Michael Bradley

Michael Sheehan Bradley (born July 31, 1987) is an American former professional soccer player who now serves as head coach of the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer. The son of coach Bob Bradley, Michael turned pro with the MetroStars in 2004. He later played in Europe for Heerenveen (Netherlands), Borussia Mönchengladbach (Germany), Aston Villa (England), and Chievo and Roma (Italy). Returning to MLS with Toronto FC in 2014, he made over 300 appearances and captained the club to the MLS Cup in 2017, retiring there in 2023. Bradley captained the U.S. national team as well, earning over 150 caps from 2006 to 2019. He appeared in five CONCACAF Gold Cups and two FIFA World Cups, winning two Gold Cups.

Bradley was born in Princeton, New Jersey, to Bob Bradley, later head coach of the U.S. national team and LAFC. While his father coached at Princeton University, the family lived in Pennington, New Jersey. During his teens, they moved to Palatine, Illinois, when his father coached the Chicago Fire. Michael played for Sockers FC, which finished third at the 2002 National Championships. He spent four semesters (2002–2004) in the U.S. Under-17 Residency Program in Bradenton, Florida. As a child, he idolized Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane.

At sixteen, Bradley signed a Project-40 contract and entered the 2004 MLS SuperDraft, selected 36th overall by the MetroStars, then coached by his father. A foot injury kept him out his rookie season, but he started 30 of 32 matches in 2005. Weeks after his father was fired, Bradley scored his first professional goal—a header—in a win over Chivas USA on the final day of the 2005 season, sending the team to the playoffs.

In January 2006, Bradley became the youngest MLS player sold abroad, transferring to Heerenveen for $250,000 plus a sell-on clause. He made his first start on April 16, 2006, against AZ, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Cup. After Paul Bosvelt retired in 2007, Bradley took over in central midfield. He scored 16 Eredivisie goals and 20 in all competitions during the 2007–08 season. In January 2008, he broke Brian McBride’s record for most goals in a single season by an American in a European first division, eventually reaching 18 total (16 league).

On August 31, 2008, Bradley signed a four-year deal with Borussia Mönchengladbach for an undisclosed fee. He had agreed to join Birmingham City if they stayed in the Premier League, but they were relegated. He debuted for Gladbach on September 20 in a loss to Hertha Berlin. On November 15, 2008, he scored his first goal for the club—an 81st-minute equalizer—against Bayern Munich in a 2–2 draw.

Early in the 2009–10 season, a dispute with manager Michael Frontzeck over playing time led to a brief suspension, but they reconciled, and Bradley regained his starting spot. He later assisted a goal against Bayern and scored the winner on a free kick against Hannover 96. On January 31, 2011, he joined Aston Villa on loan for the rest of the 2010–11 season. He debuted on February 12 as a substitute after Jean Makoun was sent off, but made only three Premier League appearances and one FA Cup outing. Villa did not make the move permanent.

Bradley moved to Italian Serie A side Chievo on August 31, 2011. He debuted on September 18 as a substitute for Paolo Sammarco. Local fans nicknamed him "The General." He scored his first Serie A goal on April 7 in a 3–2 win over Catania. On July 16, 2012, he joined Roma for €3.75 million on a four-year contract. He debuted the next day in a preseason friendly against Rapid Wien.