Nkosi Tafari Burgess

Nkosi Tafari Burgess is an American centre-back born in Manhattan on March 23, 1997. He began his collegiate career at UConn, redshirting in 2015 before making 46 appearances across the following three seasons. Tafari transferred to Seattle University for 2019, appearing 20 times as the team recorded 10 shutouts and earning WAC Defensive Player of the Year and United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team recognition. FC Dallas selected him 14th overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. He started his professional pathway with North Texas SC before establishing himself with FC Dallas by late 2021. In 2025, Los Angeles FC acquired Tafari, adding the 193-centimetre defender to its back line. His size supports aerial defending, while his technical ability allows him to contribute to build-up play.