ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 6, 2026) – Orlando City SC captain Robin Jansson has announced his retirement from professional soccer following the conclusion of the 2026 MLS season. Jansson will bring to a close an eight-year career with the Lions that saw him become one of the most accomplished and influential players in Club history, serving as captain and setting franchise records for appearances, starts and minutes played.
“Robin will always hold a special place in the history of this club, and for me personally, because he was the first player I signed for Orlando City,” said Orlando City Sporting Director & General Manager Ricardo Moreira. “From the moment he arrived, he embraced everything this club stands for and grew into one of the most important figures in our history. He is a Club legend, not only because of his performances and accomplishments, but because of the person, leader and teammate he has been throughout his time here. We love Robin and his family, and we wish them nothing but happiness and success in this next chapter of his life.”
"First, I want to say it's been a pleasure to wear this jersey and fight for this crest. When I signed here eight seasons ago, I didn't know I would be here for that long,” said Jansson. “Together, we set new standards and brought home the Club's first trophy of the MLS era. I was proud and honored to be given the captain's armband along the way. I've really enjoyed it and have been doing what I love for so many years at the same club. I have been treated very well during my time here, and it has become a place I can call home and will always be connected to. But now it's time to step aside and retire from the game I grew up loving and dreaming about. Yes, I've been living my dream. I want to say a huge thank you to the technical staff and players I have worked with throughout the years for helping make me better. I wish the club nothing but success in the future, and you will always have a supporter in me."
Jansson, 34, departs as the longest-tenured player in Orlando City history, having established Club records for appearances (263), starts (256) and minutes played (23,050) across all competitions since arriving in Orlando in 2019. The Swedish defender became the first player in Club history to surpass 20,000 career minutes and recorded seven goals and eight assists during his time with the Lions.
A central figure during the most successful stretch in Orlando City’s MLS era, Jansson helped guide the Club to its first Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearance in 2020 and seven consecutive postseason berths, the longest active streak in Major League Soccer. The Swedish defender was also part of the side that reached the MLS is Back Tournament Final in 2020, won the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to secure the Club’s first trophy of the MLS era and earned Orlando City’s first two Concacaf Champions Cup qualifications in 2023 and 2024. Serving as team captain from 2024 through 2026, Jansson was a consistent presence and leader during many of the Club’s defining achievements.
Following Orlando City's Decision Day match against the New England Revolution on Saturday, Nov. 7, the Club will recognize and celebrate Jansson's remarkable career in purple with a special postgame farewell ceremony.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City SC and defender Robin Jansson have agreed to a mutual contract termination as Jansson retires from professional soccer at the conclusion of the 2026 season. The Lions have utilized one of the Club's two buyouts of a guaranteed contract on Jansson.
