Philip Zinckernagel
CHI
RW (AM)
Half-Space Orchestrator
Dec 16, 1994 (31)
Right
5'9"
154 lb
Chicago FireSends in five crosses in draw
Zinckernagel generated five crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Wednesday's 1-1 draw versus Inter Miami CF.
Analysis: Zinckernagel led Chicago in crosses as usual and now has 126 in 22 starts. The forward also created the most chances for his side during the match, while taking their two corner kicks. He has five goals and eight assists over that span.
Gets an assist
Zinckernagel assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 4-4 draw versus Toronto FC.
Analysis: The forward offered plenty of service with four crosses and three corners on Saturday, getting an assist as part of Chicago's four-goal showing. Zinckernagel is set up for more success against Inter Miami, a team which has allowed 41 goals in 22 MLS games ahead of Saturday's matchup with Atlanta United.
Signs new deal with Chicago
Zinckernagel has signed a new contract with Chicago Fire as a Designated Player, keeping him with the club through the 2027-28 season, the club announced.
Analysis: Zinckernagel earned this deal with a standout run since joining from Club Brugge at the start of 2025, becoming the first player in Fire history to post a double-double with 15 goals and 15 assists that year, and he's carried it into 2026 with seven goals and seven assists in 26 appearances across all competitions. He's made all 20 of his MLS starts this season and ranks second on the team in minutes played. The new deal reflects the level he's sustained since arriving and locks him in as one of the league's more productive attacking players.
Starting Saturday
Zinckernagel (lower body) is in the starting XI for Saturday's contest versus New York Red Bulls.
Analysis: Zinckernagel has bounced back after missing one league game due to his lower body issue, and he's one of the strongest attacking options in an otherwise highly rotated lineup. The right winger will aim to build on a solid campaign, having produced the second-most direct contributions for Chicago with a sum of five goals and seven assists in MLS play. His inclusion in the initial squad sends Puso Dithejane to a substitute role.
Questionable with lower body injury
Zinckernagel is questionable for Wednesday's match against Orlando City due to a lower body injury, according to the MLS Player Status Report.
Analysis: Zinckernagel has been a key contributor for Chicago this season, contributing five goals and seven assists across 18 MLS appearances, so his potential absence would represent a real blow to the team's attack. His status will likely become clearer closer to kickoff as the club assesses the extent of the issue. Zinckernagel is expected to be given every opportunity to prove his fitness before a final call is made. Puso Dithejane is the favorite to step into the starting lineup in his place if Zinckernagel is unable to go.
Assists in win
Zinckernagel assisted once to go with three shots (two on goal), 10 crosses (three accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 2-1 victory versus Charlotte FC.
Analysis: Zinckernagel set up Robert Lewandowski for one goal during Saturday's win, as well as sending in 10 crosses and shooting three times himself. Zinckernagel made the absolute most of his chances and was excellent at using the space Lewandowski created for him, if he can thrive in this pairing it would be a major boost to his upside.
Assists winner Saturday
Zinckernagel assisted once to go with three shots (zero on goal), eight crosses (four accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Toronto FC.
Analysis: Zinckernagel assisted the match-winning goal Saturday as his cross set up Andrew Gutman's header in the 65th minute. It was one of four chances he created in the match and he also recorded a season-high four accurate crosses. He now has five goals and six assists this season, all of which have come in his last nine matches. He'll hope to keep the momentum going despite heading into the two-month break for the World Cup.
Scores in 2-0 win
Zinckernagel scored one goal and assisted once from three shots and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 win over CF Montreal.
Analysis: Zinckernagel scored the team's first goal in the match which was his fifth in the league campaign. That's not it as he also provided an assist for the team's second goal. It was the third occasion in the league campaign where Zinckernagel scored a goal and provided an assist in the same fixture.
Sets up equalizer
Zinckernagel assisted once to go with six shots (three on goal), 11 crosses (three accurate) and eight corners in Wednesday's 3-1 victory against D.C. United.
Analysis: Zinckernagel had a very eventful game. He set up Robin Lod's header equalizer in the 62nd minute, missed a penalty in the 71st minute, and took a free kick in the 87th minute that was parried but converted on the rebound by Maren Haile-Selassie. Additionally, Zinckernagel recorded the most crosses in the game, created two chances and made a tackle, a block and an interception. He has now contributed to seven goals in the last five games and has eight goal contributions for the campaign.
Nine crosses Saturday
Zinckernagel generated three shots (one on goal), nine crosses (three accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 3-1 defeat against New York Red Bulls.
Analysis: Zinckernagel had another highly productive outing Saturday, although this one ended without a goal contribution. He recorded nine crosses in his third consecutive match and also created four chances for just the second time this season. Over his last six outings he has four goals, three assists, 28 shots (10 on target), 17 chances created and 39 crosses (10 accurate). With Hugo Cuypers also on an eight-match scoring streak, there's a lot of attacking prowess in Chicago at the moment.
Third straight assist
Zinckernagel assisted once to go with nine shots (three on goal), nine crosses (two accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 3-2 defeat to FC Cincinnati.
Analysis: Zinckernagel continued his strong creative run with a season high seven chances created, adding his third consecutive assist and sixth goal contribution across those games. The winger also attempted nine shots on the night, bringing his totals across his last five games to 25 shots along with 13 chances created and 30 crosses.
Three goal contributions
Zinckernagel scored two goals and assisted once from five shots and two chances created in Saturday's 5-0 win over Sporting Kansas City.
Analysis: Zinckernagel netted a second-half brace and supplied an assist Saturday as Chicago Fire earned a resounding 5-0 home win over Sporting Kansas City. After being forced off early in Chicago's final March fixture versus Philadelphia, the forward has made four successive appearances (four starts). Across that span, Zinckernagel has scored three times and assisted twice.
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