FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – When in need of a revolution, Carles Gil has stepped up to lead the charge for New England. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t just play the game – he bends it to his will. After last season’s frustrations and a slow start to 2025, the Revolution captain has helped steer the ship back on course, putting the Revs on a promising path.
“The last season was a difficult one,” Gil said, reflecting on 2024. “But finally, I think we’ve found our system, the way that we can perform in away games, and it’s just been five wins, but we want to continue like this.”
Gil has been in the spotlight since his match-winning brace against the New York Red Bulls in late March. After those first two goals, he’s gone on to score four more, and has totaled eight goal contributions (six goals, two assists) in the last eight games.
When the Revs went on a winning streak – collecting four straight shutout victories and going six games unbeaten – Gil received much of the praise. Across MLS broadcasts and national headlines, his name has become synonymous with New England’s success. Early power rankings already have Gil firmly in the running for 2025 MLS MVP, and while talk is centered on him, the Spaniard remains solely focused on the team.
“I feel good, but for me, the important thing is always the team. It doesn’t matter who scores, who assists, or who performs. In the end, when the team wins, everyone wins,” he said. “I’m the captain and I know everyone has a lot of confidence in me, so I need to be a leader out there. In the end, like I say, my mindset is always to help the team win. Sometimes, it’s scoring goals, like in the last games, but I try to control the game. I think that’s the way I can help the team most, to control the game. I’m just trying to be the best Carles for the team, for the next game, and for the next win.”
Energy has been high around the Revolution training ground during the recent run of success, although with this squad, that was never dependent on what happens on the pitch. The tightknit locker room has been a frequent topic all season, and it’s something Gil says is essential.
“You need the kind of players like Andrew [Farrell] and Maxi [Urruti] – they’re funny guys who make the locker room better. It’s important to feel that – in the good moments, but also in the bad moments, to stay together,” he explained. “I think we have a very good locker room and obviously, when you win, everything is easier, and everyone is happy.”
The chemistry that Gil gushes about off the pitch is also visible on it. With returning players Alhassan Yusuf and Matt Polster playing behind him in the midfield, their familiarity has been game-changing in transition.
“With the way we are playing, I think he [Polster] feels good on the pitch. When we can have a good Matt, it’s key for the team,” said Gil. “But as a team we all work to help every player perform. Yusuf is the same. We had a slow start to the season, but it’s feeling better and better. Yusuf is a very important player for us. Last year when he arrived, he performed for us. We all feel really good right now.”
Polster and Yusuf both got on the scoresheet for the first time this season in the recent 3-3 draw in Orlando, tying the game after being down 2-0 early. To emphasize the power of the Revolution midfield, Gil joined them with a late equalizer from the penalty spot.
Gil now leads the league in penalty kick goals in 2025, converting all three of his attempts. His composure in high-pressure moments has not only been instrumental for New England since he joined in 2019, but it’s shown why he’s trusted as captain – and why he’s a contender for league MVP.
“When I won (MVP) in 2021, it was amazing for me. It is very difficult to win this, but like I say, I know it’s not just me, but every player needs his team to be considered for this type of trophy. It’s got to be the best 11,” he said. “So, that’s why I am just focused on my team, because it’s not just me – I want everyone to be a better player. The important thing is that the team is winning, and then everyone will get their trophies.”
Gil’s selfless mindset continues to resonate – and not just with teammates, but also with fans who have ridden the highs and lows alongside the squad. He understands the responsibility that comes with the armband, and more than anything, wants to make sure the club keeps growing in the right direction.
“To the fans, I am just trying to keep being the best Carles I can be. I’ve been doing that on the pitch and helping the team win. You can see it on faces of the fans when you win, or when they are with you through the bad moments like we’ve had in the past,” Gil said. “I think we can be one of the best teams in the league. For that to happen, we need to continue working hard and improving. I think we’ve had very good games, but we can do much better things and we are going to make it a very good year for them.”
