SOCCER
Alejandro Bedoya to Retire After 2026 MLS Season
Philadelphia’s longtime captain will end his playing career after helping the Union win two Supporters’ Shields.
Philadelphia Union midfielder Alejandro Bedoya will retire from professional soccer after the 2026 MLS season, concluding a playing career that included nine seasons as the club’s captain.
The 39-year-old announced his decision after more than a decade with Philadelphia. He arrived from FC Nantes as a Designated Player in August 2016 and helped the Union win the 2020 and 2025 Supporters’ Shields and reach MLS Cup in 2022.
Bedoya became the second Union player to make 300 appearances across competitions. He is also one of three players in club history with at least 25 goals and 25 assists.
He earned 66 caps for the United States and played at the 2014 World Cup. Since 2024, he has combined playing with a player-development and front-office specialist role in Philadelphia.
