Philadelphia Union
Veteran captain Alejandro Bedoya announces retirement
Alejandro Bedoya has made it official that he will be hanging up his boots at the end of this season, announcing his retirement ahead of the Philadelphia Union’s regular season finale Saturday at Subaru Park.
“When I look back on my time in Philadelphia, so many moments come to mind, from the big wins and incredible matches to the challenges we faced along the way,” Bedoya said in a news release. “However, what stands out most is everything beyond the game. I came here because I believed in what the club was building and wanted to be part of that vision. Over time, Philadelphia became so much more than the place I came to play soccer. It’s where my family put down roots and where we built a life together. I especially want to thank my family, because without their love and support, I wouldn’t have been able to pursue this dream. I’ll miss this city and this club tremendously, but I take comfort in knowing I’ve given everything I had on the pitch. Philadelphia and this club have given me more than I ever could have imagined when I first arrived, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
Bedoya joined the Philadelphia Union from Nantes in France in August 2016 in a designated player deal that set a team record at the time for transfer fee at around $1 million. His acquisition helped lay the groundwork for a new era of the team, which has included a pair of Supporters’ Shield titles, an Eastern Conference Championship and MLS Cup Final appearance with Bedoya serving as captain.
“Alejandro’s impact on the Philadelphia Union extends far beyond what he accomplished on the field,” said Union Principal Owner Jay Sugarman. “For more than a decade, he has been an integral part of this club’s growth and evolution, helping establish the standard for what the Philadelphia Union represents today. As a captain, leader, and competitor, he set an example for those around him and played an important role in shaping our identity. Alejandro has left an indelible mark on this organization and on soccer in Philadelphia. We are incredibly grateful for his commitment to this club and everything he has contributed over the last 10 years, and we congratulate him on an outstanding career.”
The 39-year-old Bedoya has suited up 337 times for the Union in all competitions, notching 31 goals and 33 assists while logging more than 24,000 minutes.
His spot alongside Sébastien Le Toux in the Union’s Ring of Honor is a lock.
Philadelphia Union Career Achievements and Accolades
Philadelphia Union captain since 2017
Two-time Supporters’ Shield champion (2020, 2025)
Captained the Union to their first major trophy in club history (2020)
2022 Eastern Conference champion and MLS Cup finalist
Two-time Concacaf Champions League semifinalist (2021, 2023)
2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup finalist
Scored in the first MLS Cup Playoffs victory in Union history (2019)
Second player in Union history to reach 300 appearances across all competitions
One of three Union players to record at least 25 goals and 25 assists
2022 MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year
2023 Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award
Named Union Player Development and Front Office Specialist in 2024
