Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Chicago Fire · DF #14 · South Africa · Group A 61Rating10Caps1Goals20Age
MM 
14
61DF
14 Mbekezeli Mbokazi
1GLS–AST0CG14APP10CAP20AGE
Club season 2025/26 Major League Soccer
14
Apps
12
Starts
0
Goals
International
10
Caps
1
Goals
Form
MLS All-Star First XI selection; revelation for Chicago Fire
Date of birth2005-09-19 (age 20) NationalitySouth Africa ClubChicago Fire · United States LeagueMajor League Soccer PositionDF · #14 Height— Preferred foot— Market value—
Mbekezeli 'TLB' Mbokazi enjoyed a meteoric rise at Orlando Pirates, debuting in March 2025 and becoming the club's youngest captain since Mbulelo Mabizela, lifting the MTN8 and Carling Knockout. A ball-playing, physical centre-back with a fierce shot, he moved to Chicago Fire in December 2025 in a deal worth around $3m and was an instant MLS sensation. Still a teenager, he made his Bafana debut in May 2025 and helped seal World Cup qualification.
- Nicknamed 'TLB' after the powerful TLB backhoe loaders
- Became Orlando Pirates' youngest captain at 19
- Named to the MLS All-Star First XI in his first season with Chicago Fire
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