Chicago Fire FC 2025 Squad: Roster, Transfers & Season Preview

For fans excited about the Chicago Fire FC 2025 Squad, this comprehensive preview breaks down the lineup and what to expect in the upcoming MLS season. 2025 marks the Fire’s 28th year in Major League Soccer. In October 2024, the club announced former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter as the new head coach, signaling a fresh start. Since then, Chicago has revamped its roster with major signings.

Table of Contents

Notable offseason moves include trading for left-back Andrew Gutman and signing Designated Players Jonathan Bamba and Philip Zinckernagel. This guide covers the full squad by position (GK, defenders, midfielders, attackers), key stats, tactical outlook, plus a look at the 2025 schedule and MLS Eastern Conference context.

Major Signings & Transfer News for 2025

Chicago Fire was very active in the 2024–25 offseason, adding veteran leaders and young prospects. Key transfer news includes:

Andrew Gutman (LB) – Chicago native and Olympic gold medalist returned in Dec. 2023 from the Colorado Rapids (in exchange for Miguel Navarro). A 28-year-old attacking left back, Gutman brings MLS experience and homegrown passion.
Kellyn Acosta (CDM) – U.S. national team midfielder signed from LAFC as a free agent in Feb. 2024. The box-to-box midfielder has 58 USMNT caps and won MLS Cup 2022; Chicago targeted him for his leadership and winning pedigree.
Jonathan Bamba (RW) – Ivorian winger acquired Jan. 21, 2025 from Celta Vigo (Spain) as a Designated Player. Berhalter praised his “experience in top leagues” and ability to “break down defenses”. Bamba (28) was a key player in Lille’s Ligue 1 title (2021) and joins with 50 career club goals and 53 assists.
Philip Zinckernagel (LW) – Danish winger signed Jan. 6, 2025 from Club Brugge as a TAM signing. The 30-year-old has 400+ career appearances (83 goals, 80 assists) and recorded 7 goals, 9 assists in 2023–24 with Brugge. Berhalter calls him “technical and versatile” and expects him to bring a “winning mentality”.
Hugo Cuypers (FW) – Belgian striker and club-record transfer (Feb 2024). Cuypers (27) joins from the Jupiler Pro League, where he was a top scorer (64 goals, 25 assists over 3 seasons). He earned the Belgian Golden Boot in 2022–23 with 34 goals. In 2024 Cuypers led Chicago with 10 goals (all competitions).
Tom Barlow (FW) – Veteran MLS forward acquired Dec. 2023 from New York Red Bulls (for $400K GAM). Barlow (28) had 17 goals for NYRB, known for his speed and work rate. He provides depth up front.
Sam Rogers (CB) – US center-back signed Jan. 2025 from Norway’s Lillestrøm SK. Rogers (25) has 11 goals/4 assists in 167 pro games and 1 USMNT cap. He signed through 2026 with club options. Berhalter added Rogers to “reinforce the backline” alongside Jack Elliott.
Jack Elliott (CB) – English center-back (29) signed as a free agent Dec. 16, 2024. Chicago’s director Georg Heitz called Elliott a “proven presence” on the back line. Heitz and Berhalter said Elliott and Rogers were the two new centerbacks this offseason. Elliott brings aerial strength and MLS experience from Philadelphia Union.
Djé D’Avilla (CDM) – Ivorian midfielder (21) signed April 1, 2025 as a U-22 Initiative international signing. D’Avilla spent 50+ games in Portugal’s second division with UD Leiria. Berhalter praised him as “an exciting player with experience in important matches” despite his youth. He fills a creative midfield role.
Dylan Borso (CM) – Homegrown midfielder signed Dec. 20, 2024 after a standout freshman year at Wake Forest. Borso (18) was a 2025 Generation Adidas pick, the 3rd overall in the draft. Berhalter notes Borso “exceled in our Academy and had a standout season at Wake Forest”. He adds to Chicago’s youth pipeline.
Dean Boltz (FW) – Forward drafted Jan. 2025 (3rd overall) from Wisconsin. Boltz (18) scored 10 goals in his freshman season and is on a GA deal. He brings raw finishing ability to the attack.

(In summary, Chicago’s transfer news centers on shoring up all areas: two DPs upfront (Bamba, Cuypers), a veteran national team midfielder (Acosta), a homegrown fullback (Gutman), and several positional signings to bolster depth.)

Squad Breakdown by Position

Chicago’s 30-player roster blends veteran imports and homegrown talent. Below is a position-by-position look at the Chicago Fire FC 2025 roster, highlighting key players and their roles.

Goalkeepers

Chris Brady (#1) – 21-year-old homegrown keeper. Signed as a Homegrown Player in 2020, Brady is now the likely starter. He has already made 13 MLS appearances in 2024 (and saw action in USL and MLS Next Pro). Brady is known for his shot-stopping and distribution.
Jeff Gal (#25) – 32-year-old veteran from Sweden. Signed Jan. 2023 from Degerfors, Gal provides experience as the backup and mentor to Brady.

(The club also retains emergency depth via the Fire II and academy goalies. Brady’s rise to starter is a focus: he aims to build on the team’s last playoff run in 2017.)

Defense

Fullbacks (Outside Defenders)

Andrew Gutman (#15, LB) – New arrival. A Chicago native and former MLS Best XI fullback, Gutman joined via trade. At age 28, he brings pace, crossing ability, and attacking overlap from the left. Gutman recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in 106 MLS games before joining the Fire. He’s expected to start at left back in Berhalter’s system.
Leonardo Barroso (#2, LB/RB) – 19-year-old Portuguese wing-back signed Jan. 14, 2025 from Sporting CP B. Barroso occupies an international U-22 slot. A technically gifted player, he represents the Fire’s investment in youth on the wings. Barroso can play either side and will provide depth and rotation at fullback.
Chase Gasper (#77, LB) – Acquired Jan. 2024 from Houston Dynamo, Gasper (29) is recovering from injury. His availability is uncertain but he is on the roster. If healthy, Gasper (USMNT veteran) will compete for time at left back.
Justin Reynolds (#36, RB) – 21-year-old homegrown right back. Signed May 2022 from the Chicago Fire Academy and MLS Next Pro, Reynolds is versatile and provides depth on the right side.
(Abdoulhadi Ouologuem) – 20-year-old right back from Fire Academy (not in first team yet). Likely depth/future prospect.

Center Backs (Defenders)

Jack Elliott (#3, CB) – New signing (signed Dec 2024). The 6’4″ Englishman was a standout at Philadelphia Union. At 29, he brings strength in the air and leadership. Berhalter specifically mentioned Elliott as a key addition to reinforce the center of defense.
Carlos Terán (#4, CB) – 24-year-old from Colombia, with Chicago since Aug. 2020. Terán is a regular starter (appeared in 5 matches early 2025) and anchors the back line. He is counted as a domestic player and provides stability at center back.
Sam Rogers (#5, CB) – Signed Jan. 13, 2025 from Lillestrøm. Rogers (25) complements Elliott. He’s a physical defender with an MLS pedigree (Sounders academy product). Berhalter cited adding Rogers for “depth to the center back position”. Rogers is under contract through 2026 with club options.
Omar González (#34, CB) – 36-year-old U.S. international signed Feb. 7, 2025 (former FC Dallas star). Gonzalez brings championship pedigree (MLS Cup winner) and size. He likely serves as a rotational or mentor figure.
Christopher Cupps (#38, CB) – 19-year-old Homegrown defender. Cupps signed his first pro contract Feb. 2025 (four years through 2028). A Chicago native, he rose through the Academy and Fire II. He played 15 games for Fire II in 2024 and has USA youth caps. Expect Cupps to develop behind the starters and potentially see early-season action.

Defensive Midfielder / Playmaker

Mauricio Pineda (#22, CDM) – 27-year-old from UNC Tar Heels. In his 4th MLS season (with Chicago since 2020), Pineda provides experienced cover in front of the back line (and can slot into CB if needed).
Rafael Czichos – (Departed after 2024 season) The veteran German center back/DM is no longer with the club. His exit freed a spot for the new arrivals like Rogers and Elliott.

(Overall, the defense features a mix of veteran imports (Elliott, Rogers, González) and homegrown talent (Cupps, Reynolds), overseen by a new Berhalter-led coaching staff. Chicago will likely play with a back four or three central defenders, using attacking fullbacks like Gutman to support offense.)

Midfielders

Kellyn Acosta (#23, CDM) – The centerpiece of midfield. Acosta (28) is a box-to-box U.S. international who won the 2022 MLS Cup with LAFC. He scored a goal in that final. Acosta has won multiple trophies, brings leadership, and will start as a defensive midfield anchor.
Brian Gutierrez (#17, CAM) – 21-year-old homegrown attacking midfielder. Gutierrez debuted in 2020; he has since scored 6 goals in 2024. He’s creative and one of Chicago’s brightest young talents. Gutierrez’s 10 U-19 goals last year earned him MLS NEXT MVP honors. He’ll look to build on last season’s productivity.
Dylan Borso (#27, CM) – Homegrown midfielder (signed Dec. 2024). Borso had a standout freshman season at Wake Forest (10 goals) and will add depth in midfield. He is under contract through 2027.
Sergio Oregel (Jr.) (#10, CDM/CM) – Midfield prospect (born 2006, now 19) drafted Jan. 2024. Versatile defensive midfielder, a youth US international. He gains depth as he develops.
Djé D’Avilla (#42, CDM) – New signing (Apr. 2025). A 21-year-old Ivory Coaster with experience in Portuguese leagues, D’Avilla adds dynamic energy. Berhalter notes his quality and “presence in midfield will be a tremendous asset”. He likely competes with Acosta for a midfield spot or rotates as needed.
Mauricio Pineda (#22, CDM) – Holds midfield if used in a double pivot. (Listed above under defense).
Kellyn Acosta, Brian Gutierrez, and Dje D’Avilla will likely form the spine of the midfield, providing both defensive cover and playmaking. Acosta’s leadership complements Gutierrez’s creativity.

Forwards and Wingers

Hugo Cuypers (#9, FW) – Belgian DP striker signed Feb 2024. At 27, he was a prolific scorer abroad (64 goals in Belgium). In MLS, Cuypers led Chicago with 10 goals in 2024, including the club’s first hat-tricks and Golden Boot runs. He remains the primary No. 9, expected to finish chances.
Jonathan Bamba (#19, RW) – DP signing (Jan 2025). At 28, the Ivorian international can play both wings. He scored 50 career goals in Europe and won the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. Bamba’s speed and skill on the right wing will stretch defenses and create space.
Philip Zinckernagel (#11, LW) – Danish winger (TAM) signed Jan 2025. He played left wing for Brugge, with 7 goals, 9 assists in 2023–24. Zinck has also starred for Norway’s Bodø/Glimt. He offers creativity and dynamism on the left flank.
Chris Mueller (#8, RM) – 27-year-old TAM player (arrived May 2022 from Scotland). An experienced winger/midfielder, Mueller is known for his crossing and runs down the right. He adds depth on either wing.
Maren Haile-Selassie (#7, RW) – Swiss-American winger, 24. Haile-Selassie scored 5 goals in 2024 and is fast and energetic on the right side. He will compete for starting wing spots.
Omari Glasgow (#26, FW/OM) – Homegrown forward (signed MLS contract July 2024) from the Fire II. A Trinidad & Tobago youth international (nicknamed “Lightning Bolt” for his pace), Glasgow will provide impact off the bench or as a sub.
Dean Boltz (#28, FW) – 18-year-old GA forward (drafted Jan 2025) from Wisconsin. Talented finisher in college, Boltz adds youth depth up front. He’s a project for the future.

(In summary, Chicago’s attack features two designated players (Cuypers, Bamba) and a third TAM forward (Zinckernagel). 2024’s top scorers – Cuypers (10 goals) and Gutierrez (6 goals) – return, complemented by new firepower. The wide positions are crowded, so competition among Zinckernagel, Bamba, Mueller, and Haile-Selassie will be intense.)

Tactical Outlook

Under coach Gregg Berhalter, the Fire are expected to play an attacking style with an emphasis on possession and width (similar to his USMNT tactics). Anticipate a formation that could shift between a 4-3-3 (with fullbacks overlapping, three midfielders, and three forwards) and a 3-5-2 (using wing-backs like Gutman/Hile-Selassie). For example, one possible setup is Cuypers up top (No. 9) with Bamba and Zinckernagel on the wings, and Acosta sitting in front of the back four. Berhalter praised Gutierrez and others for thriving in attacking roles, so expect Chicago to play out from the back and press quickly. Overall, tactical depth has increased: Acosta brings defensive steel to midfield, while new wingers add creativity.

2025 Season Outlook & Schedule

MLS has announced the 2025 calendar: MLS Is Back Weekend will kick off the regular season on Feb. 22–23, 2025. Key dates include the midseason break (June 15–24) for the Club World Cup/Gold Cup, and the Leagues Cup (July 29–Aug 31). The Fire’s opening match is scheduled for Feb. 22 at the Columbus Crew.

Chicago’s 2025 schedule pits them against all Eastern Conference foes twice (home & away) and interconference teams according to MLS’s new rotation. Important rivalry matches include games vs. New England Revolution and New York Red Bulls at Soldier Field. The Fire will also participate in the U.S. Open Cup, likely entering in early rounds, adding midweek fixtures.

MLS’s announcement emphasizes national coverage and streaming – Fox Sports will air 34 games. Broadcast info: The new MLS Season Pass (Apple TV) will stream every match (with one featured Sunday night game and studio shows).

Record to date: The Chicago Fire have not made the playoffs since 2017. All eyes will be on whether Berhalter’s first year can break that playoff drought. The club’s rejuvenated roster and high draft picks signal ambition to return to contention. As Berhalter noted, “reinforcing the backline and midfield has been a priority”, and fans hope the upgraded lineup translates into more wins.

For fans wanting specifics, check the official Chicago Fire schedule page for home/away dates and ticket info (link placeholder: [Official Schedule]).

Internal Links: For more details see the team’s [official roster page] and [historical stats] on the site. (Suggested URL slug: example.com/chicago-fire-fc-2025-squad.)

Conclusion

The Chicago Fire FC 2025 squad is poised to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, blending star power and rising prospects. With new signings like Gutman, Acosta, Bamba, and Zinckernagel joining holdovers like Cuypers and Elliott, the Fire have reshaped every line of the team. Under coach Gregg Berhalter’s direction, the team will aim for attacking soccer and a return to the playoffs. Fans should watch for how the new wide attack and solid midfield perform together.

We’d love to hear your thoughts: How do you think the Chicago Fire FC 2025 lineup will perform? Which new player are you most excited about? Leave a comment below, share this preview with fellow fans, and check back for updates throughout the season. Enjoy the games, and go Fire!

FAQs

Q: Who is the head coach of Chicago Fire FC in 2025?
A: The head coach is Gregg Berhalter, who took over in October 2024. Berhalter, former USMNT coach, leads the 2025 campaign.

Q: Which players joined the Chicago Fire for the 2025 season?
A: New additions include left-back Andrew Gutman (from Colorado Rapids), midfielders Kellyn Acosta and Djé D’Avilla, and wingers Jonathan Bamba and Philip Zinckernagel. Defenders Jack Elliott and Sam Rogers were signed to bolster the back line.

Q: What players are on the Chicago Fire FC 2025 roster?
A: The 2025 squad includes goalkeepers Chris Brady and Jeff Gal; defenders Gutman, Elliott, Terán, Rogers, González, Cupps; midfielders Acosta, Gutierrez, Borso, D’Avilla, etc.; and attackers Cuypers, Bamba, Zinckernagel, Mueller, Haile-Selassie, Glasgow, Boltz among others. See the Goalkeepers, Defense, Midfielders, and Forwards sections above for a full breakdown.

Q: When does the Chicago Fire 2025 season start and where can I find the schedule?
A: MLS announced the 2025 regular season starts Feb. 22–23. Chicago Fire’s first match is on Feb 22 (vs. Columbus). The complete schedule is published on the official Chicago Fire website (Schedule page) and on MLS Season Pass. Key dates (season opener, rivalry weeks) were released by MLS.

Q: In which league and conference does Chicago Fire FC compete?
A: Chicago Fire FC plays in Major League Soccer (MLS), specifically in the Eastern Conference of MLS. Eastern Conference opponents include New York City FC, New York Red Bulls, Orlando City, and other East teams.

Q: When was the last time Chicago Fire made the playoffs?
A: The Fire’s last MLS Cup Playoff appearance was in 2017. They missed the playoffs every year from 2018 through 2024. The 2025 squad will aim to end that drought.