Max Arfsten is a 25-year-old American footballer who plays for Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship and represents the United States national team. Born on April 19, 2001, in Fresno, California, he stands 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall and has developed into a versatile left-sided player capable of operating as a full-back, wing-back or winger.
Arfsten joined Middlesbrough from Columbus Crew on August 4, 2026, after representing the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His move to England marked another major step in a career that has taken him from college soccer at UC Davis to MLS success and senior international football.
Quick Bio: Max Arfsten
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maximilian Arfsten |
| Known As | Max Arfsten |
| Date of Birth | April 19, 2001 |
| Age | 25 |
| Birthplace | Fresno, California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Position | Left-back, wing-back, winger |
| Current Club | Middlesbrough |
| Shirt Number | 17 |
| National Team | United States |
| Parents | Michael and Shelly Arfsten |
| Siblings | Alexander and Zachary Arfsten |
Who Is Max Arfsten?
Arfsten is one of the American players whose career has developed rapidly from the U.S. college system to European football.
He played college soccer for UC Davis before spending the 2022 season with San Jose Earthquakes II. Columbus Crew then selected him with the 14th overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.
His early professional career was notable not only for his attacking ability but also for his positional development. Arfsten had previously been used as a midfielder and winger, but Columbus increasingly deployed him in a more defensive left-sided role.
That versatility later became valuable for the USMNT, where U.S. Soccer has officially listed him as a defender.
How Old Is Max Arfsten?
Max Arfsten was born on April 19, 2001, making him 25 years old as of October 2026.
U.S. Soccer lists both Fresno as his birthplace and April 19, 2001, as his date of birth.
His relatively late emergence compared with players who enter professional academies as teenagers is an interesting part of his story. Arfsten was still playing college soccer in his early twenties before progressing quickly through MLS and into the U.S. national-team picture.
How Tall Is Max Arfsten?
Arfsten is officially listed by U.S. Soccer at 6 feet 1 inch, or 1.85 metres.
Older profiles can occasionally show slightly different measurements, but 6’1″ is the figure used by the current U.S. national-team profile and modern football databases.
His height combines with the mobility needed for a modern wide defender, allowing him to contribute in both defensive and attacking areas.
Parents, Brothers and Fresno Background
Reliable information about Arfsten’s family comes from his former university rather than celebrity-biography websites.
UC Davis identifies Michael and Shelly Arfsten as his parents. Max is the oldest of their three children, with Alexander and Zachary listed as his younger brothers.
He grew up in Fresno and attended San Joaquin Memorial High School. Before college, he also spent years developing with California Odyssey Soccer Club.
His connection with UC Davis became particularly important. He earned Big West Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2021, recording nine goals and eight assists across his 39-match college career. He later returned to complete his degree after turning professional.
From College Soccer to Columbus Crew
Arfsten’s professional route was not the traditional academy-to-first-team path.
After UC Davis, he joined San Jose Earthquakes II for the 2022 season and scored nine goals in 24 appearances. Columbus then selected him in the first round of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.
He scored on his MLS debut against Atlanta United in March 2023 and ended his rookie season as an MLS Cup champion with Columbus.
His role continued to evolve. The attacking player developed into a productive left wing-back, giving Columbus width, forward runs and an additional threat around the penalty area.
He also helped the Crew win the 2024 Leagues Cup and later earned MLS All-Star recognition.
Max Arfsten’s USMNT Career
Arfsten made his senior United States debut against Venezuela on January 18, 2025.
His international importance increased during the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, where he received significant playing time on the left side and scored his first senior international goal against Costa Rica.
By 2026, he had done enough to earn a place in the United States squad for the FIFA World Cup. Columbus reported that he made his World Cup debut against Belgium in the Round of 16 on July 6.
That tournament exposure came shortly before the biggest club transfer of his career.
Why Max Arfsten Joined Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough signed Arfsten from Columbus Crew on August 4, 2026.
Columbus officially described the transfer fee as undisclosed, while Reuters reported the deal at approximately $7.5 million. Those should be treated as separate facts: the exact fee was not publicly confirmed by the selling club.
Arfsten signed a four-year contract with Middlesbrough.
The move also reunited him with fellow Americans at the club, including Aidan Morris and Sebastian Berhalter. His arrival gave him the opportunity to test his adaptable playing style in the physical environment of England’s Championship.
He made his league debut early in the 2026–27 campaign and scored his first Championship goal against Birmingham City in September.
What Position Does Max Arfsten Play?
There is no single label that completely explains Arfsten’s career.
He developed as an attacking midfielder or winger at younger levels and was listed as a midfielder during his college career. Columbus later transformed him into an attacking left wing-back, while U.S. Soccer categorizes him as a defender.
At Middlesbrough, he has already appeared in several roles, including left-back and deeper midfield positions.
The most accurate description is therefore a versatile left-sided player who can operate as a full-back, wing-back or winger, depending on the system.
Salary, Contract and Net Worth
Arfsten’s final publicly documented MLS salary provides more reliable financial information than speculative net-worth websites.
The MLS Players Association’s 2026 salary guide listed him at Columbus with an annualized base salary of $800,000 and guaranteed compensation of $895,000.
Those figures relate to his Columbus contract and should not be presented as his Middlesbrough wage.
His current salary in England has not been officially disclosed. Similarly, an exact Max Arfsten net worth has not been publicly confirmed. Online estimates should be treated as approximations rather than verified personal wealth.
Is Max Arfsten Married or Dating?
Max Arfsten’s current relationship status has not been publicly confirmed through reliable sources.
There is no reason to identify someone as his girlfriend, wife or partner based only on social-media photographs, fan discussion or unsourced biography pages. Until Arfsten or a credible publication confirms such information, his private life is best treated as private.
Conclusion
Arfsten’s move to Middlesbrough gives his career a new dimension after his rise through UC Davis, MLS and the USMNT. At 25, his story is still developing, but his progression from a college player to a World Cup international and English Championship footballer already makes him one of the more interesting American players of his generation.
FAQs
What team does Max Arfsten play for?
Max Arfsten plays for Middlesbrough in England’s EFL Championship. He joined the club from Columbus Crew in August 2026.
How old is Max Arfsten?
He is 25 years old. Arfsten was born on April 19, 2001, in Fresno, California.
How tall is Max Arfsten?
U.S. Soccer lists Arfsten at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm).
Who are Max Arfsten’s parents?
His parents are Michael and Shelly Arfsten, according to his official UC Davis athletics profile.
Does Max Arfsten have siblings?
Yes. He has two younger brothers, Alexander and Zachary Arfsten.
What position does Max Arfsten play?
Arfsten is primarily a left-sided player. He has played as a left-back, wing-back and winger, while U.S. Soccer currently categorizes him as a defender.
Did Max Arfsten play at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. He was selected for the United States squad and made his World Cup debut against Belgium in the Round of 16.
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