R. Leal, D.C. United, Midfielder, #11: Profile & Career Highlights

You’re at Audi Field, and there’s the number 11 darting through the midfield with real intent. That’s Randall Leal, D.C. United’s new signing from Costa Rica, injecting energy and sharpness into every touch. Leal brings a creative spark to D.C. United’s attack, using his speed and vision to stitch plays together and pull defenses apart. His arrival hints at a new focus on balance and control right in the heart of the pitch.

Leal didn’t just stumble into Washington—his journey’s been careful and steady. He started at Deportivo Saprissa, then made a real impression in Major League Soccer with Nashville SC before joining D.C. United in early 2025.

His time with the Costa Rica national team adds a layer of international poise, blending that with the kind of league experience that’s tough to teach.

You’ll notice how his tactical smarts, versatility, and relentless work ethic influence D.C. United’s style. From his Saprissa youth days to his current MLS role, Leal’s story is clearly about growth and consistency.

Let’s dig into his role, the path he’s taken, and what makes him so crucial for D.C. United’s 2025 campaign.

R. Leal’s Role at D.C. United

You see Randall Leal as the midfielder who links possession and attack for D.C. United. His technical skills and MLS experience give the team a reliable presence as they try to rebuild.

Squad Number and Position

Leal rocks the number 11 shirt for D.C. United and usually lines up as a midfielder. You’ll spot him drifting between central and wide spots, always trying to connect play and push the ball through the middle third.

He came to the club via the MLS waiver process, signing through 2025 with an option for 2026, according to D.C. United. His signing showed the club wanted more creativity after a so-so 2024 season.

Leal’s resume includes stints at Nashville SC and FC Fútbol Club back in Costa Rica before his MLS leap. He graduated from Saprissa’s youth system and played for Costa Rica’s national team, so he brings some real international experience to D.C.

Attribute	Detail
Squad Number	11
Position	Midfielder
Height	5’7″
Weight	163 lbs
Preferred Foot	Right
Contract	Through 2025 (Option 2026)

Playing Style and Versatility

Leal’s game is built on quick touches, balance, and sharp awareness. He likes short passing moves, often pulling defenders out before sliding the ball into space.

He can play as a left winger, attacking midfielder, or even as a right-sided playmaker. That flexibility lets D.C. United change tactics without missing a beat.

His right foot gives him control in tight spots, and his 5-star skill rating in digital games (see FUTBIN) actually matches his technical ability in real life. You’ll see him connecting passes more than scoring, using movement and vision to open up passing lanes.

Defensively, Leal works hard for MLS standards. He presses early, tracks back, and helps out the fullbacks, so the team keeps its shape in transition.

Impact Since Joining D.C. United

Leal made an impact right away after joining in January 2025. You can see how he controls tempo and keeps possession flowing, even if he’s not scoring.

MLS Soccer points out that his arrival brought much-needed balance to a midfield that struggled with consistency. His passing accuracy and calmness under pressure helped D.C. United control games.

Fans like his cool decision-making. Coaches appreciate his flexibility, especially when injuries or rotation shake up the squad.

Metric	2025 Season (Projected)
Appearances	28
Goals	4
Assists	6
Key Passes per 90	2.1
Pass Completion	85%

Leal’s steady play and leadership make him a central figure as D.C. United fights to climb the MLS Eastern Conference standings. His experience and attitude set a good example for the younger guys.

Career Journey and Club History

You watch the rise of a player who’s built his career on consistency and adaptability. From Costa Rica to Belgium, then the U.S., Randall Leal’s journey shows how skill and timing can shape a midfielder’s path.

Early Career at Belén

Leal’s pro career started at Belén F.C., a smaller but respected club in Costa Rica’s Primera División. He broke into their senior team as a teenager and honed his technique in a competitive league.

He spent those early seasons working on his passing and movement. Coaches noticed his game intelligence, and teammates leaned on him for creativity in tight spots.

He also played for Belén Siglo XXI, getting steady minutes that helped him grow both physically and mentally. That consistency caught the attention of European scouts, opening the door for a move abroad.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2013–2015	Belén F.C.	32	3	4

KV Mechelen Experience

Leal’s first international step came with KV Mechelen in Belgium’s top league. The transfer exposed him to a faster, more physical style of play.

At Mechelen, Leal had to adapt to European tactics. He learned to operate in smaller spaces and play both centrally and out wide.

He trained alongside experienced European players, which sharpened his decision-making and defensive discipline. He didn’t become a regular starter, but that stint in Belgium gave him maturity and a better sense of how to balance flair with structure.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2015–2018	KV Mechelen	20	1	2

Breakthrough at Deportivo Saprissa

Leal’s return to Deportivo Saprissa marked a real turning point. Saprissa, one of Costa Rica’s top clubs, gave him a bigger stage to show off his attacking instincts.

He became a key starter, chipping in with goals and assists in both league and international competitions. His ability to link midfield and attack helped Saprissa win league titles and compete well in CONCACAF tournaments.

His improved consistency led to regular call-ups for the Costa Rica national team. Performances at Saprissa caught the eye of MLS clubs and set up his next move.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2018–2019	Deportivo Saprissa	50	10	8

Nashville SC Tenure

Leal’s next stop was Nashville SC, joining ahead of their first MLS season. This move brought him into the U.S. soccer scene and pushed his development even further.

At Nashville, Leal established himself as a creative midfielder who could play multiple positions. His pace, technique, and work rate fit perfectly with the club’s balanced approach.

He scored and assisted in important games, helping Nashville reach the playoffs in their early years. Before going pro, Leal also attended Colegio de San José back in Costa Rica, showing he’s got both academic and athletic roots.

His time in Nashville boosted his reputation across MLS and set him up for his next chapter with D.C. United.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2020–2023	Nashville SC	90	14	14

International Career with Costa Rica

Leal’s roots in San José and his international experience have shaped him into the player he is now. Randall Enrique Leal Arley grew from a youth prospect into a steady contributor for Costa Rica, earning recognition in regional tournaments and stepping up for his country at the senior level.

Youth National Teams

Leal’s international promise showed early when he joined Costa Rica’s U20 squad. His control and quick feet made him stand out at the 2017 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, where he made the Best XI.

At the youth level, he tallied 9 appearances and 4 goals for the U20s, then 3 appearances and 2 goals for the U23s. Those numbers show how smoothly he moved from academy soccer to international competition.

Team	Years	Appearances	Goals	Honors
Costa Rica U20	2016–2017	9	4	CONCACAF U-20 Best XI (2017)
Costa Rica U23	2021	3	2	—

His performances with these squads helped him secure a move abroad and cemented his reputation as one of Costa Rica’s most promising young midfielders.

Senior Team Debut and Achievements

Leal made his senior debut in 2018, joining a Costa Rica team known for discipline and tactical organization. Since then, he has picked up 29 caps and 1 goal for the national team, usually playing as an attacking midfielder or wide man.

He mixes creativity with work rate, offering width and link-up play in the final third. His first international goal came in 2023, a nice milestone for his growing influence.

Year	Matches	Goals
2018–2024	29	1

Leal’s club success, including a 2019 CONCACAF League title with Saprissa, boosted his national team profile. His MLS experience with Nashville SC and D.C. United sharpened his pace and decision-making on the international stage.

Major Tournaments and World Cup Qualifiers

Leal has featured in Costa Rica’s CONCACAF Nations League and World Cup qualifying campaigns. He often comes on as a sub or lines up as a wide playmaker, giving the team more options in attack.

In Nations League games, he played against rivals like Panama and Honduras, showing he can handle pressure in tight spots. His tactical discipline has earned him steady call-ups since 2018.

Costa Rica has counted on him for creative depth during the 2022 and 2026 World Cup qualifying cycles. He’s contributed in important matches, even if he didn’t always get big minutes.

He adapts to multiple roles—midfield, wing, second striker—which makes him a valuable asset for the national team. Leal represents the type of player every national team needs: reliable, versatile, and calm under pressure.

You can see him as a reflection of Costa Rica’s modern football identity, built on technical skill and a quiet confidence.

Key Performances and Statistics

Randall Leal’s 2025 season with D.C. United felt like a step forward, especially in consistency and decision-making. He kept the ball moving, pressed hard, and linked up play in transition—those things really shaped the team’s midfield.

MLS Cup Playoffs Contributions

Leal’s composure stood out as D.C. United chased a postseason berth. In the MLS Cup Playoffs, he focused on keeping possession and creating space for forwards with short, quick passes.

His experience at Deportivo Saprissa and later Nashville SC helped him handle those high-pressure knockout games.

During the playoffs, Leal posted an 86% passing accuracy and set up several key chances every match. He didn’t force plays; instead, he chose patient buildup, which helped D.C. United keep the ball and push forward.

Playoff Performance Snapshot

Statistic	Value
Matches Played	3
Assists	1
Key Passes per Game	2.3
Shots on Target	4
Tackles Won	7

His influence in the midfield press became obvious—he won the ball back and launched attacks quickly. That calm presence seemed to settle the younger guys during tense moments.

Leagues Cup Appearances

Leal’s Leagues Cup performances showed his flexibility against international opponents. Against teams like Inter Miami CF, he played both centrally and out wide, adjusting to whatever the tactics required.

His smart positioning let D.C. United control the tempo and exploit space behind fullbacks. In those games, he averaged 1.5 successful dribbles and 2 interceptions per match, according to FootyStats.

Leal’s fitness and awareness made him a steady midfield choice during the summer run. He didn’t find the net, but he pulled defenders out of position and opened up space for others.

Coaches valued his discipline off the ball, especially when D.C. United faced teams that pressed high.

Notable Matches and Milestones

Leal’s standout game in 2025 came early in the season against New England Revolution, earning a 6.9 match rating on Sofascore. His movement and quick touches really bothered the defense that day.

He kept getting better at defensive transitions, too. Over the regular season, he averaged 1.8 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per game, per Transfermarkt.

Leal, a Costa Rican international who played for Belén FC and Saprissa, kept sharpening his awareness on the pitch. While he didn’t rack up big goal numbers, his steady link-up play and defensive work made him a reliable part of D.C. United’s midfield.

Playing Positions and Tactical Strengths

Leal’s value jumps out when you watch how he reads the game and adapts to shifting roles. His quick decisions and positional flexibility help D.C. United bridge defense and attack with real intent.

Attacking Midfield Skills

As an attacking midfielder, Leal moves between the lines to give teammates passing options. His vision lets him spot runs and thread short, sharp passes to keep plays alive.

According to D.C. United’s player profile, he’s right-footed and excels in tight spaces, using quick touches to unlock defenses.

He often drops deep to get the ball, then pushes forward to link up with the forwards. That makes him a key connector between the back line and the attack. You’ll usually see him notch several progressive passes each match, stretching defenses and keeping the tempo up.

Key Strengths:

• Crisp short passing
• Strong spatial awareness
• Calm under pressure

Metric	Approx. Value	Description
Pass Completion	82%	Keeps possession efficiently
Key Passes per Game	1.5	Creates scoring chances
Defensive Pressures	10	Contributes to pressing game

Winger Capabilities

Leal also fits well as a winger, especially on the left side where he can cut inside onto his right foot. He’s got enough pace and balance to take on defenders one-on-one.

Mad About College Sports points out his sharp passing and tactical awareness, which help D.C. United out wide.

He tracks back to help the fullback, then bursts forward to join the counter. His ability to switch flanks keeps the attack unpredictable. He likes to deliver early crosses and link up with quick give-and-goes near the box.

Tactical Traits:

• Quick acceleration over short distances
• Good in transition play
• Solid defensive work rate

Leal’s time at Deportivo Saprissa College Academy in Costa Rica gave him a technical foundation, so now he plays with composure and precision in MLS.

Personal Background and Off-the-Field Profile

Leal comes across as a player who mixes craft and consistency with a quiet confidence. His story starts in Costa Rica and winds its way to MLS, shaped by family and a steady approach to both life and football.

Early Life and Hometown

Randall Enrique Leal Arley was born on January 14, 1997, in San José, Costa Rica. Growing up in the capital, you get the sense he was surrounded by energy and community. Local fields and neighborhood games gave him his first taste of real soccer.

He joined the youth academy at Deportivo Saprissa, one of Costa Rica’s top clubs. That setting taught him discipline and tactical smarts early on. His progress there opened the door to his first pro contract and, eventually, a call from the national team.

Leal also spent time in Belgium with KV Mechelen, which gave him some valuable experience before he returned to MLS. That international background shaped the adaptable style you see now at D.C. United.

Detail	Information
Birthplace	San José, Costa Rica
Date of Birth	January 14, 1997
Height	5’7″
Weight	163 lbs
College Attended	N/A (developed through Saprissa academy)

Personality and Influence

You can spot Leal’s calm demeanor both on and off the field. Teammates call him focused, approachable, and pretty deliberate in how he carries himself.

He really values preparation and doesn’t chase the spotlight. Off the field, he keeps close ties to his Costa Rican heritage.

Leal often supports youth initiatives back home. He stays connected with local football programs in San José, which honestly seems important to him.

He leads mostly through action, not just words. When he mentors younger players or chats with fans, Leal’s professionalism quietly stands out.

I think his mix of humility and drive makes him a respected figure within D.C. United. Supporters who value consistency over flash really appreciate that.