Few players embody D.C. United’s tradition of developing Homegrown talent quite like Jackson Hopkins. From his earliest days in the Academy to U.S. Youth National Team call-ups, and earning professional minutes as a teenager, Hopkins is now emerging as a key figure in the first team, having captained D.C. United for the first time on August 23 against Inter Miami CF. Hopkins’ story from Academy standout to first-team captain is one of resilience, growth, and potential.
From the Academy to the Professional Stage
A native of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Hopkins came through the D.C. United Academy before signing with Loudoun United of the USL Championship on an Academy contract in 2021, where he began carving out his reputation as a player with both technical quality and composure on the ball. He made his professional debut with Loudoun United against the Charleston Battery on July 21, 2021, at just 17 years old. After 16 appearances for Loudoun in 2021, his development was tracked closely by the D.C. United First Team who signed him as the club’s 18th Homegrown Player in club history on April 13, 2022.
Hopkins made his D.C. United debut less than a month after signing with the Black-and-Red in the U.S. Open Cup against the New York Red Bulls on May 10, 2022. Since then, he has accumulated 67 appearances across all competitions, recording three goals and one assist. All three of those goals were scored this season as the 21-year-old continues to mature both on and off the field.
Breaking Through: Goals, Leadership, and Trust
The 2025 season has marked a turning point in Hopkins’ young career. After scoring his first professional goal in dramatic fashion — an extra-time equalizer in the Round of 16 of the U.S. Open Cup against Charlotte FC on May 21 that helped United advance on penalties — he quickly endeared himself to the fans. Hopkins not only scored the equalizer but also calmly buried his penalty in the shootout, confidently showcasing his composure under pressure.
He then carried that momentum into league play, netting his first MLS goal on August 16 against CF Montréal before following it up with another standout strike in the next match against Inter Miami. Taking the ball down with a deft first touch before firing across goal to give United a 1-0 lead, the moment highlighted his technical ability and confidence.
Adding to the significance, Hopkins wore the captain’s armband against Miami, becoming the youngest captain in D.C. United history. The decision reflected new head coach René Weiler’s trust in the 21-year-old midfielder, who has quickly established himself as both a reliable presence and an emerging leader in the squad. Hopkins has made 12 MLS appearances this year, including six starts, and he has featured from the opening whistle in both matches under Weiler.
“My pinch-me moment was scoring at Audi Field last weekend. When they announced my name after the kickoff, I couldn’t stop smiling in the middle of the game. That was the moment I realized it was real."
Battling Through Injuries
Hopkins’ rise has not been without obstacles. He has battled through multiple injuries over the last few seasons as a young player growing into his body, each time showing determination to return stronger.
“It was really hard because it was my first time dealing with injuries, and they just kept coming. Every time I thought I was close to coming back, there was another setback.
It feels really good to be past that now and know that year is behind me. I can just play again, healthy and back to myself.
My body feels stronger from all the weight lifting. I’ve gotten heavier, stronger, and more protected. Mentally, being out gave me a different perspective. Soccer matters a lot to me, but it’s not all I care about. It’s not all I am.”
That resilience is now paying off as he cements his place as an influential figure on the Black-and-Red roster.
Growth, Work Ethic, and Professionalism
Beyond the goals and appearances, Hopkins is praised internally for his professionalism, work ethic, and love for the game.
“Jackson’s journey from the Academy to the first team is a credit to the type of player and person he is,” said Ally Mackay, D.C. United General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer. “His professionalism, work ethic, and love for the game set him apart and make him a great example for the young players coming through our system. We’re proud of the progress he’s made, and he has an important role to play in the future of this club.”
Hopkins grew up attending matches at RFK Stadium and Audi Field, building a lifelong connection to the Black-and-Red. In 2019, he was even on the sidelines as a ball kid at Audi Field, dreaming of one day wearing the crest himself.
"I used to be a ball kid here, going to games with my family and watching legends like Kaká and Pirlo. To now be playing on that same field, in the new stadium, and finding success, it’s surreal.”
Today, that dream has become reality. His journey from Academy prospect to first team difference-maker embodies the pathway D.C. United has built for its young players and his recent performances suggest this is only the beginning.
Looking Ahead
As D.C. United continues to evolve under René Weiler, Jackson Hopkins has become a symbol of the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent and investing in its own. At just 21 years old, he represents both the promise of the Academy pathway and the resilience required to reach the highest level. His growth underscores the importance of supporting and uplifting the next generation of players who embody the Black-and-Red.
"When I was in the academy, I would have loved to have what they have now — being so close to the first team, training on the other side of the facility, and sharing the same building. They can see how we work every day. That’s why it’s important for us to set the right example and be good role models. Hopefully a lot of them will be where we are now one day.”
While the 2025 campaign fell short of playoff qualification, Hopkins has emerged as one of the season’s brightest storylines. His leadership, goals, and connection to the fans have been reminders of what this club stands for. The performances in the final two matches were not only a glimpse of a revitalized team but also a statement of intent for what is to come.
Hopkins’ journey is only just beginning, and his continued development will be vital to D.C. United’s future. As the focus shifts to 2026, supporters can rally behind Hopkins as both a Homegrown success story and a cornerstone of the team’s ambitions moving forward.
