FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – It has been a whirlwind start to the season for Brayan Ceballos. Just three games into the year, the Revolution center back scored two goals against FC Cincinnati, dedicating them to his son who had yet to be born. Almost immediately after that home-opening win at Gillette Stadium, Ceballos boarded a plane home to Colombia to welcome his son, Isak, into the world. It was a hectic couple of days for the 24-year-old, who has truly hit the ground running since arriving in New England at the start of last season.

“They were two very emotional moments. Scoring two goals and then seeing the birth of my son was something I was anxious for and waiting for. I left to Colombia with a lot of emotions. I was happy to be able to enjoy the birth of my son. We had to win that game, so it was a happy trip for me. It was incredible,” explained Ceballos, who flew to his family after New England’s 6-1 win over Cincinnati. “Witnessing his birth filled me with so much joy. It filled my heart seeing him born, but also seeing him born big and healthy. It was just an incredible moment.”

Ceballos’ brace against Cincinnati marked the first multi‑goal performance of his career, though it wasn’t his first MLS tally. Last season, he scored against Nashville SC, dedicating that goal to his wife and daughter. This time, the celebration belonged to his son.

Ceballos and his wife, Dayana, are now parents of two – baby Isak and their daughter Luciana, who recently stepped into her new role as big sister.

“She’s so happy to have a brother. It’s something she had been asking for, for a long time. Seeing her hugging and kissing him makes me so emotional and very happy,” said Ceballos.

But even amid the joy, it isn’t all easy. Ceballos’ family remains in Colombia, unable to join him in New England.

“It’s very tough because he’s so small,” he admitted. “I want to be there every day to see him grow on a day-to-day basis. I want to be there for him, for my daughter, and my wife, but I call them daily. They send me videos and call me every day, so we’re in contact constantly.”

Although he has a lot going on off the field, Ceballos hasn’t wavered. He has dedicated all his big moments to his family, because the truth is, he does it for them. It’s apparent that his life outside the pitch has only sharpened how he shows up on it, as he has started the 2026 season off with a bang.

At the end of last season, Ceballos was crowned Revolution Defender of the Year after being selected by local media. It was a boost of confidence for the young center back, who joined New England after playing six months on loan with Dynamo Kyiv in the Ukrainian Premier League. A native Spanish speaker, Ceballos speaks little English, but he got comfortable in the Revolution locker room quickly. Now, with head coach Marko Mitrović in charge, Ceballos is feeling even more confident in New England.

“It really motivated me, because it shows I did a good job last year, but that stays in last year. It’s a new year and it’s a new challenge. For me, I have to build on what I did last year, but also improve on it,” Ceballos said. “I’ve felt really good, personally. The results have varied, some wins, some losses, but I feel personally very good. I have a lot to improve on, a lot to work on defensively. No one is perfect, but I am putting in the work to be the best version of me and continue to help this team have good performances moving forward.”​

As the Revs continue to develop their identity in 2026, Ceballos has emerged as a pillar in that process. He’s no longer a defender adapting to a new team and a new league; he has instead become someone the team leans on in big moments. With Mitrović, it feels like Ceballos’ full potential has been unleashed, with two goals and a clean sheet through four games played.

“He has great timing and great athleticism. Ceballos is really gifted, and has that natural instinct to attack the ball, being aggressive, and playing in the box,” Mitrović said of the defender. “Even in the games where he didn't score, he always does the same things. He’s always a threat and a good resource for us on attacking set pieces.”

While Mitrović has championed Ceballos’ abilities, Ceballos has pushed the praise back on Mitrović and the Revolution coaching staff.

“We’re working a lot with our coaches on having those protagonist roles, and they’re giving us the tools to know what to do in those stoppage situations. We’re improving those aspects to have good performances on the attacking end,” he said.

It seems that Mitrović’s influence has certainly elevated his game, but Ceballos’ growth goes beyond coaching. From the start of his career with the Revs, it’s been clear that his drive comes from his family. Now, with his son’s arrival, that drive has only expanded. As his family has grown, so has the purpose behind every performance. He’s still a threat on the defensive side of the ball, but with more confidence and more to play for, he’s become even more dangerous from every spot on the pitch. And for Ceballos, this season – of life and soccer – has only just begun.