Sean Nealis

Sean Nealis, born on January 13, 1997, is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer.

Nealis began playing soccer at the age of seven and led the Massapequa Chiefs to a NYSPHSAA Class AA Championship in his junior year of high school. He attended Hofstra University, where he was a member of the varsity soccer team for four years and was recognized as the Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year during his senior season.

On January 11, 2019, Nealis was drafted in the second round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft by the New York Red Bulls. He made his professional debut for the club on February 27, 2019, in a 3–0 victory over Atlético Pantoja in the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League. He scored his first goal for the club in a 3–1 victory over FC Dallas on May 11, 2019.

Nealis became a regular starter for New York during the 2021 season and signed a 3-year contract extension, with an additional option year, on August 25, 2021. He scored the winning goal for New York in a 2-1 victory over Columbus Crew on October 23, 2021. Toward the end of the 2022 season, New York once again handed Nealis a contract extension through the 2026 season with an option for 2027.

As of July 3, 2022, his club domestic league appearances and goals are as follows: Hofstra Pride (72 apps, 4 goals), Westchester Flames (5 apps, 0 goals), New York Red Bulls (76 apps, 2 goals), and New York Red Bulls II (20 apps, 3 goals).