At the age of 16, Jozy Altidore made his professional debut for the New York Red Bulls in 2006, marking the beginning of a career that spanned across multiple international leagues. The New Jersey native quickly established himself in Major League Soccer before becoming the most expensive transfer for the league at that time when he moved abroad in 2008.
Early Development and Domestic Breakthrough
Born in Livingston in 1989 to Haitian immigrants, Altidore grew up primarily in Boca Raton, Florida. His development included time at the IMG Academy in Bradenton and participation in local clubs like the Boca Raton Juniors Soccer Club. In 2006, the MetroStars selected him seventeenth overall in the MLS SuperDraft. He scored his first professional goal against the Columbus Crew on September 16, 2006, at sixteen. Later that year, he became the youngest player to score in a Major League Soccer playoff match.
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In 2008, Altidore secured a transfer to Villarreal for a fee of approximately $10 million. His tenure in Europe involved several loan spells, including periods with Xerez, Hull City in the English Premier League, and Bursaspor in Turkey. During his 2009–10 season at Hull City, he scored his first Premier League goal against Manchester City. In 2011, he joined the Dutch club AZ. By March 2013, he achieved a milestone by surpassing Clint Dempsey for the most goals scored by an American in a single European club season, recording 24 goals during the 2012–13 campaign.
International Representation
Altidore represented the United States at various age levels, appearing in the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship, the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Since his senior debut in 2007, he has earned over 110 caps for the national team. His international tournament appearances include the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, and multiple CONCACAF Gold Cups between 2011 and 2019.
Fast facts
- Born: 1989, Livingston, New Jersey
- Citizenship: United States
- Professional debut: 2006
- International caps: Over 110
- Primary position: Striker
- Former club: New York Red Bulls
- Language: English
Questions readers ask
When did Altidore score his first professional goal?
He scored his first professional goal on September 16, 2006, against the Columbus Crew.
Which international tournaments has Altidore played in for the United States?
He represented the U.S. in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, and CONCACAF Gold Cups in 2011, 2015, 2017, and 2019.
Achievements
- Worked as association football player
