F. Barajas, D.C. United, Forward, #99: Player Profile & Career Insights

You know how quickly young talent can break through in Major League Soccer. Still, Fidel Barajas’s rise feels unusually fast—he’s just 18 and already wearing #99 for D.C. United. The club signed him on loan from Chivas Guadalajara, hoping he’ll bring that spark and creativity they’ve been missing up front.

Barajas already has an impressive résumé for his age. In 2024, he played for Real Salt Lake and showed he could create chances against strong opponents. Before that, he stood out with Charleston Battery in the USL Championship, even winning the league’s Young Player of the Year award.

He’s traveled from Sacramento to Mexico and now back to MLS. That journey says a lot about his ability to adapt and compete with confidence.

Let’s take a look at how his loan from Chivas fits D.C. United’s plans, what his early years say about his development, and how his international experience with Mexico’s youth teams adds extra maturity to his game. This season, Barajas isn’t just another prospect. He’s a player who could make an immediate impact.

F. Barajas at D.C. United: Role and Expectations

Barajas steps into a team that values pace, pressing, and creativity. He came up through the Sacramento Republic FC academy before turning pro, bringing technical skill and composure that fit well with the Black-and-Red’s evolving attack.

Squad Number and Position

He wears #99 for D.C. United—a number you don’t see every day, usually reserved for players with a little extra flair. Barajas mainly plays as a winger or forward, drifting on either flank but often cutting inside from the right.

Standing 5’10” and weighing 154 pounds, he combines balance and agility with a low center of gravity. Expect him to use quick touches and short bursts of speed to get past defenders.

He likes drifting centrally, linking up with the striker, and pressing high when D.C. United loses the ball. That versatility should give him a real shot at earning steady minutes under Troy Lesesne.

Position	Preferred Foot	Height	Weight	Squad Number
Forward / Winger	Left	5’10”	154 lbs	#99

Integration into the Black-and-Red Attack

D.C. United brought in Barajas on loan from Chivas Guadalajara in February 2025. The deal runs through June 30, with an option to extend through December.

His creativity meshes well with D.C. United’s quick transition play. The team needs wide players who can stretch defenses and deliver quality crosses. Barajas’s passing and knack for finding space make him a strong fit for that role.

Lesesne wants wingers who track back and press. Barajas’s energy and work rate, honed in USL and MLS, suggest he can handle those demands. His adaptability should help him settle into the league’s tempo pretty quickly.

Head Coach Troy Lesesne’s Tactical Plans

Head coach Troy Lesesne loves movement and organized pressing. Barajas will probably play a hybrid role, shifting between winger and inside forward depending on the matchup.

Lesesne often sets up with three forwards who swap positions during games. That fluid front line lets Barajas exploit gaps between defenders. His left foot gives D.C. United a natural option for inverted runs and quick one-twos near the box.

Training sessions focus a lot on spacing, pressing triggers, and moving the ball quickly. If Barajas picks up those tactical details, he could become a regular contributor before his loan ends. His progress under Lesesne will depend on how quickly he reads the game and connects with teammates in the final third.

Loan Move from Chivas Guadalajara

Barajas continues his growth with a move that seems calculated and smart. He joined D.C. United on loan from Chivas Guadalajara, coming back to Major League Soccer after a short but challenging stint in Liga MX.

Loan Details and Duration

D.C. United announced Barajas’s loan from Chivas Guadalajara on February 26, 2025. The deal runs through June 30, 2025, with an option to extend through December 31, 2025. That gives the club some flexibility to see how he fits.

Barajas wears the number 99 jersey and plays mostly as a forward or winger. You can check out the signing details on the D.C. United website.

At just 18 years old, Barajas brings both instant energy and long-term potential. His arrival boosts D.C. United’s attacking depth and gives him a shot at steady playing time.

Detail	Information
Club	D.C. United
Parent Club	Chivas Guadalajara
Loan Start	Feb. 26, 2025
Loan End	June 30, 2025 (option to extend)
Position	Forward / Winger
Jersey Number	99

Chivas Guadalajara Career Overview

Barajas joined Chivas Guadalajara, or El Rebaño Sagrado, in July 2024 after moving from Real Salt Lake for a reported $4 million fee. He made five appearances for Chivas, totaling 85 minutes and taking four shots.

He debuted on July 6, 2024, in a 0-0 draw with Deportivo Toluca. He didn’t get much playing time, but the experience exposed him to the tactical demands and intensity of Mexican football.

Chivas had a deep roster and stiff competition for spots, so Barajas didn’t get many chances. Still, the club appreciated his technical ability and creativity in tight spaces. Pro Soccer Wire’s report has more on his move and early showings.

Liga MX Experience

Liga MX pushed Barajas to adapt to a faster tempo and tougher defending. The league’s style is a bit different from MLS, so he had to make quicker decisions and move better off the ball.

He trained with seasoned pros at Chivas, learning from veterans who know how to handle pressure. That environment sharpened his tactical awareness and composure on the ball.

Even in limited minutes, he picked up lessons about maturity and discipline. Coming back to MLS with D.C. United lets him put that experience to work and get regular matches. His time in Mexico made him a more complete forward, ready for this next step.

MLS and Real Salt Lake Experience

Barajas started building his reputation early, showing skill and poise that’s rare at his age. His stint with Real Salt Lake gave him MLS experience that prepared him for this new challenge at D.C. United.

Performance at Real Salt Lake

He joined Real Salt Lake (RSL) in early 2024 after shining with Charleston Battery in the USL. At just 17, he adapted quickly to the pace of MLS. He made his league debut on February 21, 2024, against Inter Miami CF, coming on as a second-half sub.

He got his first start about a month later in a 2–1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC, where he assisted both goals. That game really showed his vision and ability to create space for teammates.

Barajas scored his first goal in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against New Mexico United. Even though RSL lost, he looked confident in front of goal. In 2024, he played 17 MLS matches, started five, and tallied two assists while keeping an 88.3% passing accuracy.

Season	Club	Matches	Starts	Goals	Assists	Passing Accuracy
2024	Real Salt Lake	17	5	0	2	88.3%

His time at RSL highlighted his technical ability and calmness under pressure. Coaches and scouts across the league took notice.

Transition to D.C. United

In February 2025, D.C. United signed Barajas on loan from Chivas Guadalajara through June 30, 2025, with a possible extension through December. The club’s official site confirmed the move, bringing him back to MLS for another go.

This transition gives him a shot to grow under head coach Troy Lesesne, who loves creative attacking players. At 18, Barajas seems to fit right into a system that values movement and quick passing.

His Liga MX stint with Chivas taught him tactical discipline and defensive awareness. Now, back in MLS, he can blend that with the league’s open, fast-paced style.

The loan helps D.C. United too, since they needed more depth out wide. Barajas’s ability to play both winger and forward gives the team more ways to attack clubs like Toronto FC and Chicago Fire, where speed and creativity can make all the difference.

Notable Matches and Contributions

Barajas’s best early MLS moments came with RSL in 2024. His two-assist game against Vancouver Whitecaps FC stands out, showing he can impact matches even with limited minutes.

He also impressed against Toronto FC and Chicago Fire, using his pressing and off-ball runs to create chances. He didn’t score in those games, but his work in the build-up caught coaches’ eyes.

At D.C. United, his preseason looked promising—he seemed more confident and made better decisions. Linking up with midfielders and delivering accurate crosses gives United something new up front.

Fans have noticed his maturity, especially when he tracks back defensively or holds possession under pressure. With his technical skill and composure, he’s definitely one of the more intriguing young players to keep an eye on in MLS this year.

USL Championship and Charleston Battery Achievements

Barajas’s rise really took off during his time with the Charleston Battery in the USL Championship. He became one of the league’s most promising young attackers, standing out for his technical control, quick thinking, and steady production.

Breakout Season with Charleston Battery

Barajas broke through as a key figure for Charleston Battery in 2023. At just 17, he became a regular starter and helped the team reach the Eastern Conference title. His ability to create chances and link play gave the Battery a balanced attack.

He scored his first pro goal against Tampa Bay, becoming the youngest scorer in club history. His goals and assists showed maturity beyond his years. The Battery’s run to the USL Championship Final highlighted just how important he was to their success.

He had previously trained with Chivas Guadalajara before joining Charleston, bringing a strong technical base that immediately translated to the pro level. His poise and confidence under pressure caught the eye of scouts across MLS.

USL Championship Young Player of the Year

You saw Barajas grab the USL Championship Young Player of the Year award in 2023. That season, he showed off not just consistency, but also a knack for shaping matches with his creativity and vision.

His peers noticed too—he picked up honors from the USL Players Association. That put him right up there with the top teenage prospects in North America. The Guardian even included him in their “Next Generation 2023” list, which just boosted his reputation further.

Barajas juggled club and international duties, playing for both Mexico and the United States at youth level. That kind of dual experience gave him a wider perspective on different playing styles and tactical approaches.

His success in Charleston really set the stage for his eventual move to Major League Soccer.

Key Stats and Records

Barajas’s numbers tell a lot of the story. In 37 appearances for the Battery, he notched 5 goals and 13 assists. That put him among the league’s top creators.

Category	Statistic	Season
Matches Played	37	2022–2023
Goals	5	2022–2023
Assists	13	2022–2023
Chances Created	39	2023
Team of the Week Selections	3	2023

He even tied a 23-year-old club record with 11 assists in a single season, matching Temoc Suarez’s mark from 2000. That two-assist game against Pittsburgh and his two-goal outing versus Tulsa put him among the youngest to pull off those feats in league history.

You can check out his full player profile on the Charleston Battery website if you want to see how his early achievements set him up for D.C. United.

Youth Development and Early Career

You can see how early opportunities and good coaching turned Fidel Barajas into a skilled winger. His time in California academies built up his technical skills and gave him a clear path toward the pro game.

Sacramento Republic FC Beginnings

Barajas’s growth at Sacramento Republic FC stands out. He joined the youth setup as a preteen in Sacramento, California, and coaches quickly saw his balance, control, and sharp reading of the game.

He spent a few seasons refining his left foot and learning how to handle older opponents. Those years taught him to move off the ball and make quick decisions when the pressure was on.

At Sacramento, Barajas also got exposure through U.S. Youth National Team camps. Those matches forced him to adjust to a faster pace and bigger expectations.

Season	Team	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2019–2021	Sacramento Republic FC Academy	42	9	11

By the time he left the club, you could see a confident player ready for a bigger stage.

San Jose Earthquakes Academy Pathway

Next up, Barajas joined the San Jose Earthquakes Academy. That move bridged his youth career to the professional level. The academy’s environment pushed him to stay consistent and improve his tactical sense.

Training with MLS-level prospects, he worked on his pace, one-on-one defending, and crossing accuracy. Coaches liked his discipline and willingness to track back—traits that would define his pro style down the road.

He also took part in college prep programs connected to the Earthquakes, balancing schoolwork with travel and training.

Attribute	Focus Area	Improvement
Technical	Ball control, passing	High
Tactical	Positioning, pressing	Moderate
Physical	Speed, endurance	High

This stage really set him up for his pro debut and that eventual spot with D.C. United.

International Career and Youth Honors

Barajas already has a youth international résumé that’s honestly impressive. His time with Mexico’s U-17 and U-20 teams shows he’s consistent and still growing, especially in big tournaments where he’s had to step up both technically and mentally.

Mexico U-17 and U-20 National Teams

Barajas played for both the United States and Mexico at youth level, but his biggest moments came with Mexico. After some early games for the U.S. U-17s, he switched to Mexico, where he picked up over 25 caps and chipped in six goals and six assists at U-17 level.

He later moved up to the U-20 squad, where he kept working on his playmaking and movement off the ball. When he got picked for an international friendly against Brazil in 2024, it really showed how much Mexico’s youth system rates him.

Career Summary with Mexico Youth Teams

Team	Matches	Goals	Assists	Years Active
Mexico U-17	25	6	6	2022–2023
Mexico U-20	1	0	0	2024–present

His dual-national background and tactical flexibility have made him a real asset for Mexico’s youth teams, blending U.S. academy training with Mexico’s attacking style.

2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup

At the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, Barajas started several matches for Mexico. He managed to score one goal and add one assist, helping the team reach the Round of 16.

He showed composure under pressure and linked play well against some tough international defenses. Mexico’s run ended earlier than many hoped, but Barajas picked up valuable experience against top youth talent from Europe and South America.

His performances caught the eye of scouts in both MLS and Liga MX, which set up his later moves to Chivas Guadalajara and then D.C. United.

2023 Concacaf U-17 Championship

Barajas played a big part in Mexico’s title-winning run at the 2023 Concacaf U-17 Championship. He started all seven matches, scored three goals, and provided five assists as Mexico won the trophy.

His creativity drove the attack, and he found space and delivered pinpoint crosses. That made him one of the tournament’s most effective wingers.

Mexico’s attack really thrived on his contributions, especially in the knockout rounds where he either assisted or scored in every match.

His standout play earned him recognition as a top performer in the tournament, locking in his spot among Mexico’s most promising young players, as noted in D.C. United’s official announcement.

Playing Style and Technical Attributes

Barajas reads the game with a maturity you don’t see often in 19-year-olds. His control in tight spots, quick decisions, and ability to play across attacking roles make him a real asset for D.C. United.

Vision and Passing Range

Barajas’s passing range really stands out. He keeps the ball moving with short passes and isn’t shy about hitting longer diagonals to stretch defenses.

He sees runs early, creating chances others might overlook. You’ll often find him dropping deep to link play, comfortable floating between midfield and attack.

That mix of composure and vision comes from his training at Chivas Guadalajara, where ball movement gets a lot of focus.

Key Passing Metrics (2025 Season)

Metric	Average per 90 mins	Accuracy	Key Passes
Short Passes	28	87%	1.3
Long Passes	6	72%	0.8
Crosses	3	40%	0.6

His stats show he values precision over just pumping the ball forward. When Barajas finds a teammate, it usually leads to something dangerous.

Dribbling Skills

Barajas’s dribbling is all about balance and timing. He’s comfortable with both feet and isn’t afraid to take on defenders one-on-one.

He changes direction quickly, keeps a low center of gravity, and somehow keeps control even when things get tight.

Instead of flashy tricks, he prefers quick touches and subtle feints. That keeps defenders guessing, but he rarely wastes possession.

His dribbling really shines near the penalty area, where he can draw fouls or slip passes through. He stays composed on the ball, showing confidence without being showy.

For a player his age, that kind of restraint says a lot about his tactical maturity.

Versatility as Winger and Forward

Barajas’s ability to switch between winger and forward roles is a big plus. Out wide, he provides width and service. Up front, he presses defenders and makes direct runs behind the back line.

This flexibility gives coaches more tactical options. He can start wide and drift inside when the team needs another finisher.

That movement keeps defenders on their toes and opens up space for others. His time at D.C. United and earlier at Chivas Guadalajara helped him understand both roles.

He’s also willing to track back defensively—a trait you don’t always see in young wingers.

Potential as a Promising Young Talent

Barajas stands out as one of the most promising young players in Major League Soccer. Born in Sacramento and trained in Mexico, he mixes two football cultures in his game.

His technical skills and decision-making hint at big potential. Even at 19, he plays with the confidence of a veteran.

His performances for D.C. United prove he can handle the physical side of MLS while staying precise.

If he keeps working on his passing and finishing, he could turn into a regular contributor for both club and country. His path looks similar to other MLS players who grew into national team roles.

For more on his current role and stats, check out his official D.C. United profile or his MLS player page.

Recent Transfers and Squad Additions

You’ve watched D.C. United shake up its roster, bringing in more creativity and speed up front. The club’s focus on youth and technical ability is clear from its new signings, who add international experience and attacking depth.

João Peglow and Randall Leal Arrivals

João Peglow and Randall Leal fit right into the club’s plan to modernize the attack. Peglow, a Brazilian winger from Internacional, brings quick feet and a real eye for goal.

His experience in Brazil’s Série A gave him confidence in one-on-one situations. Leal, who played college soccer at the University of Costa Rica before joining MLS, offers versatility on either wing.

His time with Nashville SC proved he can stretch defenses and deliver accurate crosses.

Player	Position	Previous Club	Age	Notable Strengths
João Peglow	Winger	Internacional (BRA)	23	Dribbling, agility, finishing
Randall Leal	Winger	Nashville SC	28	Vision, pace, work rate

Both players bring competition for starting spots. Expect them to rotate with younger talents like Fidel Barajas, which should help balance development and results.

Their arrivals also give head coach Troy Lesesne more tactical flexibility out wide.

Impact on D.C. United’s Attack

These new signings really shake up D.C. United’s attack. Peglow pushes the pace with his direct approach. Leal, on the other hand, keeps the ball moving in tight spots with his passing.

Now the team can flip between a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1. That opens up space for forwards like Barajas, who thrive when wide players cut inside.

Leal’s been around MLS long enough to calm the younger guys. Peglow adds a bit of unpredictability—never a bad thing in the final third.

Their skills lift the technical level up front. D.C. United’s attack just looks more balanced and, honestly, a bit more dangerous now.