Real Monarchs Honor Standout Performers with 2025 End-of-Year Club Awards
HERRIMAN, Utah (October 17, 2025) — As the anticipation builds up towards the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs, Real Monarchs recognized a group of players who defined one of the club’s most successful years to date. The annual End-of-Year Club Awards celebrate excellence, leadership, and growth — both on and off the field.
This year’s honorees include Griffin Dillon (Most Valuable Player), Gio Calderón (Defensive Player of the Year), Rubén Mesalles (Newcomer of the Year), and Jesús Barea (Golden Boot Winner) — each leaving a lasting mark on a historic playoff-bound campaign.
Most Valuable Player — Griffin Dillon
Position: Midfielder | Appearances: 25 | Goals: 5 | Assists: 4
Midfielder Griffin Dillon served as the heartbeat of the Monarchs throughout the 2025 season, dictating tempo, connecting play, and embodying the club’s relentless mentality. His leadership and consistency in the middle of the park earned him recognition as the team’s Most Valuable Player in back-to-back seasons.
Dillon’s influence extended beyond stats — donning the armband the Utah natives' composure and vision were crucial in guiding the Monarchs to their first-ever postseason berth in MLS NEXT Pro.
Defensive Player of the Year — Gio Calderón
Position: Defender | Appearances: 25 | Clearances: 82 | Interceptions: 39
Puerto Rican defender Gio Calderón anchored the Real Monarchs’ backline with a mix of maturity and composure. As a vocal leader and stabilizing presence, Calderón played an integral role in organizing the defense and keeping opponents at bay throughout the season.
Joining Real Monarchs after a rookie season with New England Revolution II, Calderón’s consistency and poise under pressure provided the foundation for the Monarchs’ defensive identity in 2025.
Newcomer of the Year — Rubén Mesalles
Position: Defender | Appearances: 21 | Goals: 4 | Assists: 4
Defender Rubén Mesalles made an instant impact in his debut season with the Monarchs, quickly earning a reputation for his toughness, positioning, and composure in the back line. His ability to read the game and make key interventions helped solidify one of the strongest defensive units in the Western Conference.
Mesalles’ presence gave Real Monarchs another layer of defensive reliability pairing with a strong offensive presence on the left, proving vital during their late-season playoff push.
Golden Boot Winner — Jesús Barea
Position: Forward | Appearances: 18 | Goals: 13 | Assists: 2
At just 20 years old, Jesús Barea established himself as one of MLS NEXT Pro’s breakout stars, earning the Golden Boot as Real Monarchs’ top scorer. His sharp finishing and off-ball movement made him a constant threat and a decisive factor in the club’s late-season surge.
Barea’s confidence and precision in front of goal were central to the Monarchs’ attacking success and playoff qualification.
A Season of Growth and Momentum
The 2025 campaign marked a new chapter for the Real Monarchs — one defined by belief, development, and achievement. With a blend of homegrown talent and emerging international players, the Monarchs’ identity as a developmental powerhouse continues to thrive.
As the club reflects on a milestone season, the Monarchs’ 2025 award winners symbolize the spirit of progress fueling the Claret-and-Cobalt’s future.
With the objective of a playoff berth now satisfied, watch head coach Mark Lowry’s side begin a new push for the MLS Next Pro Championship title, with a playoff first-round clash against Minnesota United FC 2, on Sunday, Oct. 19. Kickoff is slated for 6:00 pm MT with pregame festivities will start at 5:00 pm, the first 500 fans in attendance will receive free food and merchandise.Tickets will be available both at the door and currently via SeatGeek.
