Franuel “Frankie” Amaya is an accomplished American professional soccer player who currently plays as a midfielder for Liga MX club Toluca. His journey began at Pateadores SC in Orange County, California, where he showcased his talent by helping the team secure the West Conference title and earning a spot on the West Conference Best XI. His impressive performance as a youth player led to his recognition as a four-star recruit by TopDrawerSoccer.com, ranking him among the top players in Southern California and nationally.
Amaya’s collegiate career at UCLA was marked by significant achievements, including being named a Freshman All-American and earning First Team All-Pac-12 honors. During his freshman season, he made 14 appearances, scored two goals, and provided two assists, demonstrating his potential on the field. His stellar performance caught the attention of Major League Soccer, leading him to forgo his remaining college eligibility and sign a Generation adidas contract.
In 2019, Amaya was drafted first overall by FC Cincinnati in the MLS SuperDraft, where he quickly made an impact. He scored his first professional goal during the MLS is Back Tournament in 2020 and continued to develop his skills over two seasons with Cincinnati before being traded to the New York Red Bulls. At New York, he achieved a career milestone by scoring twice in a single match against Atlanta United, contributing to the club’s history.
Amaya’s international experience includes representing the United States at the U-20 level, where he made his debut in 2018. His dedication and performance have established him as a promising talent in American soccer, and his recent transfer to Toluca marks an exciting new chapter in his professional career.