NYCFC Bids Emotional Farewell to David Lee After 11 Years: “One of MLS’s Most Respected Sporting Directors”

In the wake of David Lee’s departure from New York City FC, Co-Vice Chairman Marty Edelman paid tribute to the man who shaped much of the club’s modern identity.

“On behalf of City Football Group and everyone at New York City FC, I would like to thank David for his hard work and service to the Club over the past 11 years. David has been central to our consistent success on the field, and while working alongside our global sporting operation, he has developed into one of the most well-respected Sporting Directors in MLS.”

Edelman’s words underline the profound impact Lee had not just within NYCFC, but across the broader City Football Group network.

Legacy of Development and Success

Lee’s tenure is remembered for balancing immediate competitive goals with long-term player development. Edelman emphasized his role in building a winning philosophy rooted in both the Academy system and the First Team:

“As an organization, our philosophy is to consistently develop talent in our Academy and First Team, and David played an important role in making that a reality. We wish him the best of luck in this new chapter of his career.”

This approach cemented NYCFC as one of MLS’s most consistently competitive clubs, culminating in historic milestones such as the 2021 MLS Cup triumph.