Nashville SC right back Andy Najar named to 2025 MLS All-Star team
Nashville SC right back Andy Najar will represent the team at the 2025 MLS All-Star Game on July 23 in Austin.
The game at Q2 Stadium (8 p.m. CT, Apple TV) will feature top players from MLS and Mexico as the MLS All-Stars face Liga MX All-Stars. Najar, a first-time All-Star, was one of 12 players named by coach Nico Estevez.
“Being selected for the MLS All-Star team is a motivation for me to keep working, to keep doing things the same way; otherwise, this wouldn't have been possible," Najar said in a club news release. "First, I want to thank God, my family, my teammates, the coaching staff, and the medical team, who I believe have also been part of these six months of my time here with the team.
"Being able to play in that match and represent Nashville SC is a joy and a happiness for me, and I hope to continue doing things the same way.”
The MLS All-Star roster consists of 26 players. Twelve were determined by a vote of MLS fans, players and media, with each group representing one-third of the combined vote; 12 were picked by Estevez, and two were selected by MLS commissioner Don Garber.
Najar, 32, has been a revelation in his first season with Nashville (9-4-5, 32 points). The Honduras international and former D.C. United, Anderlecht and Los Angeles FC player signed with NSC in January 2025 after playing for Olimpia in his home country in 2024.
Najar has played in 17 games, starting 14, and has one goal and seven assists. His eight goal contributions are tied for first place among MLS defenders.
"He’s a very forward-thinking right back," forward Sam Surridge said of Najar before Nashville beat the New England Revolution 3-2 at Gillette Stadium. " . . . He’s almost sometimes playing as a winger, and he’s got lots of quality. He can cross the ball really well. He cuts it back, and I think he gets himself in really good positions . . . He’s probably one of our best players offensively."
Najar's selection marks the fifth straight season Nashville SC has had an MLS All-Star. Defender Walker Zimmerman was named to the team in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and forward Hany Mukhtar was an All-Star in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
“Andy is the modern fullback and has the ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball,” Nashville SC president of soccer operations and general manager Mike Jacobs said. “He fits our game model so well, has played a key role in our club’s success this season, and is tremendously deserving of his first All-Star selection.”
“Andy’s All-Star selection is a great moment for him, his family, our team, and Nashville Soccer Club, and it is one that he deserves,” Nashville SC coach B.J. Callaghan said. “The individual honor is reflective of our culture that puts team before self, how we play for each other, and knowing that together we are better.
"It is also reflective of the relentless work Andy puts in every day — being consistent, coachable, and committed to doing all the right things on and off the field. We are proud of what this team is building, and we are proud of Andy. It is awesome to see that he has been recognized as an MLS All-Star.”
When is the MLS All-Star Game?
- Date: Wednesday, July 23
- Time: 8 p.m. CT
- Location: Q2 Stadium, Austin
How to watch the MLS All-Star Game
The MLS All-Star Game will air on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. This is the third season of a 10-year partnership between MLS and Apple TV, which will carry every MLS regular-season and playoff game.
How to buy tickets to the MLS All-Star Game
Tickets for the MLS All-Star Game are on sale at MLSsoccer.com/AllStar.
MLS All-Star Game roster
- Goalkeepers: Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United), Brad Stuver (Austin FC), Yohei Takaoka (Vancouver Whitecaps)
- Defenders: Jordi Alba (Inter Miami), Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps), Michael Boxall (Minnesota United), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), Jakob Glesnes (Philadelphia Union), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)
- Midfielders: Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), David Da Costa (Portland Timbers), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jeppe Tverskov (San Diego FC), Phillip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire)
- Forwards: Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC), Tai Baribo (Philadelphia Union), Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC), Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Hirving Lozano (San Diego FC), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Diego Rossi (Columbus Crew), Brandon Vazquez (Austin FC), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Jacob Shames can be reached by email at jshames@gannett.com and on Twitter @Jacob_Shames.