Philadelphia Union have re-signed club legend and former US men’s national team player Alejandro Bedoya to a one-year contract through the 2024 MLS season.
Bedoya returns to Subaru Park for another season in hopes of lifting a second trophy with the Union, as he was key to their 2020 Supporters’ Shield win, the club’s first-ever major trophy.
The 36-year-old is Philadelphia’s all-time appearances leader with 247, as he’s notched 27 goals and 28 assists since joining in July 2016 from French outfit Nantes.
“We are happy to have found a solution that works best for Alejandro and for the Union to bring him back to the club where he can continue to contribute to the team and in the Player Professional Development role,” Philadelphia sporting director Ernst Tanner said in a release.
“His leadership and work ethic are still vital components to our team’s success, and his passion, commitment, and insights after serving in unofficial business and leadership capacities over the years will contribute greatly to his new role. We are confident that his contributions as a developmental mentor and a front office specialist will benefit the overall organization and are grateful to be able to welcome him back.”
Bedoya spent his entire professional career in Europe with the likes of Orebro and Helsingborgs IF in Sweden, Rangers in Scotland, and Nantes in France before returning to his home country in the summer of 2016.
He was a huge success in France, as he tallied 14 goals and five assists in 96 appearances across all competitions. The Englewood, New Jersey native also registered 20 goal involvements during his time with Helsingborg.
“Philadelphia is my home, and the Union is my club. This is the only Major League Soccer team I have ever played for and where I want to stay,” Alejandro Bedoya.
“The development and ever evolving success of both the team and the organization from the first day I started here until now has been nothing short of incredible to witness, and I’m grateful to be able to continue to contribute to both sides of the business going forward. I will continue to give everything I have to this organization, and I look forward to a successful 2024 campaign.”
On the international stage, Bedoya suited up for the USMNT 66 times, scoring twice and dishing out 11 assists while lifting two Gold Cups and featuring at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Bedoya and the Union suffered heartbreak in 2024 MLS Cup playoffs, falling once again to FC Cincinnati. The Eastern Conference side begin their 2024 campaign against Deportivo Saprissa on February 20 in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup knockout stage.
Jim Curtin’s side kicks-off MLS action against Chicago Fire on February 24 at Subaru Park, looking to start the regular season off on the right foot with three points.
