HARRISON, N.J. (October 16, 2025) – New York Red Bulls II midfielder Nehuén Benedetti has been named to the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI, the league announced today.
The 20-year-old had an incredible first season with Red Bulls II scoring a team-high 11 goals and providing seven assists. His 11 goals are tied with Tom Barlow for the second-most single season goals in club history.
The Bosques, Argentina native first broke onto the scene on April 27. He scored his first career MLS NEXT Pro goal in his first start in a 4-2 victory over Orlando City B.
In June, he earned MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month after scoring four goals and providing three assists across four matches.
The midfielder made club history when he scored in five consecutive matches from May 30 to June 29. His five-match scoring streak was the second-longest in club history only behind Tanner Rosborough and Ibrahim Kasule’s seven.
Benedetti came in clutch on August 31 when he scored his first career MLS NEXT Pro hat trick in a 7-4 win over Columbus Crew 2. He is the second-youngest player in club history to score a hat trick at 20 years and 188 days old.
The midfielder came through in key moments this season, scoring three game winning goals, with two scored in the 81st minute or later.
The Argentinian tallied two multi-assist matches, dishing two out against New England Revolution II on May 18 and Chattanooga FC on June 15. He joins Kasule as the only two players in club history to have more than one multiple assist matches.
The midfielder is the second player in club history to be named to MLS NEXT Pro Best XI with Kasule being the last one that was named in 2023.
Benedetti and Red Bulls II will be back in action on Sunday, October 19 in a MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs Eastern Conference Quarterfinal match against Carolina Core FC at MSU Soccer Park. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET with coverage available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
