Real Salt Lake, USA Soccer Legend Kyle Beckerman Hangs Up The Boots On Decorated Career

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake club legend Kyle Beckerman has announced his retirement after 20 professional years of soccer. He leaves the game as the most prized player in RSL history.

Beckerman’s career began with the Miami Fusion in 2000. Since then, he has played in 498 games, made nine All-Star teams, and represented his beloved United States of America on the world’s biggest stage; the FIFA World Cup.

His legacy and career are unmatched in North America and Major League Soccer. He leaves the game having accomplished what no other field player has ever been able to do.

Thank you pic.twitter.com/QSSJIJE4k8

— Kyle Beckerman (@KyleBeckerman) December 21, 2020

“What a ride it’s been. My playing days have come to an end, but I step away with a full heart and a lifetime of memories,” Beckerman wrote in his retirement letter. “I’ve had a career the younger me never could have imagined.”

RSL Legend

Beckerman’s 350 game RSL career began on July 16th, 2007 when he was traded from Colorado Rapids for Mehdi Ballouchy. Despite being traded during the middle of the 2007 season, Beckerman established himself immediately in the heart of the midfield under manager Jason Kreis who had only been appointed manager two months prior in May.

“I came to Utah knowing there was a mountain to climb but feeling we could get to the top with a team that valued hard work, belief in ourselves, and commitment to one another. We had a coach with vision, an owner who wanted to be a champion, and a fan base hungry to get behind a winning team.”

“We succeeded together, and I lifted the trophy for each one of you who believed in us. We created a foundation on which RSL Nation will rest for years to come.”

He took over the captain’s armband at the start of the 2008 season and has never looked back. Throughout his tenure as captain, RSL has won their lone MLS Cup, made multiple CONCACAF Champions League runs, and most importantly given his heart and soul for the crest that sits on top of his heart.

World Cup Hero

The success which Beckerman found at the club level warranted a 2014 FIFA World Cup roster spot. Beckerman and his national team teammates traveled to Brazil with hopes and expectations of escaping the group of death.

Beckerman started in all three group stage games against Ghana, Portugal, and Germany. Playing a massive role in directing traffic and stopping attacking opportunities as a defensive-minded midfield player. The U.S. would ultimately lose to Belgium in the Round of 16, conceding 39 shots in the 2-1 loss. It was the only game in which Beckerman did not see any playing time, much to the dismay of the U.S. faithful.

Dreadlocks & Sweat

For 12 years Beckerman grew and sported dreadlocks. They became his brand, his identity. It was always easy to find Beckerman on a soccer pitch simply based on his hair.

The sweaty image of Beckerman’s kit following a game will also forever be engraved in the minds of RSL fans. It did not seem to matter if Beckerman played all 90 minutes or 10 minutes when the final whistle blew he was dripping in sweat after giving everything he had for RSL.

His attitude towards the game was infectious and contagious. He was tireless in his work rate.

“There are many people to thank over 21 years. I appreciate all the teammates I’ve battled with on the field and the coaches who put their trust in me. Thank you to the fans who never wavered through the highs and the lows, under sunny skies and through rain, sleet and snow.”