Orlando City SC announced the signing of 16-year-old midfielder Gustavo Caraballo on Friday.

At 16 years and 198 days old, he is the youngest player in club history to sign a first-team contract.

The Venezuela native’s homegrown deal runs through 2027 and includes an option for 2028.

“This is a great day for Orlando City as Gustavo becomes the latest and youngest player to take the next step along the club’s professional development pathway,” Lions general manager Luiz Muzzi said.

“He’s done a great job with us so far this year and has truly shown us that he’s taken advantage of his development opportunities to level up his game and technical abilities. We provided him with the resources, but it was up to Gustavo to take advantage of those resources and further his development through hard work and opportunity. He’s done that and is ready to take that next step with us and we’re very excited about the bright future that he has ahead of him.”

Caraballo made his MLS debut in a 4-2 win against Toronto FC on March 1.

–Field Level Media