U.S. Soccer Federation to Honor USMNT Legend Michael Bradley ahead of USA-Korea Republic
Two-Time World Cup Veteran and Former USMNT Captain to be Recognized in Pregame Ceremony; Bradley Ended International Career With Third Most Caps, Second Most Starts and Second Most Assists in USMNT History
Bradley, who retired from professional soccer in 2023, compiled 151 international caps which stands as third most in USMNT history behind Cobi Jones and Landon Donovan. His 141 career starts (141) ranks second, one behind Donovan, and he’s tied for third all-time in appearances in World Cup Qualifying (40). He captained the U.S. team a total of 48 times.
The 2015 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year is a two-time Concacaf Gold Cup champion (2007, 2017), earning the 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup Golden Ball, the award presented to the best player in the tournament. He also made the Concacaf Men’s Best XI in 2015, 2017 and 2019.
As part of the initiative to acknowledge outstanding achievement throughout the Federation, U.S. Soccer is formally honoring senior Men’s and Women’s National Team players upon their retirement from professional soccer who earned at least 100 caps and appeared on the roster of two world championships, which includes World Cups and Olympic Games. This recognition is given to players retiring in 2019 and after.
A native of Princeton, N.J., Bradley was part of the USA squads at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, serving as a starting central midfielder in both tournaments. At the 2010 World Cup, Bradley scored the equalizer in group play against Slovenia, which brought the U.S. back from a 2-0 deficit. Overall, Bradley played with the USMNT from 2006-2019 and recorded 17 international goals. In addition, his 23 career assists ranks second all-time only behind Landon Donovan. The 2007 U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year was a member of the 2008 U.S. Men’s Olympic Team.
Along with a stellar international career, Bradley had great success in Major League Soccer and Europe. Bradley started his career in the MLS when he was drafted by the MetroStars in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft. Then in 2006, he became the youngest MLS player to be sold when he was transferred to Dutch club Heerenveen. In January 2008, Bradley broke the record for the most goals scored in a single season by an American soccer player playing in a European first division with 18.
Bradley moved to Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach, then was sent to Aston Villa on loan, making one FA Cup appearance. He then joined Italian Serie A club Chievo, and then AS Roma in 2012. In January 2014, Roma sold Bradley to Toronto FC in MLS. Bradley made over 250 appearances with Toronto FC, winning the MLS Cup and Supporters Shield as captain in 2017.
Bradley is now the head coach of the Red Bulls II, and this ceremony will take place at the Red Bulls' home stadium.
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