Robin Jansson Retires After Eight Seasons With Orlando
The longtime Orlando City center back will be honored at the club's regular-season finale against New England Revolution.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Soccer
Orlando City defender Robin Jansson has announced his retirement from professional soccer after the 2026 MLS season. The 34-year-old center back joined the club in March 2019 from AIK Fotboll and is its longest-tenured player.
Why it matters
Jansson holds Orlando City's club records for appearances, starts and minutes played, making his departure a significant change for the team's defense and history. His exit closes a central chapter in the club's development into a regular playoff contender.
Jansson holds club records with 263 appearances, 256 starts and 23,050 minutes played across eight seasons. The source does not indicate his plans beyond retirement.
The players
Robin Jansson
Swedish center back who played his entire Major League Soccer career with Orlando City after arriving from AIK Fotboll.
Orlando City SC
Major League Soccer club based in Orlando, Florida, which reached its first MLS Cup Playoffs in 2020 and qualified for the Concacaf Champions Cup for the first time in 2023.
The details
Jansson made the announcement in a public statement. Orlando City will recognize and celebrate him at the Decision Day regular-season finale at Inter&Co Stadium against New England Revolution.
Timeline
March 2019: Jansson joins Orlando City from AIK Fotboll.
2020: Orlando City makes its first MLS Cup Playoffs appearance.
2022: Orlando City wins the US Open Cup and reaches the MLS is Back Tournament Final.
2024 season: Jansson is named club captain.
Decision Day 2026: Club celebrates Jansson at the regular-season finale.
Season Trajectory
Jansson's departure comes as Orlando City has built on its 2020 playoff debut into seven straight postseason berths, the club's longest active MLS playoff streak. His retirement removes a veteran anchor from a defense that helped sustain that run.
Orlando City loses its longest-tenured player and most-capped defender, which affects the depth chart and club leadership structure for next season. Fans attending the finale can expect a tribute to Jansson's eight seasons with the club.
The takeaway
Jansson's career shows how a single defender can anchor a club through its transition from expansion side to regular playoff team. Fans who want to mark the moment can attend the Decision Day finale to see the tribute in person.
What happens next
Orlando City will celebrate Jansson at the Decision Day regular-season finale against New England Revolution at Inter&Co Stadium.
Further reading
For more on the club's history, see Soccer coverage of Orlando City.
