What Is Freddy Adu's Net Worth and Salary?
Freddy Adu, a Ghanaian American professional soccer player, boasts a net worth of $4 million. Born in Tema, Ghana, in 1989, Adu's journey to the United States began when his mother won a Green Card Lottery, moving the family to Maryland. By age 12, Adu had helped his school's soccer team win a state championship and was named MVP of a U.S. Olympic Development Program tournament.
Despite being approached by Italian soccer clubs at the age of 10, his mother declined six-figure offers. Adu joined the IMG Academy in Florida at 12 and, by 13, had signed a $1 million endorsement deal with Nike. At 14, he became the youngest American to sign a major league professional contract when selected by D.C. United in the MLS SuperDraft. His initial contract was worth $500,000 annually, and he contributed to his team's MLS Cup victory in his debut year. Adu later played for clubs including Real Salt Lake, Benfica, Philadelphia Union, Bahia, and Stabaek, and represented the U.S. in various international competitions. At one point, Adu was hailed as the next Pele.
Early Life
Fredua Koranteng "Freddy" Adu was born on June 2, 1989, in Tema, Ghana. Playing soccer against much older boys from a young age, Adu honed his skills early. In 1997, his mother won a green card, and the family moved to Rockville, Maryland. Recognizing his talent, a local soccer coach recruited Adu to play with older teams. He attended The Heights School in Potomac, Maryland, and became a U.S. citizen in 2003.
Career
Adu began his career with the U.S. Olympic Development Program, excelling in the under-14 tournament and earning MVP honors. At 14, he became the youngest American to sign a professional sports contract when drafted by D.C. United. Making his debut against the San Jose Earthquakes in April 2004, Adu became the youngest player to appear in U.S. professional sports history and scored his first goal within weeks.
In 2006, Adu made his full international debut for the United States at age 16. He was traded to Real Salt Lake later that year, where he made an impact before leading the U.S. U-20 team as captain during the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Benfica acquired Adu for $2 million post-tournament, where he debuted in a UEFA Champions League qualifier. Over the next few years, Adu experienced various loan spells in Monaco, Portugal, Greece, and Turkey.
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In 2011, Adu returned to MLS with Philadelphia Union, followed by stints with Bahia in Brazil and several unsuccessful European trials. His brief association with clubs like Blackpool, Stabaek, AZ Alkmaar, and FK Jagodina yielded little success.
From 2015, Adu played for KuPS, the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and went on trial with the Portland Timbers without securing contracts. In 2018, he joined Las Vegas Lights FC, but after only 14 appearances, he was released. Subsequently, Adu took a two-year hiatus, working as a youth coach, before a short-lived contract with Swedish team Osterlen FF.
Internationally, Adu earned 17 caps for the United States, participating in the FIFA Confederations Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cups. He also represented the U.S. Olympic team in 2008.
Personal Life
Adu has been linked romantically to several women over the years. Between 2005 and 2007, he dated singer Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque. In 2008, he began a relationship with Shadia Simmons, and they are reportedly still together.
