FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – At just 21 years old, Marcos Zambrano has already gained professional experience across the globe—developing in the Philadelphia Union Academy, playing overseas with renowned Portuguese clubs Benfica B and Vitória Guimarães B, earning caps with United States youth national teams, competing in the U-20 FIFA World Cup in Chile, signing with Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake, and now, joining the fight with the New England Revolution.
“I’m very happy. I’m very grateful to be here. It’s a great opportunity for me. I’m here to score goals, win games, and help the team to be the best possible,” said the striker.
Zambrano, a native of Guayaquil, Ecuador who grew up in Parkland, Florida, may be new to New England, but he arrives surrounded by familiar faces. Zambrano previously played under head coach Marko Mitrović with the U.S. Under-20s, alongside Peyton Miller, Ethan Kohler, and Brooklyn Raines. Together, they built the kind of bond that only forms when pushing through a major international tournament, in a run that carried them to the quarterfinals of the 2025 U-20 World Cup.
“I’m very grateful to be with him [Mitrović]. I’ve worked with him for years with the national team, since I was 16 or 17 years old. So, I’m very happy for this opportunity. He knows me very well, and he trusts me because he knows the player I can be,” he said. “When you come to a new a team you always wonder how the team will be, and having three of my teammates that I played in the World Cup with in Chile, it’s amazing.”
After signing a first team contract with Real Salt Lake in 2025, Zambrano spent his time in Utah continuing to develop with the Monarchs, Salt Lake’s MLS NEXT Pro side. With nine appearances in the 2025 campaign, Zambrano tallied five goals with Real Monarchs. The Ecuadorian will add a youthful attacking boost to the Revolution as he comes on loan through December 31, 2026.
For Zambrano, who has yet to make his MLS debut, the opportunity feels like what he’s been working toward his whole life, and he hopes he can soon accomplish the milestone with the Revolution.
“It would mean everything. It’s been my dream since I was a kid,” he said with a smile. “Hopefully it can be my debut next week against Montréal. We’ll see.”
While Zambrano may still be waiting to make his mark on the league, his readiness is palpable. He’s a talent eager to make an impact and determined to do it in New England.
“Everyone says Boston is one of the best cities in the United States. I haven’t been there before, so I want to be there,” he said. “I’m excited for winning games, scoring goals, and making the most of this opportunity.”
As Zambrano continues to integrate with the team, supported by Mitrović and staff, his eyes are already set on the next match. With Zambrano ready to support the attack, the Revs will take the pitch on April 4, at 4:30 p.m. ET in Gillette Stadium to face off with CF Montréal. The game marks the first of a three-game homestand in Foxborough.
