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As the U.S. Men’s National Team attempts to safely navigate through the “Group of Death” and into the round of 16, it will do so without Freddy Adu wearing an American uniform.
By now it’s just a distant memory, but, in 2003, Adu appeared in a Sierra Mist commercial. The advertisement didn’t run for more than 30 seconds, but that didn’t matter. Because as Adu reached into an ice-cold cooler to grab a soda, another hand entered reached for the bottle: soccer legend, Pele. Text flashed across the screen.
Adu vs. Pele
America had found its first soccer superstar. Adu — just 14 years of age — was anointed as the “next Pele.” Though just a kid, Adu was drafted No. 1 overall by D.C. United in the 2004 MLS Super Draft. He made his debut as a substitute against the San Jose Earthquakes. On April 17th, he scored his first goal, becoming the youngest goal scorer in the history of the league. He won an MLS Championship with D.C. United.
After being traded to Real Salt Lake in 2006, he was elected captain of the U-20 U.S. Men’s National Team in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
For American soccer players, playing overseas is the true sign of legitimacy. When Landon Donovan struggled in Europe and fled back to the U.S., criticism quickly followed. When Donovan later excelled during a short stint in the EPL, Donovan’s status was elevated. Similarly, when Clint Dempsey opted to leave the EPL and return to the MLS, he was the subject to intense fan and media scrutiny.
When Beneficia, a Portuguese club, signed Adu, it was regarded as a good sign for U.S. soccer. Adu was headed to Europe to fully develop his skills, but he would return to us as the soccer hero we desperately craved. But Adu never fulfilled the prophecy that was placed upon him.
Since heading to Europe, Adu has played on loan in France, he’s returned to the MLS as a member of the Philadelphia Union, he joined Bahia of Brazil, and most recently, he trained with Blackpool. Adu was a member of the 2010 USMNT team, but hasn’t played for the team since the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
So, where is he now? He’s currently not a member of any professional soccer club. Scroll through his Twitter feed, and you’ll find Tweets like these:
Check out his Instagram and you’ll find videos of him training.
You’ll also find photos like this:
Today, Adu is 25. The World Cup currently going on without him was supposed to be his coming out party. He’ll be 29 in 2018, his chance at becoming the “next Pele” long expired. And the USMNT will continue to search for its first soccer superstar, in hopes of finally conquering the world’s game.
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