A Personal Tribute to Claudio Reyna

By: Dave Martinez | July 16th, 2008

There was a Claudio Reyna before the Red Bulls – and that is the Reyna that I and the rest of the world will remember forever. Feel how you may, but no one can take away the accomplishments of Captain America.

He was a pioneer for United States soccer. Following the “Golden Era” of American Soccer from 1990-1995, Reyna was one of the first youngsters to emerge as a steady bridge from the old guard to the new. As a matter of fact, he was groomed to surplant Tab Ramos (Metro Legend) as the midfield general. And did he ever.

He was a member of four World Cup teams, from 1994 – 2006. He was part of two Olympic teams, in 1992 and 1996. He also became the first American to Captain a major foreign team while playing in the Bundesliga (Wolfsburg, on loan from Bayern Leverkusen). Afterwards, he went on to Captain three other name sides – Glasgow Rangers, Sunderland and Manchester City. Not an easy accomplishment. Especially when your the first.

He was the first American to achieve first team status in the 2002 World Cup All Tournament Team. His play quickly made him a beloved figure throughout Europe – especially in the English and Scottish circles. This opened the doors of the European market to American field players, where traditionally, goalkeepers were considered America’s only valuable or risk worthy export.

After his international retirement in 2006, the idea of giving back to his country and playing at home in a MLS seemed the logical thing to do – especially since he is a Jersey boy, and his life time Coach, Bruce Arena, was manning the ship of the New York side. But we all know how that tale has turned out. Turf became an issue. Tempers between coach and player flared. Health was a constant concern. Many have even said that Reyna hasn’t been the same since that huge Dane Richards collision last season. Whatever the case, his time as the Red Bulls marquee Designated Player have been marred by injuries, missed games and crushed expectations.

Sadly, Reyna leaves the Red Bulls experiment much like Youri Djorkaeff before him – limping, and in a cloud of controversy. Red Bull fans have spent the better part of 16 months lamenting the fact the coveted DP slot had been filled by a walking injury case.

Nevertheless, though Bulls fans still feel the sting of this signing (27 appearances, 0 goals), and its failed potential, Reyna’s legacy as “Captain America” will subdue any negativity related to his New York stay. He was a trailblazer for a country shunned by the footballing community. He paved the way for future Americans with his talent and exploits. He will live on as one of the greatest, most valuable players in the history of American Soccer. You can count on that.

Reyna is holding a press conference today at 2pm to make all of this official. I will get you the details as I find them.