- Sebastian Driussi is Austin FC’s all-time leading scorer with 45 goals in MLS play.
- Diego Fagundez scored Austin’s first goal in MLS against the Colorado Rapids.
- Brad Stuver has made the most appearances in club history.
Since making its MLS debut in 2021, Austin FC has built a passionate fan base and seen several players leave their mark.
With such a short history, separating the best from the rest is no easy task, especially since some of the club’s top contributors are still writing their stories.
Below, I’ll make my case for the five best Austin FC players to don the Verde and Black so far.
5 Best Austin FC MLS Players, Ranked
Rank | Player | Position | Austin FC Years |
1 | Sebastian Driussi | Midfielder | 2021-2025 |
2 | Diego Fagundez | Midfielder | 2021-2023 |
3 | Brad Stuver | Goalkeeper | 2021-Present |
4 | Alex Ring | Midfielder | 2021-2024 |
5 | Jon Gallagher | Defender | 2021-Present |
Austin FC All-Time Greatest Players
1. Sebastian Driussi
Several players could feature on this list, but Driussi is the clear option to top it.
The Argentine midfielder racked up 45 goals and 20 assists in four MLS seasons, enjoying a breakout 2022 campaign that saw him score 22 times, add seven assists, and earn MLS Best XI and All-Star honours.
Driussi was an MLS MVP finalist that season, helping Austin to its first (and currently only) playoff appearance. He continued his fine form into the postseason, scoring three pivotal goals to lead El Tree to the Western Conference final.
He is the club’s all-time scoring leader by a wide margin, and his return to River Plate ahead of the 2025 campaign probably didn’t help Austin’s MLS odds.
2. Diego Fagundez
Fagundez cemented his place in Austin FC history by scoring the club’s first-ever goal against the Colorado Rapids in 2021.
A creative playmaker, the Uruguayan was a key part of the team’s attack during his three seasons, with his best MLS campaign coming in 2022 when he tallied six goals and 15 assists.
His attacking prowess from midfield helped fuel Austin’s offence, making him one of the team’s most influential early stars.
3. Brad Stuver
When I look to bet online this MLS season, I’ll consider Stuver’s consistency in goal as a significant factor when predicting Austin FC’s chances.
The 33-year-old has been a dependable presence for Austin since the club’s inaugural season, missing just four MLS games in four-plus years.
A talented shot-stopper with over 25 clean sheets, the Ohio native has been the backbone of Austin’s defense, earning the team’s Defensive Player of the Year award in three of his first four seasons.
4. Alex Ring
Ring brought MLS experience and leadership to Austin FC as the club’s first captain after joining from NYCFC before the inaugural campaign.
A versatile midfielder who also filled in at centre back, Ring was a crucial cog in Josh Wolff’s squad. Over four seasons, he contributed 10 goals and 22 assists in MLS play while anchoring the midfield with his defensive work and playmaking.
His leadership and adaptability helped lay the foundation for the club early on.
5. Jon Gallagher
Gallagher etched his name in Austin FC lore by scoring the club’s first goal at Q2 Stadium in a 4-1 victory over the Portland Timbers.
Originally a winger, Gallagher moved to right back in 2022, where his dynamic attacking runs and solid defensive play became a key part of the team’s success. The following season, he earned MLS All-Star honours, scoring five goals and providing eight assists in 34 games.
Gallagher’s versatility and work rate have made the Irishman one of the club’s most valuable players, and he’s a key figure I account for when I assess Austin’s soccer odds.