Nine-year Union captain and two-time Supporters’ Shield champion to retire following the 2026 season
Philadelphia Union midfielder and longtime captain Alejandro Bedoya announced today that he will retire from professional soccer following the conclusion of the club's 2026 season, bringing an end to a distinguished 17-year professional career. Since joining Philadelphia in 2016, Bedoya has been a key figure in the club's success, serving as captain since 2017 and helping lead the Union to two Supporters’ Shield titles, an Eastern Conference Championship, and the first MLS Cup Final appearance in club history.
“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.”
Bedoya, 39, joined the Union as a Designated Player from FC Nantes in August 2016 and became one of the most influential players in club history. In 2020, he captained Philadelphia to their first Supporters’ Shield, the club's first major trophy, before helping lead the Union to the 2022 Eastern Conference Championship and their first MLS Cup Final. He was also part of the club's second Supporters’ Shield-winning team in 2025. During his tenure, Bedoya helped Philadelphia reach the Concacaf Champions League Semifinals in 2021 and 2023, as well as the 2018 U.S. Open Cup Final. He also scored in the Union's first MLS Cup Playoffs victory in 2019.
Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Bedoya has been a leader in the locker room and throughout the Philadelphia community. Recognized for his leadership, professionalism, and commitment to social causes, he was named the 2022 MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year for his efforts off the field. In 2024, Bedoya began serving as a Player Development and Front Office Specialist with the Union while continuing his playing career, further contributing to the club's growth and development.
“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,” said Bedoya. “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 entered his 11th season with Philadelphia in 2026, having established himself among the club's all-time leaders in appearances. In 2025, he became the second player in Union history to reach 300 appearances across all competitions and is one of only three players in club history to record at least 25 goals and 25 assists. His leadership and contributions on and off the pitch have helped shape the Union's identity and establish the club as a consistent contender in Major League Soccer.
Internationally, Bedoya earned 66 caps and scored two goals for the U.S. Men’s National Team. He represented the United States at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, appearing in all four matches, and was a two-time Concacaf Gold Cup champion in 2013 and 2017.
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
