22-year-old wins trophy after leaving Birmingham City nine months ago

Nico Gordon has found success in the United States after leaving Birmingham City earlier this year.

In February, Gordon departed Birmingham to join North Texas SC. They play in the MLS Next Pro, which is the third tier of football in the USA, and North Texas acts as a feeder club to DC United.

The 22-year-old's decision to move to another country has proven to be the right decision as just nine months in to his time there, he has lifted a trophy as their captain. North Texas finished top of their league, and won the play-offs against Philadelphia Union.

During the 2024 season, Gordon made 26 appearances for them in the league. He earned the captain's armband in what was just his second appearance, and made the chance from right-back to centre-back. As a result of his performances, he was named in the Team of the Season.

“I am really grateful to be honest. Every day I come in and put in the work in training,” Gordon said to the 3rd Degree.

“Having my first year here in the U.S., I am honoured to receive this award. I am thankful for the entire coaching staff, teammates and the front office. This award happened because of my teammates always pushing each other.”

Gordon was born in Birmingham and went to school in Kings Norton. He joined Blues in 2014 having been discovered whilst playing Sunday League football.

During his 10-year spell at the club, he made 16 appearances for the first team having made his debut as an 18-year-old under Pep Clotet in June 2020. Gordon made 16 appearances in total for the club, most of which came in the 2021/22 season when Lee Bowyer was in charge.

His last involvement with Birmingham was as an unused substitute in an FA Cup replay against Blackburn Rovers. Gordon's last competitive appearance for the club was in May 2022.

He was loaned out to Solihull Moors for the 2023/24 campaign, but ended up making just one appearance, which saw him red carded for a second bookable offence. Gordon returned to Birmingham in January 2024, and just a few weeks later his move to the States was confirmed.