Manu Duah makes history as No. 1 Overall Pick in 2025 MLS SuperDraft

Manu DuahGhanaian midfielder Manu Duah has made history as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft and has been selected by the league’s newcomers, San Diego FC.The 19-year-old becomes only the second Ghanaian to achieve this milestone, following Abu Danladi, who was picked first overall by Minnesota United in 2017 after an impressive college career at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).Standing at 6-foot-4, Duah is a highly skilled player who further etched his name in the history books as the first student-athlete from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) to be selected first overall in any professional sports league draft.An MLS team get the No. 1 pick either because it finished with the worst record in the previous season, is a new expansion team, or acquired that player through a trade.The SuperDraft is designed to help struggling teams or new teams build competitive rosters by giving them access to top college or young players entering the league.Duah and San Diego FC open their 2025 MLS season against the MLS Cup-champion L.A. Galaxy on 23 February.Why being the No. 1 overall pick is significant:1.Top Talent: The player is considered the most promising or talented among the draft pool.2.High Expectations: The No. 1 pick often carries the pressure of performing at a high level and contributing immediately to their new team.3.Career Impact: Historically, some No. 1 picks have gone on to have successful professional careers, making it a milestone in a player’s journey to the professional level.4.Recognition: It highlights the player’s skill, potential, and reputation as one of the best in their class.