Not many people, particularly Americans, will know who is Jozy Altidore. Altidore is a Haiti-American professional soccer player. He currently plays for the English club team Hull City on loan from Villarreal. Altidore is currently of the age of 19 about to turn 20. He has been a professional soccer player since the age of 16. His accomplishments so far in his career are magnificent. Altidore was the youngest player to score in in Major League Soccer Play-off(with the New York Red Bulls), youngest american to score in their first international start, youngest American to score in a World Cup Qualifier, youngest American to score a hat trick in World Cup Qualifier, and the first US International to score in Spain's La Liga. These stats are something that can make any sports fan stand in awe especially someone like me who loves the game of soccer.
Even with all of these great accomplishments, I have little to wonder about Altidore except for why someone who has parents who have escaped a poverty stricken country would give up the chance for a college degree to play for a possible 10-15 year soccer career. Altidore was able to finish out high school and get his diploma at the age of 16. Obviously, the love for the game of soccer or any sport tends to outweigh reasoning. Other than that little fact of Altidore's life, I am actually jealous that I'm not in his shoes playing professional soccer and making game winning goal to knock off the World's number 1. If I was given the option to play professional soccer at the age of 16, I would have never thought twice about that decision. I would be kicking a ball somewhere in Europe right now.
Here is a commercial that Adidas did with Altidore two years ago.
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I would have to agree with you there. If I was given the option to play professional soccer somewhere, I would do it instantly. It's crazy that he's been playing professionally since he was 16. There was a guy at my high school that I played soccer with last year he is about 16, maybe 15, and I beleive he's signing with DC United sometime soon. This kid was sick, and I just don't understand how someone can be so good at something at such a young age like that.
ReplyDeleteIt bothers me so much that soccer does not get as much repsect in America as it does in every toher country in the world. As a soccer player, I know how challenging and rewarding the support is, and I do not understand how the rest of the world can recognize that but not America. Also in a side note, have you seen the clip of the New Mexico vs. BYU women's soccer game? If not, you should definitely watch it. That girl is crazy...and not in a good way!
ReplyDeleteSomething like this is no different than Lebron James or Dwight Howard coming straight out of High School into the NBA. Would these athletes have more successful lives going to college? Of course not. If an athlete is as good at their sport as this person is, then it doesn't make sense for them not to play it.
ReplyDeleteSoccer is a very cool sport! I just started watching it this year and it is simply amazing to watch! Such a young age and making it big! Now, that is amazing!
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