After appearing for New York Red Bulls II in 2019, Tolkin moved up to the club's MLS roster on January 14, 2020.[8] Tolkin made his MLS debut on May 8, 2021, appearing as a substitute against Toronto FC in a 2–0 victory.[9] On May 29, 2021, Tolkin made his first start for the club in a 2–1 victory over Orlando City SC, earning praise for his play during the match.[10] Tolkin scored his first professional goal on August 18, 2021, in a 1–0 win against the Columbus Crew.[11]
On May 10, 2022, Tolkin scored his first goal of the season for New York in a 3–0 victory over DC United, helping his club advance to the round of 16 in the 2022 U.S. Open Cup.[12] On August 18, 2022, Tolkin helped New York to a 2–1 victory over Atlanta United scoring the deciding goal.[13] On October 5, 2022, Tolkin signed a new contract with New York tying him to the club until 2027, with an option for 2028 [14] On November 18, 2022, Tolkin was named New York Red Bulls Defender of the Year for the 2022 season.[15]
On August 20, 2023, Tolkin scored his first goal of the season for New York, an 88th-minute free kick, to help his club to a 1–0 victory over rival DC United.[16] On October 21, 2023, Tolkin scored from the penalty spot in stoppage time to lead New York to a 1–0 victory over Nashville SC. With this win the club qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs for a record 14 straight seasons.[17] On October 25, 2023, Tolkin scored on a freekick and assisted on two other goals for New York in a 5–2 victory over Charlotte FC, helping his club advance to the first round of the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs.[18]
On 1 June 2024, Tolkin made his 100th league appearance for New York, a match in which he scored on a free kick in a 1–0 victory over Orlando City SC.[19] On 30 November 2024, Tolkin assisted Andrés Reyes on his headed set piece goal against Orlando City SC, sending the Red Bulls to MLS Cup 2024 in a 1–0 victory,[20] where they went on to lose 2-1 to the LA Galaxy.
Holstein Kiel
On January 16, 2025, Tolkin transferred to Bundesliga club Holstein Kiel for a transfer fee of $3 million including a sell on fee.[21] A day after the signing, due to outcry from some fans, the club released a statement in which Tolkin distanced himself again from his controversial social media likes, maintaining they are incompatible with his personal values and that he respects all people.[22] Tolkin had previously liked social media posts mocking the LGBTQ community, critical of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, questioning the existence of gravity and the January 6 United States Capitol attack and supporting flat Earth beliefs.[23][24] Tolkin had also previously apologized for the behavior in a CBS Golazo interview during the 2024 Olympic games.[25]
Tolkin made his debut for Holstein Kiel, when he came on in the 79th-minute for Dominik Javorček in a 2–2 draw with VfL Wolfsburg on January 24.[26][27]
Personal life
Tolkin's uncle gave him the nickname "JMi" when he was young, and his teammates and family refer to him as "JMi".[28] He says he does not answer to "John".[29]
Career statistics
Club
As of match played August 30, 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
↑ "New York Red Bulls - John Tolkin". Red Bull. February 28, 2024. Retrieved August 4, 2024. New York Red Bulls defender John Tolkin—known professionally as JMi—has always wanted more from life.
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