Barca Residency Academy alumnus Brooklyn Raines has been named to the 2025 MLS Top 22 Under 22— an annual ranking that highlights the top 22 players in Major League Soccer under the age of 22. The list is determined by an expert panel of MLS staff, general managers, sporting directors, MLS Season Pass talent, and select media members.
The 20-year-old Houston Dynamo midfielder signed with the club in February 2022 at just 16 years old after developing at Barca Residency Academy from 2018 to 2022. This season, Raines has earned consistent first-team minutes and established himself as a key contributor in Houston’s midfield, recording two assists while showcasing maturity beyond his years.
Raines is also a highly regarded U.S. Men’s National Team prospect and a regular member of the U-20 squad. He has earned five call-ups to the international team this year and is currently representing the United States at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. The young American has featured in all three group-stage matches, contributing a goal and an assist as the U.S. advanced to the Quarterfinals. The team will face Morocco or South Korea on Sunday, October 12, at 5 p.m. ET for a spot in the Semifinals.
This marks the fifth consecutive year that a Barca Residency Academy alumnus has been recognized on the MLS 22 Under 22 list — a testament to the academy’s ongoing success in developing elite-level talent. Julian Araujo earned the honor in 2021 and 2022, Diego Luna in 2023 and 2024, and now Brooklyn Raines continues the tradition in 2025.
