Tylon Christopher Smith (born 9 May 2005) is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a centre-back for Major League Soccer club New England Revolution, on loan from side Queens Park Rangers, and the South Africa national team.
Smith was voted player of the tournament at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Club career
Stellenbosch Smith played for Stellenbosch in the PSL Reserve League and was part of the team that won the league in the 2023/24 season. He was also part of the team that won the Next Gen Cup following a 2–0 win over Tottenham Hotspur U/21.
In October 2024 he signed his first professional contract with the side.
Queens Park Rangers In July 2025, Smith signed with EFL Championship side Queens Park Rangers on a four-year deal. The move saw him become the first player since Kagisho Dikgacoi in 2009 to transfer directly from the PSL to England, also becoming the first player to progress through the Stellenbosch academy and secure a move abroad.
On 12 August 2025, he made his debut in a 3–2 EFL Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle.
Loan to New England Revolution
On 13 August 2026 Smith was loaned to the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer.
International career Smith competed with the South Africa U-20 team at the 2024 COSAFA U-20 Cup when the side won their ninth title and qualified for the 2025 U-20 Arica Cup of Nations. He helped the side win their maiden U-20 Africa Cup of Nations and qualify for the 2025 U-20 FIFA World Cup in 2025. He was voted the 2025 U-20 Arica Cup of Nations player of the tournament. He was nominated for the CAF Young Player of the Year at the 2025 awards.
Smith was called up for the South Africa senior side by coach Hugo Broos for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Honours Club Queens Park Rangers Development Squad London Senior Cup champions: 2025–26
Stellenbosch PSL Reserve League: 2023/24, Runners-Up: 2024/25 Next Gen Cup: 2024
International South Africa U-20 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations: 2025 COSAFA U-20 Challenge Cup: 2024
Individual 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations: Player of the Tournament 2024/25 PSL Reserve League: Player of the Season
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