Jozy Altidore, a prolific forward who tore it up for the United States for years, is officially heading into the National Soccer Hall of Fame as part of the 2027 class. He joins global superstar David Beckham, along with Julie Johnston Ertz, Megan Rapinoe, Lothar Osiander, and Tatu, all set to be enshrined next spring. Talk about a legendary group.
Altidore’s Legacy: 42 Goals, 115 Caps, and Pure Fire for the USMNT
This dude was a force, plain and simple. Altidore rocked the USMNT jersey for 115 caps from 2007-19 and absolutely dominated, snagging the third spot in USMNT history with 42 goals. That’s some serious firepower. He wasn’t just scoring, he was leading. Altidore started all four matches at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and even started a match at the 2014 World Cup before an injury sidelined him. You just knew when he was on the pitch, he was bringing it.
His club career kicked off in MLS with Red Bull New York from 2006-08 before he bounced around Europe for eight seasons, hitting up LaLiga, the Premier League, Eredivisie, and the Turkish Süper Lig. When he came back to MLS in 2015, he made an instant impact, helping Toronto FC secure the 2017 MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield. Not only that, he was a key player in three consecutive Canadian Championships from 2016-18. The man just knew how to win. He finally hung up his boots after a two-year stint with the New England Revolution that ended in 2023. And now, the Hall of Fame. It’s deserved.
Beckham’s Star Power: From Real Madrid to MLS Royalty
Seriously, where do you even start with David Beckham? When he rolled up to the LA Galaxy in 2007 from Real Madrid, he didn’t just join a team; he brought unparalleled publicity and popularity to Major League Soccer. It was insane, everyone was talking about MLS. On the field, he was a winner, too. Beckham snagged two MLS Cups for the Galaxy in 2011 and ’12, playing alongside legends like Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane. He tallied 98 regular-season games and 17 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs games with LA, and got named to the MLS Best XI in 2011.
After he retired from playing, Beckham didn’t just disappear. He stepped into a co-owner and president role for Inter Miami CF and guided the club to its first MLS Cup title in 2025. Oh, and don’t forget that Miami pulled off the massive signing of Lionel Messi in July 2023, a move that shook the global soccer world. MLS Commissioner Don Garber, a fellow Hall of Famer, personally dropped the news on Beckham at November’s MLS Board of Governors’ meeting. Pretty cool way to find out you’re going into the Hall!
The Whole Class: Legends Joining the Ranks
It’s not just Beckham and Altidore making waves. The 2027 class is stacked with talent. Julie Johnston Ertz and Megan Rapinoe, two absolute icons of the women’s game, are also getting inducted. All three of them, Altidore, Ertz, and Rapinoe, were elected from the Player Ballot in their very first year of eligibility. That tells you everything you need to know about their impact. Beckham and Tatu were elected from the Veteran Ballot, while Lothar Osiander came in from the Builder Ballot.
Osiander’s resume is seriously impressive, too. He coached the USMNT from 1986 through 1988 and led the US Men’s Olympic Team in both 1988 and 1992. Plus, he was the LA Galaxy’s first coach, even taking them to the inaugural MLS Cup Final back in 1996. He also coached San Jose in 1999 and 2000. What a career!
So mark your calendars for April 16, 2027. Toyota Stadium, home of FC Dallas, is gonna be buzzing as these legends get their flowers at a private induction ceremony. It’s a massive day for American soccer, recognizing the players and builders who made the game what it is today. Can’t wait to see them all get honored!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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