Utah native, Real Salt Lake DF Bode Hidalgo opts for extension with home side
The 22-year-old Kaysville native and RSL Academy product signed a new deal Wednesday that will extend the versatile defender through the 2027 season, with club options for 2028 and 2029.
Most Real Salt Lake players take pride in representing the state of Utah, whether for homegrown, home-built, or contractual reasons.
But the notion hits different for Bode Hidalgo, who has decided to stick around his hometown club.
The 22-year-old native of Kaysville native and RSL Academy product who grew up attending games since the clulb’s inaugural season in 2005 has signed a new deal that will extend the versatile defender through the 2027 season, with club options for 2028 and 2029, Real Salt Lake announced Wednesday morning.
Hidalgo, the former Bode Davis whose new deal goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, was converted from an attacking player to a defender during his time with the academy from 2017-2020 and initial campaigns with Real Monarchs from 2020-23 before joining the RSL first team on a full-time basis.
“Over my years here, it’s just been a lot of hard work that has brought me to this point,” said Hidalgo, who also played for local club LaRoca FC. “I’ve always been happy to be here, but at times I’ve taken playing in front of family a little bit for granted. Now I fully grasp how special and unique this opportunity is, how rare it is for someone who grew up dreaming of playing for my hometown club to be able to contribute for so long, and at this level.
“When I signed my first professional contract back in 2020, I said it was a dream come true; now, the dream continues.”
In the three years since arriving at RSL full-time, Hidalgo has played a variety of roles in his 63 matches across all competitions.
He settled in mostly at right back, where he has two assists in 47 MLS matches the past two years, but he also started five games at center back in 2024 for a variety of reasons (mostly injury or suspension related).
“I think I struggled to find my field my first couple of years,” Hidalgo said earlier this year, “but I like to bet on myself and find it pretty cool that I can slide in pretty much anywhere.”
Hidalgo scored 11 goals in 72 matches with the RSL Academy and Real Monarchs, initially starting his career on the right wing of midfield. He’s started 15 of his last 22 MLS regular season appearances for Salt Lake entering Saturday’s home match against the New England Revolution (7:30 p.m. MT, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV).
“Bode’s growth during his five years here has been impressive from a developmental standpoint, and his ability to understand and embrace what is required of multiple positions has made him a valuable player for our club,” said RSL chief soccer officer Kurt Schmid. “The path Bode has charted through the Academy and Monarchs and into our first team is aspirational for other young players. We are excited about his presence with us on and off the field as we grow and move forward.”