The anticipation surrounding the 2025 MLS SuperDraft culminated in D.C. United’s strategic selection of defender Nikola Markovic from NC State as the first overall pick. Known for his capabilities as a natural center back, Markovic arrives with considerable experience that includes a stint at MLS Next Pro with CF Montreal. His primary objective will be to strengthen a D.C. United defense that struggled last season, conceding 66 goals—the second highest in the league. In addition to bolstering their defense, the club recently acquired striker Tai Baribo from the Philadelphia Union, aiming to offset the departure of standout striker Christian Benteke. However, the team recognizes the urgent need for robust defensive options like Markovic to support overall team performance.
Markovic signed a Generation Adidas contract, allowing him entry into the draft after just two years at NC State. During his sophomore year, he earned accolades as the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and contributed significantly to his team’s run to the NCAA College Cup finals. D.C. United has high hopes for Markovic, anticipating that he will make an immediate impact on the first team despite missing the MLS Combine due to NCAA commitments. The club made an effort to assess him through in-person scouting, indicating their commitment to acquiring him.
“Strengthening our defense is a top priority for us alongside improving our attack,” said Dr. Erkut Sogut, Managing Director of Soccer Operations for D.C. United. “What impressed us about Nikola wasn’t just his performance on the field but also his leadership qualities off the field. Character evaluation was essential in our decision-making process.”
With coach Rene Weiler at the helm, D.C. United intends to adopt a high-tempo style of play centered around aggressive pressing. Markovic mentioned that this strategic vision aligns well with his own playing style, which is encouraging for a squad undergoing significant changes, both in coaching and player personnel.
“I’m honored to join a club with such a rich history,” expressed Markovic. “I genuinely believe in the vision the coaching staff has for this team. I am thrilled to be part of the journey to restore D.C. United to its former glory, and I feel confident that this is the right place for me.”
D.C. United continued to make bold moves in the draft, trading up to claim the New England Revolution’s eighth pick. With this selection, they welcomed forward Richie Aman from Washington into the fold. This addition aims to enhance their offensive capabilities and reduce the burden on Markovic as he adjusts to the demands of professional soccer. Nevertheless, Markovic appears eager for the challenges that lie ahead.
MLS SuperDraft First Round Results
| 1 | D.C. United | Nikola Markovic | Defender | NC State |
| 2 | FC Dallas | Ricky Louis | Forward | Georgia Southern |
| 3 | FC Dallas | Nicholas Simmonds | Forward | Virginia |
| 4 | Sporting Kansas City | Kwaku Agyabeng | Midfielder | Clemson |
| 5 | Orlando City | Harvey Sarajin | Forward | Wake Forest |
| 6 | Colorado Rapids | Mamadou Billo Diop | Forward | Colorado Rapids 2 (MLS Next Pro) |
| 7 | St. Louis City SC | Zack Lillington | Defender | UC Davis |
| 8 | D.C. United | Richie Aman | Forward | Washington |
| 9 | Orlando City | Nolan Miller | Defender | Michigan |
| 10 | Colorado Rapids | Mitchell Baker | Forward | Georgetown |
| 11 | Houston Dynamo | Joe Highfield | Forward | Portland |
| 12 | Atlanta United | Enzo Dovlo | Defender | UNC Greensboro |
| 13 | Real Salt Lake | Lukas Magnason | Defender | Clemson |
| 14 | Orlando City | Jaylen Yarwood | Defender | North Florida |
| 15 | Portland Timbers | Justin McLean | Forward | NC State |
| 16 | FC Dallas | Niklas Herceg | Keeper | Vermont |
| 17 | Vancouver Whitecaps | Zach Ramsey | Midfielder | Washington |
| 18 | Chicago Fire | Jack Sandmeyer | Midfielder | North Carolina |
| 19 | Sporting Kansas City | Nikos Clarke-Tosczak | Defender | Portland |
| 20 | Orlando City | Issah Haruna | Midfielder | UNC Greensboro |
| 21 | Red Bulls New York | Tomas Hut | Keeper | Syracuse |
| 22 | Charlotte FC | Will Cleary | Defender | Stanford |
| 23 | Minnesota United | Jaylinn Mitchell | Forward | SMU |
| 24 | Los Angeles FC | Giuliano Fravolini Whitchurch | Defender | Princeton |
| 25 | Real Salt Lake | Dylan Kropp | Defender | North Carolina |
| 26 | Colorado Rapids | Wahabu Musah | Forward | Clemson |
| 27 | New York City FC | Ransford Gyan | Forward | Clemson |
| 28 | San Diego FC | Martin Luala | Midfielder | Grand Canyon |
| 29 | Vancouver Whitecaps | Daniel Lugo | Forward | High Point |
| 30 | Inter Miami | Abdel Talabi | Defender | Bryant |
