MLS: Markovic Heads to DC United as Top SuperDraft Selection
With the first overall pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, D.C. United has chosen Nikola Markovic, a standout center back from North Carolina State University.
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As a member of the 2026 Generation adidas class, Markovic arrives in Washington following a historic season with the Wolfpack, where he anchored a defense that led the team to its first-ever NCAA national championship appearance in 2025.
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During that sophomore campaign, the First Team All-American started 22 matches, playing a pivotal role in a defensive unit that recorded a nation-leading 15 clean sheets and allowed only 13 goals all season.
“What Nikola brought to the table was not just that he was on the leader on the pitch, which we observed in detail, but he’s also a great leader off the pitch,” said Dr. Erkut Sogut, D.C.’s managing director of soccer operations.
“I think the character and the character scouting played a big role for us. He was a final four attendant, so we watched the games. We were live there, so we really went deep in making this decision, and it was very important to bring into this culture of D.C. United, a player with that winning mentality.”
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The Canadian native spent time with CF Montréal’s academy prior to his collegiate career at NC State.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Markovic. “I’ve been wanting to play pro all my life, and even though this is a dream come true, I think this is just the start because I want to accomplish a lot more.
“Of course, I’d like to thank my family – I wouldn’t have been anywhere without them – all the coaches I’ve had in my life that made a big impact, and of course, this NC State team,” Markovic added. “It was a special year. The coaching staff was the best I’ve ever had and the guys were unreal. They’re all brothers to me.”
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