Discover the intriguing life and achievements of Brad Friedel, the American footballer

Discover the intriguing life and achievements of Brad Friedel, the American footballer

Claudia Kogi
updated at January 24, 2024 at 10:58 AM
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A Hall of Famer, a Premier League legend, and an American soccer icon, Brad Friedel is one of the country's greatest-ever exports. In addition to becoming a first-team All-American in 1991 and 1992, he won the Hermann Award in 1992 as the best college player in the United States. Between 1982 and 2005, he was a member of the US national team, winning 82 caps.

Brad Friedel's net worth
Brad Friedel of Aston Villa during the game between Aston Villa and Stoke City on 1 March 2009 in Birmingham, England. Photo: Malcolm Couzens (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Brad is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in professional football history. Brad, an American from Ohio, is the record holder for the most appearances in the Premier League in a row. Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool, and more teams saw him play over 80 times for the US National Team. Let's take a look at his story.

Brad Friedel's profile summary

Full name

Bradley Howard Friedel

Date of birth

18 May 1971

Age

52 years of age (as of January 2024)

Place of birth

Lakewood, Ohio, United States

Nationality

American

Ethnicity

White

Zodiac sign

Christianity

Religion

Taurus

Height

6 feet 4 inches or 193 centimetres

Weight

203 pounds or 92 kilograms

Hair colour

Brown

Eye colour

Brown

Parents

Len Friedel and Sue Friedel

Relationship status

Married

Spouse

Tracy Friedel

Education

Westerly Elementary School, Bay Middle School and Bay High School

Occupation

American professional soccer coach and former goalkeeper

Club(s)

Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur

Active years

1992 - 2015

Net worth

$5 million

Brad Friedel's early life and family

Brad Friedel (age 52 years as of January 2023) was born in Lakewood, Ohio, on 18 May 1971 to Len and Sue Friedel. He attended the Western Elementary School, Bay Middle School, and later played soccer in the University of Carolina, Los Angeles, USA.

The player's love for soccer began from an early age and since he was raised with supportive parents, it inspired him to join the esteemed UCLA Bruins college soccer team.

Who is Brad Friedel's wife?

The professional soccer player has been married to Tracy Friedel since 1999. Tracy owns a kids clothing shop called Izzy & Al. According to sources, they have three children: Izabella (20), Allegra (13) and son Rayf (9).

Brad Friedel's career and net worth

Over his incredible 20+ years as a professional goalkeeper and coach, the American sensation dominated some of the biggest stages in world soccer, accumulating a sizeable net worth.

According to Freshers Live, he has an estimated net worth of $5 million—his success as a coach account for a large portion of the well-known American goalkeeper's wealth.

Is Brad Friedel at Tottenham?

Spurs announced that he had signed a two-year contract in June 2011. The star re-signed a one-year deal with Tottenham in 2014, extending his stay at the team until 2015.

Furthermore, he assumed the role of club ambassador, emphasizing Tottenham's standing in the US, a position he still holds today. Friedel declared on 14 May 2015 that he would retire at the end of the 2014–15 season.

Brad Friedel's Premier League appearances

Although he played soccer in the north of England for several years, Friedel was born and raised in Ohio. The Ohio native was never a regular at Anfield, but after moving to Blackburn Rovers in 2000, he became one of the best goalkeepers of his time.

Before joining Aston Villa in 2008, he appeared in over 350 Premier League games for Rovers, setting a record with 310 straight appearances. Then, in 2015, he hung up the whistle after a brief spell at Tottenham. He returned to the United States to coach the New England Revolution of the Major League Soccer (MLS) from 2017 to 2019.

Between 1992 and 2005, the renowned former goalkeeper appeared in 84 matches for the US national team and won three FIFA World Cup titles. In the English Premier League, Friedel played for four clubs between 1997 and 2015, totalling 450 league appearances: Liverpool (1997–2000), Blackburn Rovers (2001–08), Aston Villa (2008–11), and Tottenham Hotspur (2011–15).

What is Brad Friedel doing now?
Brad Friedel in action during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers at Villa Park on 27 August 2005 in Birmingham, England. Photo: Michael Mayhew
Source: Getty Images

Brad Friedel's record

The fascinating American soccer player Brad Friedel has had a varied and fascinating career. With 310 appearances in a row, he currently holds the Premier League record. He accomplished this while playing for Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Blackburn Rovers.

What is Brad Friedel doing now?

The Tottenham keeper retired in 2015 as he turned 44 after the end of the season in the English Premier League. Now, back in the USA, working as a football agent, spearheading a new North American expansion for Promoesport.

Frequently asked questions

A goalkeeper with a decorated club career that spanned over 20 professional seasons, including 17 in the English Premier League and 13 years with the United States Men's National Team. Here are some frequently asked questions about him.

Where is Brad Friedel now?

He had a twenty-year professional playing career, including stints at Liverpool, Blackburn, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur. Friedel has since moved into football management.

What age did Brad Friedel retire?

Friedel retired at 44, according to a conversation with his former manager at Tottenham Hotspur, Mauricio Pochettino.

What teams did Brad Friedel play for?

Brad Friedel's wife
Friedel of Spurs looks on ahead of the Barclays Premier League match against Hull City at White Hart Lane on 16 May 2015 in London, England. Photo: Paul Gilham
Source: Getty Images

Newcastle United in 1994. He played for Liverpool from 1997-2000, Blackburn Rovers from 2000-08, and Aston Villa from 2008-11. He finished his career with Tottenham Hotspur, playing with them through 2015.

Final word

Brad Friedel's career is evidence of his extraordinary skill, professionalism, and commitment to soccer. His influence on the game as a national and international goalie has been imprinted. Aspiring athletes can entirely draw inspiration from him.

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Authors
Claudia Kogi photo
Claudia Kogi
Claudia Kogi is a Kenyan content creator with over 3 years of experience. Claudia joined Sportsbrief.com as a writer in January 2022, covering sports and relatable content.