By 10 years old, the American soccer player James Sands had his feet on the ball. Sands, now in his 20s, rolls with MLS games and U.S. National Soccer Team, thanks to soccer grooming from a young age.
The New York-born currently plays for the Scottish Premiership club Rangers. A center-back/defensive midfielder James went on a loan to Rangers from New York City FC of MLS, which will last through the 2022-23 season.
All the way from the U-16 academy of NYCFC, the brown-haired footballer packed his first professional deal at 17.
Moreover, after 5 seasons, he would aid The Pigeons in winning the MLS shortly before moving to Rangers to join another victory, Scottish Cup 2021-22.
Likewise, Sands was called up to the national team for the first time in 2021 and geared up to feature in the team playing the 2022 World Cup (but didn’t make the final cut).
He played defensive midfielder at the beginning of his career and then changed to center-back.
Excavate further informational details and intriguing facts about the young and robust soccer player James Sands beneath.
James Sands | Quick Facts
| Full Name | James Hoban Sands |
| Place of Birth | Rye, New York, United States |
| Date of Birth | July 6, 2000 |
| Age | 24 Years Old |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Father’s Name | Geoffrey Sands |
| Mother’s Name | Elena Sands |
| Siblings | Three (A brother & Two sisters) |
| Education | Brunswick High School |
| Profession | Professional Soccer Player |
| Position | Defender and Midfielder |
| Height | 6 ft. 1 inch (1.86m) |
| Weight | 84 kg (185 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Relationship Status | Unknown |
| Net Worth | $1-$5 Million |
| Social Media | |
| Merch | Not available |
| Last Update | March 2025 |
James Sands | Family, Brother, and Education
Sands was born in Rye, New York, on July 6, 2000, to American parents Geoffrey and Elena Sands. In interviews, the soccer star mentions that his parents are supportive and have motivated him to pursue his visions from a young age.
James Sands seemingly is a family guy and leaves no chance to have family gatherings. On his Instagram account, he shares pictures of his parents, a twin brother named Will Sands, and two older sisters: Kate and Lizzie.
Well, his siblings are also into soccer, most prominently his brother. Reportedly, his sister Lizzie played collegiate soccer at Bowdoin in Maine.
His twin brother Will Sands plays at the Major League Soccer (MLS) team Columbus Crew since early 2022. Will is younger than James in minutes, but their passion for soccer may not differ from any.
Both started their journey at New York City Soccer Club’s U-16 Academy side in 2015 but would split up later. While James continued with New York to MLS, Will had his collegiate career with the Hoyas at Georgetown from 2019 to 2021, even winning the 2019 NCAA College Cup.
James later went for big shots and went to play in Europe. After loaning to the second-division team Louisville FC, Sands’ homegrown right owner NYCFC sent him flying to Scotland, where he is currently loaned at.
Addressing his education, James heeded Brunswick School. However, he passed up on moving to college.
Who Is The Girlfriend of James Sands?
Well, the athlete doesn’t look to be romantically entangled with anyone at the moment. James is very confidential about his romantic life and often only shares pictures of his tournaments.
He is relatively active on social media, but it does not hint at James Sands’ ladylove. Though fans debate whether the handsome hunk could be dating in secret.
Nevertheless, James appears to be relishing his profession in Scotland and is residing in a joyous presence.
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Social Media Presence
James Sands does have an Instagram account with more than 43K followers, where most of his posts are about his professional ventures.
View this post on Instagram
And as it stands, the American soccer player is not active on other platforms like TikTok or Twitter.
- Instagram: @jamessands_16
Age, Height & Weight
Born on July 6, 2000, James Sands is 24 years old.
Addressing his body measurements, Sands has a soaring height of 6 ft. 1 in (1.86m), an athletic build, and a body weight of around 84 kg.
Tall, bold, and handsome, the right-footed player follows a strict diet and does many workouts to strengthen his body.
James Sands Career Journey
Having enrolled in the youth team when he was 10, Sands played 65 games for New York City FC. That gained him a call-up to the United States U-17 squad, where he played up in 42 games, making a score.
He has commenced playing for Rangers, which will allow him in the European games.
As mentioned earlier, James was part of the Louisville team that earned the USL Cup in 2018, followed by his MLS Cup achievement with New York in 2021. Moreover, he was the basis of the Rangers’ Scottish Cup-winning side in 2021 and completed being runner-up in the UEFA Europa League that year.
Nonetheless, Sands initiated 5 games for the Rangers in the 2021-22 season. Possessing only playing seven in the league, he was virtually part of the second team and came off the bench.
Regardless, he played many games in the USA’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, gaining a victory over Mexico and inaugurating one round in the World Cup Qualification.
Starting his professional career with New York City, Sands has played with two other clubs, Louisville City and Rangers, thus far.
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Why Was Not James Sands In FIFA World Cup 2022?
After the 4-1 win against Honduras last September during World Cup qualifiers, Sands has not featured for the Yanks.
Although he was in the rooster in a game against Costa Rica (which they lost) in March 2022, James was never off the bench.
Moreover, Berhalter’s final squad for the Men’s National Soccer team dropped him off in the FIFA World Cup 2022.
While the actual reason for voting out a potential player remains unanswered, Sands’ struggle shortly after moving to Rangers probably made him pay the price.
Honors and Accolades
- USL Cup – 2018 (with Louisville City)
- MLS Cup – 2021 (with New York City FC)
- Scottish Cup – 2021-22 (Rangers)
- UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2021-22
- CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2021 (United States)
Individual
- CONCACAF Under-17 Championship Team of the Tournament 2017
- MLS All-Star – 2021
James Sands Salary| Net Worth and Earnings
The 6’1″ (1.86 m) young and dominant player, James Sands, has a net worth of $1-$5 Million.
A newcomer with a fierce yet aspiring performance lured eyes on the soccer star within a few years of major games. The NYCFC’s first-ever homegrown player had a short-term loan transfer to Louisville City (August- September 2018) while resting 5 seasons through 2021 with New Yorkers.
According to Spotrac, James’ base salary in NYCFC in 2021 was $150K (total $200K guaranteed), which rocketed to $400K, with an unfailing wage of $493,956 for the 2022 season.
💪 James Sands straight into the hard work at training. pic.twitter.com/gCj8rMhw4y
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 10, 2022
On January 5, 2022, his hometown team loaned him up to Scottish Premiership club Rangers, whose term runs through 2022-23, with his potential market value at €4 million ($4.2 million).
His parent club even granted him an option to buy by the end of the transfer- thanks to his 5-year contract (till 2026) with NYCFC signed on March 4, 2021.
No wonder these aspects put a giant leap in his fortune.
Meanwhile, the player may not have any merch talks, but with the up-roaring gameplay, that day is not so far.
In addition, Sands is already in the eyes of many athletic products companies with a history of showering millions in endorsements.
FAQs
Who is James Sand’s most influential person?
Sands considers his English coach Chris Leaver the most influential person of his youth career.
When did James Sands join New York City FC?
Stands joined an affiliate team of New York City, New York Soccer Club, at 10. But it was until June 27, 2017, when he signed his first professional contract.
What is James Sands salary?
As of 2022 season, Sands who plays as NYCFC’s loan-out for Scottish Premiership team Rangers enjoys a whooping base salary of $400K per year.
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