American soccer player and manager who played for Hannover 96 and the US national team, later managing Stuttgart's reserve team. Known for his consistent performances and leadership on the pitch.
Steve Cherundolo, born on February 19, 1979, is an American soccer coach and former player who has made a lasting impact on the sport. As the current head coach of Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC, Cherundolo's illustrious career has taken him from the United States to Germany, where he spent 15 years playing for Hannover 96 in the Bundesliga.
Cherundolo grew up in San Diego, California, after being born in Rockford, Illinois. He attended Mt. Carmel High School in Rancho Peñasquitos and played for the La Jolla Nomads club team, which won the California state championship six times during his youth.
Before joining Hannover, Cherundolo enrolled at the University of Portland and played for the Pilots soccer team from 1997 to 1998. In his freshman season, he was named the West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year.
Cherundolo joined Hannover 96 in 1999, then playing in the 2. Bundesliga, and quickly established himself as a consistent right-back. Over the course of 15 years, he made over 300 appearances for the club, helping them gain promotion to the Bundesliga in 2002. During his time at Hannover, Cherundolo signed several contract extensions, including one in 2007, and declined an offer from Premier League side Bolton Wanderers in 2005 to remain in Germany.
Cherundolo represented the United States at the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, earning 87 caps for the national team between 1999 and 2012. He was also a key player in the team's 2009 Confederations Cup run, helping the US reach the final.
After retiring from professional soccer in 2014, Cherundolo transitioned into coaching. He began as an assistant coach for Hannover 96's U-17 team before becoming the head coach of VfB Stuttgart's U-17 team in 2018. In 2020, he returned to the United States to become the head coach of Los Angeles FC.
Steve Cherundolo's dedication to the sport, both on and off the field, has left an indelible mark on American soccer. As a player, he inspired a generation of young Americans to pursue their soccer dreams in Europe. As a coach, he continues to shape the future of the sport in the United States.
43 Years Old
Scored crucial goals in World Cups and became a fan favorite, known for his clutch performances and rugged playing style.
38 Years Old
American soccer player and captain of the US national team, known for his exceptional midfield play and leadership in major tournaments.
47 Years Old
Goalkeeper who played for Manchester United and the US national team, known for his exceptional skills and record-breaking 15 saves in a World Cup match.
43 Years Old
American soccer player who played for top-tier clubs like AC Milan and Sporting CP, earning 69 caps for the US national team.
46 Years Old
A former professional soccer player who captained the US national team and later became a successful executive, known for his leadership and vision in the sport.
46 Years Old
A defender who played for the US national team and was captain of the Vancouver Whitecaps, known for his tenacious style and unlikely rise to professional soccer.
40 Years Old
A skilled midfielder who played for the US national team and Bolton Wanderers, known for his tenacious style and comeback from multiple injuries.
41 Years Old
Goalkeeper who played for the US national team and several top-tier clubs, including Aston Villa and Atlanta United, known for his exceptional reflexes and shot-stopping abilities.
