Want to feel old? In January of 2007, Steve Jobs officially announced his plans to release the first-generation iPhone and it would later be available for purchase in June of the same year. On March 28, 2007, Red Bull New York II center forward and recent Major League Soccer (MLS) debutant, Mijahir Jiménez was born. This means the 19-year-old has only ever been alive in a world where the iPhone exists.
Mijahir Ameth Jiménez Murillo was born in Ciudad de Panama, Panama and spent his early years developing his career at Club Deportivo Plaza Amador located in Panama City. To any Panamanian this is a great achievement as there is rich history associated with the club given its status as the oldest club in Panama, founded 71 years ago in 1955, and its record of the third most Liga Panamena Clausura championships with 10. Jiménez was involved with both Club Deportivo Plaza Amador and Club Deportivo Plaza Amador II. He became the club’s youngest ever forward when he appeared against Sporting San Miguelito on January 28, 2024 at just 16 years and 306 days old and later scored his first goal against Veragua United FC on March 11, 2024. In his time with the club he amassed a total of 25 appearances and scored one goal prior to his loan to Red Bull New York.
In 2025 alone, the Panamanian showcased his potential by making 22 appearances for the MLS NEXT Pro side in Red Bull New York II and scoring nine goals while adding three assists to his tally. 2025 may have been his breakout year from a statistical standpoint, but it is 2026 that introduced the world to Jiménez. He played the majority of the year for RBNYII and was outstanding in his 15 appearances, backed by his record of three goals and five assists. These performances are what led to the decision to call him up to the first team.
Head Coach Dominik Wohlert of RBNYII was asked about the recent call-up following a 4-1 defeat to New England Revolution II to which he responded with:
“All credits to him. Everyone in this club is trying to push these guys, trying to create an environment where they are able to take the next steps. But in the end it comes down to the player,” he continued on by stating that Jiménez, “must realize that it’s all up to him. The environment is there, and he has to take advantage of that. Seeing the big smile after him scoring — that’s fantastic, and that’s all we want to see.”
Though it must be difficult to lose such a talent for his own team, Wohlert understands that his purpose is to assist in identifying and developing talent for the first team. The support not only Wohlert, but the entire club has for Jiménez is remarkable and will no doubt be a definitive asset to the Panamanian’s career.
The 6-foot-2 center forward made the match day roster for Red Bull New York on July 22 against Philadelphia Union, but was unlucky not to find himself on the pitch at all in their 3-1 loss. Although RBNY would go on to lose their second game in a row the following match to Charlotte FC, Jiménez secured his Major League Soccer debut logging 20 minutes of game time in the 2-0 loss.
August 1, 2026 is a day that Jiménez nor any Red Bull fan should forget as it is when the striker was trusted with his first MLS start. The intelligent number 91 not only started his first match but secured his first two goals in the top flight of US soccer. Both his goals were very similar where his late box-crashing positioning found him at the end of two cutbacks from the right side of the field. The first was assisted by Gustav Berggren from a threaded line breaking pass via captain Emil Forsberg and the second was assisted by fellow youth talent Cade Cowell. With the 70 minutes manager Michael Bradley awarded to Jiménez, he was rewarded with a match opening 23rd minute goal and victory-securing 60th minute goal.
In the post-match press conference Bradley discussed the buzz around Jiménez and how crucial the current framework of the club is to developing talent.
“We’re really happy for Mijahir and it’s also the reason that we as a club believe so strongly in the pathway and connection between the first team and the second team and the academy,” Bradley said. He continued on with the theme of how important the second team is regarding the players on the pitch by saying:
“You look on the field tonight and that is so prevalent. The second team is a really important part of what we do here and obviously to be able to be really closely connected and to have a lot of guys in first team training on a regular basis, that part is really important.”
It is exceptionally commendable that the manager of the first team acknowledges the efforts of individuals who are essential, but rarely receive plaudits.
Due to his success at club level, the 19-year-old has been recognized by his nation as a true talent by already earning four caps for the Panama U-20 national team. Unfortunately for Red Bull New York, the transfer from Club Deportivo Plaza Amador is currently only a loan deal meaning once the temporary deal has reached its end date he will be set to return to Panama City.
With more game time in the first team and continued career progression Red Bull New York may be inclined to work out a deal with the Panamanian giants and make this temporary deal permanent. Although his future at Red Bull New York is currently unknown, it is undeniable they have an extremely promising talent within their ranks at the moment.
