Talles Magno returns to NYCFC with renewed optimism

After being loaned out in 2024, the Brazilian forward flashes potential in home-opening win

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Talles Magno, the Brazilian forward who was loaned out by New York City FC in 2024, has returned to the club with renewed optimism under new leadership. Magno, who was part of NYCFC's 2021 MLS Cup-winning roster, subbed into the team's 5-0 home-opening win over Orlando City and nearly scored a goal, showcasing the potential that made him a breakout star in 2022. NYCFC coach Pascal Jansen and sporting director Todd Dunivant have praised Magno's willingness to play whatever role is needed, and the 23-year-old says he feels more comfortable in the striker position.

Why it matters

Magno's return to NYCFC is significant, as the club looks to build on its 2021 MLS Cup triumph. The young Brazilian's raw talent and potential make him an important piece of the puzzle, and his renewed optimism under the new leadership suggests he could be poised for a bounce-back season after a down year in 2024.

The details

After subbing into the match in the 62nd minute, Magno nearly scored NYCFC's sixth goal of the afternoon when midfielder Aiden O'Neill sent him a lead pass that he was able to get a touch on and then get by the Orlando keeper. The play was called offside, but the moment of brilliance was a taste of the potential Magno still has. Magno is back in New York with a bit more optimism than when he left, with Jansen and new sporting director Todd Dunivant now at the helm. Magno's raw talent is hard to question, and after originally joining NYCFC in 2021, the Brazilian has shown flashes of the skill he possesses, including a breakout season in 2022 with 11 goals and eight assists across all competitions.

  • Magno was part of the 2021 MLS Cup-winning roster.
  • Magno had a breakout season in 2022, recording 11 goals and eight assists across all competitions.
  • In 2023, Magno was asked to play the striker role and had just four goals in 30 MLS matches before dealing with a knee injury and unhappiness with the way he was being used during the 2024 campaign.
  • Magno was loaned out to Corinthians during the summer of 2024, where he spent the next year and a half, recording nine goals in 67 matches across all competitions.
  • Magno returned to NYCFC in 2026 and played 29 minutes in the team's 5-0 home-opening win over Orlando City on March 7, 2026.

The players

Talles Magno

A 23-year-old Brazilian forward who originally joined NYCFC in 2021 and was part of the team's 2021 MLS Cup-winning roster. After a breakout season in 2022, Magno struggled in 2023 and was loaned out to Corinthians in 2024, but has now returned to NYCFC with renewed optimism under new leadership.

Pascal Jansen

The current head coach of NYCFC, who has praised Magno's willingness to play whatever role is needed and is working to get the young Brazilian back to his best shape.

Todd Dunivant

The new sporting director of NYCFC, who has also praised Magno's return and his versatility to play multiple positions.

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What they’re saying

“Talles is making his steps. His physical condition is not ready enough to play 90 minutes. Today was a good example of that and this is the way we have to make him more robust and get him back in his best shape to be the best version that we can use for the team.”

— Pascal Jansen, NYCFC Head Coach (nypost.com)

“Whether that's in training, whether it's how he's going to play the No. 9 role, he's stepped up.”

— Todd Dunivant, NYCFC Sporting Director (nypost.com)

“I'm comfortable playing striker, I'm comfortable playing winger, both positions for me are comfortable. I think I feel more comfortable at the No. 9. I need to adapt a little bit. Running is different. It's just detail for my performance.”

— Talles Magno (nypost.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Talles Magno's return to NYCFC with renewed optimism under new leadership suggests the young Brazilian forward could be poised for a bounce-back season after a down year in 2024. His raw talent and potential make him an important piece of the puzzle as NYCFC looks to build on its 2021 MLS Cup triumph.