Former Peoria City defender Abdel Talabi Selected by Inter Miami CF in 2026 MLS SuperDraft
(DECEMBER 19, 2025 | PEORIA, IL) – A member of Peoria City’s 2023 squad, defender Abdel Talabi figures to become the club’s next professional player after he was selected with the final pick in the first round by MLS Cup champion Inter Miami CF Thursday during the 2026 Major League Soccer SuperDraft.
Talabi was the No. 30 overall selection in Thursday’s SuperDraft and the first of five college players selected by Inter Miami. Led by international stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, Inter Miami won the 2025 MLS Cup presented by Audi.
Talabi just completed his senior season at Bryant University, where he has been mentored by 2022 Peoria City head coach Ruben Resendes. After turning in a historic season on the pitch that saw the Bulldogs climb to No. 2 in the NCAA Division I national polls, string together the nation’s longest winning streak during the 2025 season and reach the Round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament, Bryant produced three 2026 MLS SuperDraft picks.
Following his 2023 summer in Peoria, Talabi anchored a Bryant defense that led the nation in shutout percentage and goals against average during his subsequent sophomore collegiate season. A starter in every Bryant game the last two seasons, Talabi earned second-team All-Northeast Region honors this fall while posting three goals and two assists and anchoring a defensive unit that allowed only eight goals during the 2025 regular season.
Peoria City has completed four seasons in USL League Two, the nation’s top pre-professional men’s soccer league and marketed as the pathway to professional soccer. Talabi figures to become the 10th former Peoria City player to sign a professional soccer contract.
Peoria City -> Pro Soccer
Abassa Aremeya (2024) -> Al-Tehami (Saudia Arabia)
Gevork Diarbian (2022) -> New England Revolution II (MLS NEXT Pro)
Jonas Lyshoj (2023-24) -> Hilleröd Fodbold (Betinia Liga)
Pepe Mellado (2024) -> Atletico Saguntino (Spain)
Rimi Olatunji (2022) -> Forge FC (Canada Premier League)
Christian Ortiz (2023) -> Arizona Monsoon (NISA)
Danail Sergiev (2023-24) -> Minyor Pernik (Vtora Liga)
Abdel Talabi (2023) -> 2026 MLS SuperDraft (#30) by Inter Miami CF
Kevin Vang (2022) -> Rhode Island FC (USL Championship)
Justin Wilson (2023-24) -> Taipei Vikings (Taiwan)