Matt Turner didn’t touch a soccer ball seriously until 14, yet now he’s a World Cup veteran. You’re looking at the most unlikely rise in American soccer. He went from undrafted Fairfield University walk-on to New England Revolution starter, then jumped to Arsenal in the Premier League. After battling for minutes at Nottingham Forest and winning the FA Cup with Crystal Palace, he’s back in MLS on loan from Lyon.
Today he’s the USMNT #1 heading into the 2026 World Cup on home soil. At 31, the goalkeeper pairs elite shot-stopping with three major trophies. He’s married to Ashley Herron, has two kids, and holds dual citizenship. His journey proves it’s never too late.
Who Is Matt Turner? The Undrafted Goalkeeper Who Conquered Europe and USMNT
Hook your attention right away: he didn’t touch a soccer ball seriously until age 14. Most pro keepers are in academies by 8, yet Matt Turner walked on at Fairfield University and went undrafted in 2016. That didn’t stop him. He grinded through USL loans, stole the New England Revolution job, and became the 2021 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. From there he jumped to Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace before returning to New England on loan from Lyon.
Now he’s the backbone of the USMNT ahead of the 2026 World Cup. For example, he started every 2022 World Cup match and posted back-to-back clean sheets against England and Iran. That’s rare air. Plus, he’s a dual citizen with Lithuania, a Golden Glove winner, and a father of two. So if you’re asking “who is he,” the answer is simple: the most unlikely #1 in American soccer history.
Matt Turner Bio Profile: 25 Key Facts
This table summarizes his personal details, career milestones, and family background in one quick glance.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Charles Turner |
| Nickname | Matty, The Late Bloomer |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1994 |
| Age | 31 years old |
| Birthplace | Park Ridge, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | United States, Lithuania |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 183 lbs (83 kg) |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Current Club | New England Revolution (on loan) |
| Jersey Number | 30 |
| College | Fairfield University |
| MLS Debut | March 3, 2016 |
| USMNT Debut | January 31, 2021 |
| USMNT Caps | 53 |
| USMNT Clean Sheets | 27 |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Ashley Herron Turner |
| Children | 2 – Easton (2022), Everley (2023) |
| Parents | Stu Turner, Cindy Turner |
| Ethnicity | Jewish (father), Catholic (mother) |
| Agent | CAA Stellar |
| @headdturnerr | |
| Net Worth 2026 | $5M – $7M estimated |
Key Takeaways:
- He holds dual citizenship and earned it through his Lithuanian-Jewish great-grandparents.
- Despite starting soccer late, he now has 53 USMNT caps and three major trophies.
- His family life is central, with wife Ashley Herron and two kids based in Boston.
How Old Is Matt Turner and Where Is He From? Age, Height, Nationality, Birthplace
Let’s answer the quick facts you came for. He was born June 24, 1994, so he’s 31 years old during the 2026 season. He stands tall at 6 ft 3 in and uses that frame to dominate his box. He grew up in Park Ridge, New Jersey, which explains his East Coast roots and love for the Revs.
But there’s a twist to his nationality. While he was born American, he also carries a Lithuanian passport. In 2020, he discovered his great-grandmother’s immigration papers and claimed citizenship by descent. That move made his transfer to Arsenal and other European clubs much smoother. So when people search his birthplace or nationality, the full story matters.
Matt Turner Wife, Girlfriend, Family: Is He Married to Ashley Herron?
Yes, he’s married and it’s a great story. He met Ashley Herron, a former New England Patriots cheerleader, in Boston in 2020. They got engaged in 2022 and had a private sunrise wedding before his Arsenal move. Why the rush? She was pregnant with their son Easton.
They later threw a big black-tie celebration in May 2024 with 215 guests, including several Haji Wright teammates. Family comes first for him. You’ll often see his kids on the pitch after games. He’s spoken openly about balancing fatherhood with the pressure of being the USMNT’s #1. For fans asking about a “girlfriend,” there’s no drama, he’s all in on family life with Ashley.
What Is Matt Turner’s Current Club in 2026? New England Revolution or Lyon
He’s back where it all started. Right now he plays for the New England Revolution in Major League Soccer. But there’s a catch: he’s only on loan. French side Lyon still owns his contract after signing him for €8M in June 2025. The Revs brought him home to Foxborough, Massachusetts so he could start every week before the World Cup.
That move matters. He went from backing up at Crystal Palace to being the undisputed No. 1 again. For example, he’s played all 1,260 minutes this season at Gillette Stadium. The club has a €3.0M option to buy him in June 2026. So his current club is New England, but his future depends on that clause.
Matt Turner Net Worth 2026: How Much Is the USMNT Star Worth?
Wondering what his bank account looks like after Europe? His estimated net worth in 2026 sits between $5M and $7M. That number comes from MLS deals, Premier League wages, and endorsements. However, it’s not just salary. His value jumped after his $6.4M move to Arsenal and $12.75M transfer to Nottingham Forest.
Plus, he has deals with Nike and Allstate that add six figures yearly. So while he’s not at Tyler Adams contract levels, he’s done well for an undrafted player. His financial rise mirrors his career: slow start, then exponential growth.
Matt Turner Net Worth 2026: Salary, Contracts & Endorsements Breakdown
This table breaks down his income sources, from base wages to transfer fees and sponsorship money he earned across MLS and Europe.
| Income Source | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Base Salary | $1,776,136 | New England Revolution contract |
| 2026 Bonuses | $166,750 | Performance + marketing bonuses |
| Arsenal Salary 2022-2023 | $2,400,000 | Annual Premier League wage |
| Nottingham Forest Salary 2023-2025 | $2,080,000 – $2,800,000 | 4-year deal worth $8.32M |
| Career Transfer Fees Total | $24,890,000 | Combined fees paid for him |
| Endorsements | $200,000 – $400,000/yr | Nike, Allstate partnerships |
| Estimated Net Worth 2026 | $5,000,000 – $7,000,000 | After taxes and expenses |
Key Takeaways:
- His peak salary hit $2.8M per year at Nottingham Forest during 2024.
- Career transfer fees total nearly $25M, huge for a former undrafted free agent.
- Endorsements add up to 15% of his yearly income thanks to USMNT exposure.
What Is Matt Turner’s Salary at New England Revolution in 2026?
Let’s talk numbers. His 2026 base salary with New England is $1,776,136. Add bonuses and he clears $1.94M guaranteed. That puts him among the highest-paid goalkeepers in MLS, though it’s a step down from his Premier League peak. For context, that’s about $34,156 per week.
Why the pay cut from Europe? He took the Lyon loan back to MLS for one reason: playing time before the World Cup. Coach Mauricio Pochettino wants his #1 getting weekly reps. So he chose minutes over money. Still, for MLS, he’s elite tier. Only a few keepers earn more.
Matt Turner Salary History by Year: MLS to Premier League Earnings
This table tracks his annual wages from his $51k rookie deal to his multi-million European contracts and return to MLS.
| Year | Club | Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | New England Revolution | $51,500 | League minimum rookie |
| 2021 | New England Revolution | $375,000 | MLS GK of Year season |
| 2022 | Arsenal | $2,400,000 | First Premier League deal |
| 2023 | Nottingham Forest | $2,080,000 | 4-yr contract signed |
| 2024 | Nottingham Forest/Palace | $2,800,000 | Peak European salary |
| 2026 | New England Revolution | $1,776,136 | Current base salary |
Key Takeaways:
- His salary grew 54x from 2016 to 2024 thanks to his Premier League jump.
- The 2021 season was his breakout financially and on the field.
- He accepted a 36% pay cut in 2026 to secure starting minutes.
Matt Turner Club Career Timeline: From Fairfield to Lyon to New England Revolution
He didn’t have a typical path. After Fairfield University, he went undrafted in 2016 but earned a Revolution contract after a trial. Then came USL loans with Richmond Kickers to learn the ropes. By 2018 he was New England’s starter. His big break? 2021. He won MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and the Supporters’ Shield.
That form got Arsenal’s attention. He moved in July 2022 for €5.9M. After backing up Aaron Ramsdale, he joined Nottingham Forest for £10M in 2023 and made his Premier League debut. A loan to Crystal Palace followed, where he won the 2025 FA Cup. Lyon bought him for €8M in June 2025, but loaned him straight back to New England for World Cup prep. It’s a full-circle moment.
Matt Turner Career Stats by Club: Appearances, Clean Sheets, Trophies
This table covers Matt Turner’s club appearances, shutouts, and major honors from 2016 through 2026.
| Club | Apps | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded | Major Honor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New England Revolution | 125 | 27 | 143 | 2021 MLS GK of Year |
| Arsenal | 7 | 4 | 5 | Europa League starter |
| Nottingham Forest | 20 | 2 | 32 | PL debut |
| Crystal Palace | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2025 FA Cup |
| Career Total | 183 | 42 | 211 | 3 Trophies |
Key Takeaways:
- Turner has 125 MLS appearances with New England, second-most in club history.
- He won the 2025 FA Cup with Crystal Palace despite only 4 games played.
- His career total of 42 clean sheets proves consistent shot-stopping at every level.
Matt Turner Transfer History & Fees: How Much Did Clubs Pay for the USMNT Star?
You don’t go from undrafted to $24M in transfer fees by accident. His journey started for free in 2016 when New England signed him after a trial. That gamble paid off fast. After his 2021 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year season, Arsenal paid €5.9M to bring him to London. That move changed everything.
From there, his value kept climbing. Nottingham Forest spent £10M in 2023 to make him a Premier League starter. Then Lyon paid €8M last summer before loaning him back to MLS. Now New England has a €3.0M option to buy. For a keeper who started soccer at 14, those transfer fee numbers are wild. It shows how much European clubs trust his shot-stopping.
Matt Turner Transfer History & Fees: Complete List of Moves 2016-2026
This table lists every professional move he made, including loans, transfers, and the fees clubs paid for his services.
| Date | From | To | Type | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 3, 2016 | Fairfield University | New England Revolution | Free Agent | $0 |
| Jul 2022 | New England Revolution | Arsenal | Transfer | €5.9M |
| Aug 9, 2023 | Arsenal | Nottingham Forest | Transfer | £10M |
| Aug 30, 2024 | Nottingham Forest | Crystal Palace | Loan | N/A |
| Jun 10, 2025 | Nottingham Forest | Olympique Lyonnais | Transfer | €8M |
| Aug 1, 2025 | Olympique Lyonnais | New England Revolution | Loan | Option €3.0M |
Key Takeaways:
- Clubs have paid over $24M in total transfer fees for him since 2022.
- His biggest move was to Nottingham Forest for £10M, making him a Premier League starter.
- Lyon still holds his rights, but New England can secure him permanently for €3.0M.
Matt Turner 2026 MLS Stats: Clean Sheets, Saves, Goals Conceded for Revolution
How’s he actually playing right now? Through 14 games in 2026, he’s been vital. He’s logged 1,260 minutes and made 60 saves, which ties him for 4th in MLS. His 76.3% save percentage ranks 3rd best in the league.
For example, he posted 9 saves against Brenden Aaronson and Inter Miami in April. That’s the kind of form Pochettino wants. However, he’s only got 3 clean sheets so far. Why? New England’s defense has leaked chances. But his advanced stat “Goals Prevented” is +9.12, best in MLS. That means he’s saving 9 goals more than an average keeper would.
Matt Turner USMNT Career: Caps, Clean Sheets, World Cup Record
Turner burst onto the USMNT scene fast. He debuted in January 2021 against Trinidad & Tobago and grabbed a penalty save right away. Since then he’s earned 53 caps and racked up 27 clean sheets for the national team. That’s a 50.9% shutout rate, which is elite for any American soccer player.
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he started all four games. For example, he posted back-to-back clean sheets against England and Iran. No other USMNT goalkeeper has done that since 1930. Now he’s on Mauricio Pochettino’s 2026 roster and battling for the starting job. His experience next to defenders like Tim Ream and Chris Richards gives the U.S. real stability.
Matt Turner USMNT International Record: Tournament Wins and Golden Gloves
This table shows Matt Turner’s major tournament results with the USMNT, including wins, shutouts, and individual awards.
| Competition | Apps | Clean Sheets | W-D-L | Major Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup | 4 | 2 | 1-2-1 | Back-to-back shutouts 2022 |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup | 10 | 6 | 8-1-1 | 2021 Champion, Golden Glove |
| CONCACAF Nations League | 13 | 8 | 11-1-1 | 2023, 2024 Champion |
| Copa América | 3 | 1 | 1-0-2 | 2024 starter |
| Total USMNT | 53 | 27 | 29-16-8 | 3 Trophies |
Key Takeaways:
- Turner won Golden Glove awards at the 2021 Gold Cup and 2023 Nations League.
- He’s the fastest USMNT keeper to 14 clean sheets, hitting the mark in just 20 caps.
- His 29 wins rank him top five all-time for U.S. goalkeepers.
Matt Turner vs Chris Brady: Who Should Start for USMNT at 2026 World Cup?
So who gets the gloves for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? You’ve got Turner, the 31-year-old veteran, versus Chris Brady, the 22-year-old Chicago Fire phenom. It’s experience versus upside. Turner brings 53 caps and a World Cup under his belt. Plus, he’s played with USMNT regulars like Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic for years.
However, Brady is the future. He’s better with his feet and fits modern systems that play out of the back. Pochettino wants calm distribution. Yet tournaments are won by shot-stopping. That’s where Turner still leads every MLS keeper in “Goals Prevented.” For a must-win game today, most coaches pick experience.
Matt Turner vs Chris Brady 2026: Stats, Age, Salary, Market Value Comparison
This table compares Turner and Chris Brady across key metrics.
| Metric | Matt Turner | Chris Brady | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 31 | 22 | Brady |
| 2026 MLS Salary | $1.77M | $425,000 | Turner |
| Market Value | €2.50M | €2.50M | Tie |
| USMNT Caps | 53 | 0 | Turner |
| 2026 Clean Sheets | 3 | 6 | Brady |
| 2026 Save % | 76.3% | 73.1% | Turner |
| 2026 Pass Accuracy | 74% | 79% | Brady |
Key Takeaways:
- Turner owns the shot-stopping edge with a league-best 76.3% save rate.
- Brady leads in distribution and clean sheets, which suits possession teams.
- For the 2026 World Cup, Pochettino will likely choose Turner’s big-game record over Brady’s potential.
What Are Matt Turner’s Strengths and Weaknesses as a Goalkeeper?
You can’t teach reflexes, and that’s Turner’s superpower. His shot-stopping ranks world-class. He reads shooters well and rarely gives up rebounds. For example, he saved two penalties in the 2023 Gold Cup shootout vs Canada. He’s also dominant in the air and commands his box at 6’3”.
However, his distribution is still the knock. He can look rushed under a high press and his passing isn’t as smooth as younger keepers. He prefers staying on his line instead of sweeping. So, in a system built around playing from the back, he faces challenges. But give him a solid back line with Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty and he thrives.
Matt Turner Market Value 2026: Current Worth and Purchase Option Details
Right now, Turner’s market value sits at €2.50M according to Transfermarkt. That’s down from his €8.3M peak in 2024 with Nottingham Forest. Why the drop? He played limited minutes at Crystal Palace last season. Still, he’s tied as the second-most valuable USMNT keeper.
Here’s the twist: New England Revolution hold a €3.0M purchase option from Lyon. That means he’s worth more to them than the open market suggests. If he starts at the World Cup, that value climbs again. At 31, he’s not a resale asset anymore. He’s a proven starter clubs can trust.
Why Did Matt Turner Leave Europe and Return to MLS in 2025?
The short answer? Game time. Turner transferred to Lyon in June 2025, but Lyon’s financial crisis meant they couldn’t register him. So they loaned him straight to New England. It sounds messy, but it worked out.
He told reporters it was a “blessing” because he needed weekly starts before the 2026 World Cup. At Crystal Palace he was the cup keeper only. At Arsenal he sat behind Ramsdale. Now he’s back home, playing every minute, and training with USMNT teammates like Tim Weah nearby. For a goalkeeper, rhythm beats reputation.
Matt Turner Ethnicity, Parents, and Dual Citizenship: Is He Jewish?
Yes, Turner is Jewish on his father’s side. His dad’s family name was Turnovski before it was changed at Ellis Island. They fled Lithuania to escape religious persecution. His mom’s family is Catholic. So he grew up celebrating both traditions in New Jersey.
In 2020, he found his great-grandmother’s immigration papers. That let him and his dad claim Lithuanian citizenship by descent. The EU passport helped him move to Arsenal without work permit issues. But he’s cap-tied to the USMNT, so he’ll only ever play for America.
What’s Next for Matt Turner? 2026 World Cup, Contract Future, Retirement Plans
The next 12 months decide everything for Turner. First, he wants to start at the 2026 World Cup on home soil. He’s competing with Matt Freese and Chris Brady, yet his experience matters. After the tournament, his loan ends. New England can trigger the €3M option by June 30, 2026.
Does he stay in MLS or try Europe again? He’s said he wants to be a No. 1, not a backup. At 31, he could play 4–5 more years. Long term, he’s talked about coaching and youth development. For now though, his focus is winning games for club and country.
Conclusion
Matt Turner proves you don’t need a perfect start to build an elite career. He went from undrafted rookie to Premier League keeper, then chose minutes over money to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. His shot-stopping ranks among the best in MLS, and his 27 USMNT clean sheets show he delivers when it matters. At 31, he’s still in his prime.
What happens next depends on two things: his World Cup performance and New England’s €3.0M purchase option. For example, a strong tournament could spark new European interest. But he’s made it clear he wants to be a No. 1, not a backup. Whether he stays in MLS or heads abroad again, his journey from late bloomer to national team leader already inspires the next generation of American soccer players.
FAQs
Does Matt Turner have children?
Yes, he has two children with his wife. They welcomed a son in 2022 and a daughter in 2023.
What is Matt Turner’s salary?
For 2026, his base salary is $1,776,136 with New England Revolution. He also earns $166,750 in guaranteed bonuses.
What is Matt Turner famous for?
He’s famous for going from undrafted college walk-on to Arsenal, USMNT #1, and 2022 World Cup starter. He’s also known for elite shot-stopping and back-to-back clean sheets against England.
What is Matt Turner’s religion?
He identifies as Jewish through his father’s side of the family. His mother’s side is Catholic, so he grew up celebrating both traditions.
Where did Matt Turner grow up?
He grew up in Park Ridge, New Jersey. He played high school soccer there before walking on at Fairfield University.
Is Matt Turner married?
Yes, he married Ashley Herron in 2022. They had a private sunrise ceremony before later hosting a larger celebration in 2024.
How many clean sheets does Matt Turner have for USMNT?
He has 27 clean sheets in 53 caps for the national team. That’s a 50.9% shutout rate, which is elite.
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Ace Knight is an AI-powered content writer with 2 years of experience covering rising and standout soccer players worldwide.