MLS New York Red Bulls

New York Red Bulls Midfielder Claudio Reyna Retires

Published on July 16, 2008 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York Red Bulls News Release


SECAUCUS, N.J. (July 16, 2008) - Red Bull New York announced today that Designated Player and former U.S. National Team captain Claudio Reyna has announced his retirement from professional soccer. Reyna, who is widely considered one of the best American players in U.S. soccer history, will continue with Red Bull New York in a role as an ambassador to work with the team to grow the sport in the metropolitan New York area.

"As a former player, I can relate to how difficult a decision it is to retire from professional soccer," Red Bull Sporting Director Jeff Agoos said. "Claudio will be remembered as one of the best players the United States has produced, and we are excited that he has decided to remain with the Red Bulls organization. His legacy speaks for itself."

"For the past 14 years, the game of soccer has granted me so many opportunities in life. I have been fortunate enough to represent my country at the highest level and play the sport I love in stadiums and places I could have only dreamed of when I was growing up," Reyna said. "I want to thank the Red Bulls for the opportunity to play in Major League Soccer, as well as my friends, fans, previous clubs and above all else, my family and my wife Danielle, who have been with me every step of the way. While I am sad to be leaving professional soccer, I am also excited about what lies ahead and hope that I can give back to the sport as much as its given to me."

Reyna announced his retirement after 14 years as a professional. In the last two seasons, Reyna has worn the captain's armband for the Red Bulls, appearing in 27 matches. He was the franchise's first Designated Player signing, joining the club on January 24, 2007, and holds the distinction of being the only American player to have been a Designated Player, debuting with the club on April 7, 2007, at the regular season opener at the Columbus Crew.

Considered one of the greatest players ever to don a U.S. Men's National Team (MNT) uniform, the midfielder was the MNT's captain during the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. Fourth all-time in U.S. history in caps with 112, Reyna helped lead the Americans to a quarterfinal berth in the 2002 World Cup as well as a historic 1-1 draw with eventual World Cup winner Italy in 2006. For his efforts in the 2002 World Cup, Reyna became the only American soccer player in history to be named to the FIFA World Cup All-Star First Team. He is also only one of two players who have appeared on four World Cup rosters, and represented his country at the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games.

At the club level, the Springfield, NJ native competed in a number of elite leagues and competitions, including the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup. Joining the Red Bulls after playing with English Premiership side Manchester City (2003-07), Reyna also enjoyed stints with German Bundesliga sides Bayer Leverkusen (1995-97) and WfL Wolfsburg (1997-99), Scottish First Division power Glasgow Rangers (1999-2001) and English Premiership club Sunderland (2001-03). He was the first ever American to captain a team in Europe when he wore the armband for Wolfsburg in 1998.

During his time at Manchester City, the former St. Benedict's Prep High School (Newark, N.J.) and University of Virginia product played in a total of 77 contests, starting in 69.

Playing at the University of Virginia, Reyna helped lead the Cavaliers to three-straight NCAA titles from 1991 to 1993. He was named Soccer America Player of the Year in 1992 and 1993 and was a three-time first team NSCAA All-American. He won the MAC Award in 1992 and 1993 and the Hermann Trophy in 1993. In 2000, Parade Magazine placed him on its College Team of the Century and named him the College Male Player of the Century.

Reyna posted an unbeaten (65-0-0) high school career at St. Benedict's, and is the only two-time Parade Magazine National High School Player of the Year.

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