Gozo's All-Star Debut Marks New Milestone for Utah Soccer
Photos by iBrowimages
CHARLOTTE, N.C. Real Salt Lake midfielder Zavier Gozo added another milestone to his meteoric rise Wednesday night, becoming the youngest player in RSL history to appear in the Major League Soccer All-Star Game.
The 19-year-old Utah native entered the match in the 63rd minute at Bank of America Stadium and played the final 27 minutes of the MLS All-Stars' 4-3 victory over the Liga MX All-Stars. Although Gozo did not score or record an assist, his appearance placed him on the field alongside several internationally recognized players. It gave Utah soccer supporters another reason to celebrate the rise of one of their own.
Gozo's All-Star selection was historic before he ever stepped onto the pitch. Zavier Gozo, born in West Valley City and raised in Eagle Mountain, became the first Utah native to be named an MLS All-Star. To add to the history being made, at 19 years old, he replaced teammate Diego Luna as the youngest Real Salt Lake player selected for the honor.
"It's pretty cool to be the first-ever Utah player to be named an All-Star in MLS," Gozo said after his selection was announced in June. He also thanked the fans, players, and media members who voted for him.
Gozo earned his place in the All-Star First XI through voting by MLS fans, players, and media. His selection felt inevitable after a high octane start to the 2026 season. After becoming an out and out starter for the club, the teenager recorded six goals and five assists totaling 11 goal contributions. This impressive tally led Real Salt Lake entering the league's World Cup break.
Gozo also made club history on May 13th when he scored twice in a 3-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo. At 19 years and 54 days old, he became the youngest player in Real Salt Lake history to score multiple goals in a single match.
Gozo's rise has been made even more impressive by the player learning and adopting a new position going into the 2026 season. After primarily playing as an attacker, Gozo was asked to take on additional defensive responsibilities as a wingback. He responded by using his speed, work rate, and ability to challenge opposing defenders to become one of RSL's most productive players.
During the All-Star Game, Gozo entered with the MLS team leading 4-2 and played on the left wing. He remained active along the sideline as the Liga MX All-Stars pushed for a late comeback. MLS eventually held on for the 4-3 victory.
After the match, Gozo described the experience of playing with accomplished international stars as both exciting and encouraging. He said players such as Son Heung-min, Thomas Müller, and Carles Gil encouraged him to continue working and playing with confidence.
An All-Star appearance is far from a guarantee of future success. It is, however, a strong indicator of the trajectory of a player, especially a player who is only 19 years old. Gozo's debut is more than a midseason honor for a quick photo-op; it demonstrated that a player raised and developed in Utah can earn recognition alongside some of the league's most accomplished players.
For young soccer players throughout the state, Gozo's journey from local youth soccer to the RSL Academy and the MLS All-Star stage provides a visible example of what is possible. A tangible example of what is possible for them. For Real Salt Lake, his appearance demonstrates the potential value of investing in local and homegrown talent. It puts Utah on the map as a proven soccer state; somewhere potential greats can be developed.
Gozo returned from Charlotte without a goal or an individual award, but with something potentially more meaningful: recognition that his breakout season has captured the attention of the entire league.
