is on. In one wild playoff match, he set up a late goal that kept D.C. United alive against a higher-seeded team. That’s the kind of stuff you remember.
Looking back at his 2023 season with Nashville SC, Leal stayed involved everywhere—racking up assists and making his presence felt in every cup. The guy just brings a calmness to the big moments, and fans have noticed.
If you want to dig deeper, check out Leal’s latest highlights on the D.C. United website. Or, if you’re more of a numbers person, take a look at his career stats.
