Bafana Bafana Star Mbekezeli Mbokazi Ranked Fourth in MLS 22 Under 22 List
- Bafana Bafana centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi has claimed the fourth overall spot on Major League Soccer's annual 22 Under 22 list for his performances with Chicago Fire FC, making...
- Mbokazi earned his high position following a debut season in Major League Soccer characterized by 19 appearances for Chicago Fire FC, though injuries sidelined the defender for several...
- The left-footed central defender sits behind Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan in the top spot.
A R52 million transfer fee. Every single minute of a World Cup campaign. Now, MLS recognition.
Bafana Bafana centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi has claimed the fourth overall spot on Major League Soccer’s annual 22 Under 22 list for his performances with Chicago Fire FC, making him the highest-ranked defender in the league-wide ranking. The 21-year-old stands as his club’s sole representative in the top ten honoring the most promising young talents in the United States and Canada.
An MLS Debut Despite Injuries
Mbokazi earned his high position following a debut season in Major League Soccer characterized by 19 appearances for Chicago Fire FC, though injuries sidelined the defender for several months.
4️⃣ for our 4️⃣TLB earns his spot on the @MLS 22 Under 22 list 🔥🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/H0EAErKWFX
The left-footed central defender sits behind Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan in the top spot. New York Red Bulls pair Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti follow immediately behind the leader.
From Langalibalele to Orlando Pirates
The recognition arrives after a fast career trajectory. The player known as “TBL” climbed from Langalibalele Sports Academy’s Engen U19 Knockout team to the Orlando Pirates reserve squad.
Mbokazi made his professional senior debut under coach Jose Riveiro on 5 March 2025. That appearance resulted in a 1-0 victory over Chippa United.
A Move to Chicago
Chicago Fire FC subsequently acquired the defender in December 2025. The reported fee of R52 million placed him among the most expensive defenders in Premier Soccer League history.
The player further bolstered his international profile on the global stage. He played every minute of Bafana Bafana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the national team reached the Round of 32.
European Radar and Domestic Fixtures
Strong performances on both domestic and international stages have drawn attention from European clubs. Reports have linked the South African star to English Premier League side Nottingham Forest and Italian club SSC Napoli.
It loads from the front, it loads from the back 🚜TLB is the highest-rated defender on the MLS 22 Under 22 list 🔥 pic.twitter.com/PO5lbxnbKl
For now, attention turns back to the pitch. Domestically, Mbokazi looks ahead to immediate club fixtures with Chicago Fire FC as the team prepares to face Atlanta United on Sunday.