Hany Mukhtar, Walker Zimmerman Named To 2022 MLS All-Star Roster

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After performing brilliantly on the pitch in the first half of the season, Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar and Walker Zimmerman have been named to the 2022 MLS All-Star team.

Nashville’s two all-stars continue to make headlines in the league following the signing of their contract extensions, which will keep them in Music City through at least 2025.

“The selections for Walker and Hany are well-deserved, and we are so proud of them,” notes General Manager Mike Jacobs. “They continue to demonstrate that they are among the elite players in Major League Soccer, and this selection only continues to validate and affirm that. They are both tremendous ambassadors for Nashville Soccer Club and MLS, and are worthy recipients of this opportunity.” 

Mukhtar earns his first MLS All-Star selection after staying true to his MVP caliber form in 2021. The German national is tied for fourth in MLS in goals scored (10), leads the league in shots (75) and shots on goal (42), and is tied for second in MLS in goal contributions (15).   

He is also the first Nashville SC player to reach double-digit goals in back-to-back MLS seasons. The attacker has been responsible for 15 of Nashville’s 25 goals.   

“It feels amazing to be selected, and I’m happy to be on the team,” says Mukhtar. “I want to thank my teammates and the coaching staff for their support in getting me here. I’m looking forward to being in Minnesota representing Nashville. It shows all of our hard work here at the club and that our players have been doing a good job these past three years. I’m very happy to be part of it.” 

Zimmerman is set to appear in his third career All-Star Game, earning the honors in 2019 and 2021. The U.S. international, who became the first All-Star in Nashville SC’s history last season, also holds the back-to-back MLS Defender of the Year award. He is the third-ever MLS player to win the award in back-to-back seasons and the first in over a decade.  

The Georgia-native anchored Nashville to historic heights to start its 2022 MLS season, earning the highest road points per game total (1.37) for any team in MLS history to play over eight road matches to start an MLS season.

“I’m really excited to be a part of the All-Star Game again,” shares Zimmerman. “It’s a special accomplishment that you always strive for each and every season. I’m really happy for Hany to get involved after last year probably deserving the honor, it didn’t quite go his way. Credit to a lot of our teammates for putting us in good positions and helping us stand out enough to be selected for this game. I’m excited to represent Nashville and looking forward to the game.”    

At the international level Zimmerman was crucial in the USMNT’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, captaining the U.S. and appearing in 10 World Cup Qualifying matches.

Mukhtar and Zimmerman will join a cast of MLS All-Stars to compete against a team of All-Stars from Mexico’s LIGA MX. The 2022 MLS All-Star Game will take place Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 7:30 pm CT and will be televised on ESPN and Univision.

Steven Boero
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