Revolution sign Gil to extension
One of the most dynamic players in Revolution club history is going to be sticking around for a little while longer.
Carles Gil, the 2021 MLS MVP, has signed a contract extension that will keep him in New England through the 2026 season, the team announced Thursday. The deal includes a club option in 2027. Per the terms of the contract and MLS rules, Gil, who is from Spain, will remain a Designated Player on the roster.
Gil’s contract was set to expire at the end of the current season, so this puts to rest lingering questions about his future for now.
Gil, 31, is New England’s captain and playmaker-in-chief. Since first signing with the Revolution in 2019 following a $2 million transfer from Spanish club Deportivo La Coruña, he has averaged 0.47 assists per game (63 in total), fourth-best in MLS history among players with at least 20.
Beyond any statistical measurement, Gil’s impact is apparent to fans familiar with his playing style. With the ball seemingly glued to his left foot in midfield, Gil provides a vital outlet for teammates. His capacity to keep possession under pressure regularly unlocks attacking moves.
Along with his passing, Gil has also demonstrated an eye for the goal. He has scored 38 times in all competitions.
“During my time in New England with the Revolution, I have been able to rediscover my joy on the field and I am at my happiest when I am playing winning football for our supporters,” Gil said via a team release. “I have cherished my last five years with the club and enjoy the competitive league, playing with my teammates, and our great fans.
“I have so much more to give to this club and the supporters, who give me all their backing and confidence as their captain.”
His Revolution tenure has coincided with one of the more successful periods in the club’s recent history, as he helped them reach the playoffs in four of his five seasons. Along with winning 2019 MLS Newcomer of the Year, Gil has been named in the MLS Best XI twice (2019, 2021).
His best season was 2021, when he led New England to an MLS-record 73 points, clinching the first Supporters’ Shield in club history). Gil compiled 18 assists and 117 key passes (29 more than the next closest player) and became the second Revolution player to win the league MVP award (following Taylor Twellman in 2005).
Gil factors heavily into the plans of new coach Caleb Porter. Alongside his brother Nacho (who joined the Revolution in 2022), Gil has helped New England progress in the ongoing CONCACAF Champions Cup. The brothers combined on the opening goal in the 3-0 second-leg victory over Panama’s Club Atlético Independiente.
Following a bevy of early-season games, Gil got the night off in Wednesday’s 4-0 Champions Cup win over Liga Deportiva Alajuelense. He will be back in action Saturday at 7:30 p.m. when the Revolution face Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.