New York Red Bulls’ Lewis Morgan named 2024 MLS Comeback Player of the Year

After overcoming multiple injuries in 2023, New York Red Bulls midfielder Lewis Morgan has been named the 2024 MLS Comeback Player of the Year.

Morgan, who underwent hip surgery in September 2023, was given an 80-85% chance of returning to play and only a 20-25% chance of returning to peak performance.

Upon recovering for 2024, the Scottish international led RBNY in goals (13) and was second in assists (7) through 29 matches. Those efforts helped New York qualify for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for a league-record 15th consecutive season.

The 28-year-old also returned to Scotland’s national team after a six-year absence, getting called up for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament and UEFA Nations League play.

Morgan’s injury-plagued 2023 limited him to just five appearances and less than 300 minutes after he posted 14g/4a in 2022 – his first season with the Red Bulls. He previously played for Inter Miami CF from 2020-21.

No one’s a bigger fan of our @MLS Comeback Player of the Year than his mom. So we asked her to break the news to Lewis at a team meeting 🥹 pic.twitter.com/jyjbtLwXtA

— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) November 6, 2024

Comeback Player of the Year recognizes an MLS player who has overcome a severe injury and/or adversity after missing a significant portion of the 2023 season, then has shown improved performance to achieve success during the 2024 season.

The award is voted on by MLS club technical staff, media and current MLS players. Morgan beat out fellow finalists Robin Lod (Minnesota United FC) and Maxi Moralez (New York City FC).

MLS Comeback Player of the Year Winners

2024: Lewis Morgan – New York Red Bulls
2023: Alan Pulido – Sporting Kansas City
2022: Gonzalo Higuaín – Inter Miami CF
2021: Carles Gil – New England Revolution
2020: Bradley Wright-Phillips – Los Angeles Football Cub
2019: Jordan Morris – Seattle Sounders FC
2018: Gyasi Zardes – Columbus Crew SC
2017: Clint Dempsey – Seattle Sounders FC
2016: Chris Pontius – Philadelphia Union
2015: Tim Melia – Sporting Kansas City
2014: Rodney Wallace – Portland Timbers
2013: Kevin Alston – New England Revolution
2012: Eddie Johnson – Seattle Sounders FC
2011: David Beckham – LA Galaxy
2010: Bobby Convey – San Jose Earthquakes
2009: Zach Thornton – Chivas USA
2008: Kenny Cooper – FC Dallas
2007: Eddie Johnson – Kansas City Wizards
2006: Richard Mulrooney – FC Dallas
2005: Chris Klein – Kansas City Wizards
2004: Brian Ching – San Jose Earthquakes
2003: Chris Armas – Chicago Fire
2002: Chris Klein – Kansas City Wizards
2001: Troy Dayak – San Jose Earthquakes
2000: Tony Meola – Kansas City Wizards