New England Revolution banks on Brayan Ceballos to fix MLS's worst defense

After a season to forget in 2024, New England Revolution have decided to act now. With one of the biggest problems in defense - one that saw the club concede 74 goals (the third highest in MLS history) last year - they have announced the signing of Colombian center-back Brayan Ceballos from Fortaleza in Brazil's Série A. The 23-year-old defender is under contract through 2027 with an option for 2028, using Targeted Allocation Money.

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The arrival of Ceballos along with fellow center-back Mamadou Fofana from Amiens SC demonstrated that head coach Caleb Porter and the club's leadership means business regarding solving their problems in the back. Does the young Colombian have everything needed to change the team's weakest link?

Athletic and competitive profile

Ceballos is just the kind of player to fit the profile needed to make it big in MLS. Tall, athletic, strong in the air, and a winner of duels, he brings into the New England Revolution backline qualities that were clearly missing last season. Head coach Caleb Porter was clear about what he expects from the new addition:

Brayan Ceballos is a profile that is ideal to succeed in MLS. His athleticism, tenacity in duels, aerial strength, and composure on the ball make him a great fit to strengthen our central defense.

In other words, the Colombian defender can also contribute by initiating plays with short and mid-range passes, something essential in today's modern game. His experience in competitive leagues, like Brazil's Série A, and a brief loan stint with Dynamo Kyiv in Ukraine, has given him maturity and consistency.

Experience on big stages, but with room to grow

Despite being only 23, Ceballos has built a notable career in important competitions. At Fortaleza, he played in the Copa Libertadores against some of the strongest teams in South America. In Colombia, he helped Deportes Quindío earn promotion to the first division in 2021 and had a brief but successful spell with Junior Barranquilla, contributing to their national title in 2023.

His loan to Dynamo Kyiv, even though it was short, showed he is out of his comfort zone and up for a challenge. He adapted very fast, even in the physically demanding Ukrainian league.

This combination of experience and potential was highlighted by sporting director Curt Onalfo, who identified Ceballos as a key player in rebuilding the team's defense.

“Brayan has accumulated impressive experience and is just starting to enter the prime of his career. We’re confident his presence will help improve our defensive record for the 2025 season and beyond.”

The mission to transform New England Revolution’s defense

Last season, New England Revolution endured one of the worst defensive campaigns in MLS history. Conceding 74 goals in 34 games reflects the team’s struggles to maintain stability in their backline.

The duo of Ceballos-Fofana represents the club's solution to this persistent issue. Both bring in international experience and qualities that promise to add solidity to the defense: physical strength, leadership, and a strong sense of positioning. Now, Caleb Porter has the task of fitting these two new signings into the team as quickly as possible to restore competitiveness.

The intensity and pressure of playing in MLS will be especially necessary for Ceballos to prove his worth.