Michael
Bradley
- Position Midfielder
- Date of Birth Jul 31 1987
- Hometown Princeton, NJ
- Height 6' 1"
- Club Toronto FC (Canada)
Gifted both tactically and physically, Michael Bradley has used his exceptional skills as a dominant central midfielder to become one of the U.S. Men’s National Team’s most prolific players, earning well over 100 caps since his first appearance with the team in 2006. He began his career in 2002 with his first call-up to the U-17 MNT’s Residency Program. As a Project-40 player, he is among the youngest ever players drafted to MLS, securing a spot on the MetroStars roster in the 2004 SuperDraft.
His club career has since seen him play for seven top-division sides in both Europe and North America all the while proving himself a key player for the USMNT, transitioning from an eager upstart to two-time World Cup veteran and now one of the most experienced players in the history of the team.
A BREAKOUT YEAR
ESTABLISHING DOMINANCE
Having proved his worth early in his MNT career, Bradley established himself as an invaluable member of a strong midfield regularly earning starts and dominating matches with his vision and superb range. One of his most memorable performances came in a World Cup qualifier against Mexico on an unseasonably warm February evening in Columbus, Ohio. As the lone goal-scorer of the match, he put in a scrappy goal at the close of the first half combined with a powerful 25-yard blast set up by Landon Donovan in second-half stoppage time. At the FIFA Confederation’s Cup later that year, Bradley started in the USMNT’s legendary 2-0 victory against Spain, who would go on to win the 2010 World Cup. In South Africa, Bradley played every minute of every U.S. match and was lauded for his endurance, covering more than 22 miles during group play, the third most of any player in the tournament. As a key player in the group stage, he scored a critical late equalizer against Slovenia providing a substantial boost to the USA’s hopes of advancing out of the group.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Bradley seemed destined to distinguish himself on the field from an early age, no doubt owing to the influence of his father and former U.S. head coach Bob Bradley. When the elder Bradley was coaching in MLS, the younger Bradley, when not playing for the Chicago Sockers, was a fixture at team practices watching intently hoping to get a few touches in with the older pros at the end of training. Many of the players his father coached remarked that Michael was seemingly obsessed with the game, devoting his time to observing and emulating some of the best in the league. While Michael Bradley has cut his own path as one of the USA’s most recognizable players during the past decade, he certainly would attribute some of his success to his formative years learning from his father, one of the best in the business.
GLOBETROTTER
During the course of his club career, Bradley has played for seven teams spanning six countries in Europe and North America. An unfamiliar culture or language has never been an impediment for him though, as he took the time to learn to speak Italian, Dutch, and German fluently along the way—an impressive achievement. This has improved his ability to mesh with teammates, especially since more often than not he was in the starting lineup of whatever club he joined. As a club player, Bradley is one of the most well-traveled American players of any era.
A BREAKOUT YEAR
ESTABLISHING DOMINANCE
Having proved his worth early in his MNT career, Bradley established himself as an invaluable member of a strong midfield regularly earning starts and dominating matches with his vision and superb range. One of his most memorable performances came in a World Cup qualifier against Mexico on an unseasonably warm February evening in Columbus, Ohio. As the lone goal-scorer of the match, he put in a scrappy goal at the close of the first half combined with a powerful 25-yard blast set up by Landon Donovan in second-half stoppage time. At the FIFA Confederation’s Cup later that year, Bradley started in the USMNT’s legendary 2-0 victory against Spain, who would go on to win the 2010 World Cup. In South Africa, Bradley played every minute of every U.S. match and was lauded for his endurance, covering more than 22 miles during group play, the third most of any player in the tournament. As a key player in the group stage, he scored a critical late equalizer against Slovenia providing a substantial boost to the USA’s hopes of advancing out of the group.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Bradley seemed destined to distinguish himself on the field from an early age, no doubt owing to the influence of his father and former U.S. head coach Bob Bradley. When the elder Bradley was coaching in MLS, the younger Bradley, when not playing for the Chicago Sockers, was a fixture at team practices watching intently hoping to get a few touches in with the older pros at the end of training. Many of the players his father coached remarked that Michael was seemingly obsessed with the game, devoting his time to observing and emulating some of the best in the league. While Michael Bradley has cut his own path as one of the USA’s most recognizable players during the past decade, he certainly would attribute some of his success to his formative years learning from his father, one of the best in the business.
GLOBETROTTER
During the course of his club career, Bradley has played for seven teams spanning six countries in Europe and North America. An unfamiliar culture or language has never been an impediment for him though, as he took the time to learn to speak Italian, Dutch, and German fluently along the way—an impressive achievement. This has improved his ability to mesh with teammates, especially since more often than not he was in the starting lineup of whatever club he joined. As a club player, Bradley is one of the most well-traveled American players of any era.
PERSONAL SIDE
Michael Bradley was born in 1987 in Princeton, New Jersey. His wife, Amanda, also has an athletic background having competed with the University of Rhode Island’s women’s tennis team. Their son, Luca, was born in 2012 followed by daughter Quinn Elle in 2014. Bradley is currently a designated player with Toronto FC, having led the Reds to the domestic treble in 2017 as winners of the MLS Cup, Supporter’s Shield and Canadian Championship.