José Aja
- Years with club: 2020
- Position: Centre-Back / Defender
- Nationality: Uruguayan
- Acquisition: Signed as a free agent on February 14, 2020
José Aja is a towering Uruguayan centre-back who joined Minnesota United FC for the 2020 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. Aja arrived with prior experience playing in MLS for both Orlando City SC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and was signed to provide immediate depth and veteran presence to the Loons’ backline, especially given his possession of a U.S. Green Card, meaning he did not occupy an international roster spot. He became an important player during the COVID-19 pandemic-affected season.
Key stats with Minnesota United (MLS):
- Total MLS regular season appearances: 13
- MLS is Back Tournament appearances: 3
- Total club appearances (all competitions): 16
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 2
- Departure: Contract option was not exercised at the end of the 2020 season.
Memorable moments:
- MLS is Back impact: Aja took on a major role in the defense during the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament in the absence of other players, helping the Loons reach the semifinals.
- First Loons goal: He scored his first goal for Minnesota United on November 4, 2020, against Chicago Fire FC in a regular season match.
- Veteran presence: His MLS experience and size (6’4″) provided a strong, athletic option at center-back during his single season with the club.
Where is he now?:
- Following his departure from Minnesota United, Aja continued his professional career with several clubs in South America.
- He had stints with Santiago Wanderers (Chile), Club Atlético River Plate (Uruguay), Independiente Santa Fe (Colombia), and Deportivo Independiente Medellín (Colombia).
- José Aja is currently a defender for CA Juventud in the Uruguayan Primera División, a club he joined in February 2025. He remains active in professional football.
