Brad Friedel

Brad Friedel’s consistent performances both at the club and international levels made him a constant presence for the USMNT throughout his career. He ended his run in goal for the USMNT as the second-most capped goalkeeper ever. At club level, he spent years in the Premier League as the regular starter for Blackburn and Aston Villa, among other clubs.

As a junior at UCLA, Friedel won the 1992 Hermann Trophy as the best player in college soccer. He also won the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award with the Columbus Crew in 1997. Friedel’s tremendous shot stopping ability and confidence in his own area made him one of the most reliable players on the National Team. His performances at the 2002 World Cup cemented his legendary status in US soccer history.

After having difficulty acquiring a work permit in England and then not getting much of a chance to play at legendary club Liverpool, Friedel settled into Blackburn’s net to make an immediate impact on the English First Division and then the Premier League. He eventually made 287 appearances for Rovers before playing another 114 games for Aston Villa.

Following his stellar performance at the World Cup, Friedel was named to the Premier League team of the year in 2002-03, enhancing his reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in the world. Friedel retired from the National Team in 2005, but kept himself available should the USMNT face a goalkeeper shortage. He officially ended his career with Spurs following the 2014-15 Premier League season. After spending time as the coach of the USMNT U-19s, Friedel was the coach of the New England Revolution in 2018-19. On May 31, 2018, the National Soccer Hall of Fame announced Friedel was part of the class of 2018.

In June 2024, Friedel became an advisor at Turkish club Besiktas.