Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union promote striker Malik Jakupovic to first team
Philadelphia Union II star striker Malik Jakupovic has been officially promoted to the first team, signing a homegrown contract with the Philadelphia Union.
The Sterling Heights, Michigan native becomes the 30th homegrown signing in Union history, completing the pathway from the academy through Union II to make the senior Union squad. His contract runs through
the 2029-30 MLS season with an additional option to extend for the 2030-31 season.
Jakupovic is a 6-foot-3 striker with a powerful left-footed shot complemented by his ability to create a half yard for a shooting chance. At only 16 years old, Jakupovic has already earned 4 short-term call-ups to the Union’s senior squad this season, including his MLS debut against Chicago Fire on March 21. The Union have struggled to score goals this season, and the young Jakupovic gives Bradley Carnell another option to try at the forward position. Last season for Union II, Jakupovic scored 8 goals despite being utilized predominantly as a substitute, averaging a goal for every 52 minutes played. He has picked up where he left off this season, scoring twice in four MLS Next Pro matches in 2026.
Union Interim Sporting Director Jon Scheer spoke about the signing of Jakupovic. “Malik has shown great growth since joining our academy, and his maturity at just 16 years old speaks to his professionalism and commitment,” Scheer remarked. “He’s capitalized on his opportunities with Union II, first-team call-ups, and U.S. Youth National Team appearances, and we look forward to continuing to support his development with the first team.”
Jakupovic joined the Union Academy from Nationals Soccer in Michigan in 2023 and is yet another example of the pipeline to professional soccer that the Union pride themselves on. He played for the Union’s U-15, U-16, and U-18 sides before playing for Philadelphia Union II in MLS Next Pro. Outside of the Union’s setup, Jakupovic has made a name for himself with the United States Youth National Teams. In February, Jakupovic helped the U.S. through Concacaf U-17 Qualifiers to make the U17 World Cup, earning the tournament Golden Boot with eight goals in only three matches. Jakupovic opts to play for the United States, but holds citizenship to Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as the United States.
Jakupovic and the Union are in action Saturday, April 4 at Charlotte FC. Jakupovic could potentially make his second MLS appearance, while the Union are still searching for their first point after five consecutive losses to start the season.
