Jacob Akanyirige

Jacob Akanyirige (born December 30, 2001) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a right back.

Career

Youth Akanyirige played for Pleasanton, CA's Ballistic United SC during the 2015–2016 season for their U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy's Under 13/14 team. In 2016–2017, he joined San Jose's U-15 squad and quickly moved up the academy ranks. After making one appearance for the U-17 side in 2017–18, he moved up to the U-19s and was competing against players two and three years older than he was. Akanyirige's birthday makes him a unique prospect for the youth national teams as he is two days too old to play with the 2002 cycle and is the youngest, or among the youngest, in 2001.

Professional San Jose Earthquakes Akanyirige signed as San Jose's fourth ever Homegrown Player on December 15, 2017. At the time of his signing, he was the youngest player to sign for the Earthquakes as well as third-youngest player in MLS, and the eighth-youngest to ever sign a professional contract in MLS history. Following the 2021 season, San Jose declined their contract option on Akanyirige.

Rochester NY FC Akanyirige Signed with Rochester New York FC on April 2, 2022, on a free transfer. Akanyridge debuted for Rochester during an U.S. Open Cup match against FC Motown. Akanyirige scored his first professional goal on May 14 in a match against Inter Miami II.

International career Born in the United States, Akanyirige is of Ghanaian descent. He is a youth international for the United States.

Career statistics