Axel Kei

Acquired: Signed as a Homegrown Player on January 14, 2022.

Professional Career

2021 Real Monarchs: On October 8, 2021, Kei made his professional debut at just 13 years, 8 months and 9 days when he entered for Bobby Wood as a second half substitute. His professional debut made him the youngest professional athlete in American team sports history.

RSL Academy

In the 2021 MLS NEXT Cup Championship, Kei claimed the Golden Boot at the tournament, leading the U15 squad with five goals in five games – including a hattrick against Southern California’s Total Futbol Academy – en route to winning the inaugural MLS NEXT Cup. Prior to joining the RSL Academy Kei spent three years playing for the LA Galaxy’s San Diego Youth Soccer Club. Born in the Ivory Coast, Kei was raised in Brazil where his father played professionally before his family relocated to San Diego, California in 2017.