Eric Wynalda is best remembered as one of the pioneering figures in American soccer. Born in 1969, Wynalda had a prominent playing career spanning both domestic and international levels. He retired from professional soccer in the early 2000s, having made significant contributions as a forward for the U.S. Men’s National Team and various clubs in Europe and Major League Soccer (MLS).
Wynalda earned over 100 caps for the U.S. National Team and scored 34 goals, ranking among the top scorers in the country's history. Throughout his career, he played more than 220 professional matches and netted a total of approximately 64 goals. His career highlights include being the first American to play in the Bundesliga and scoring in the inaugural match of Major League Soccer in 1996.
After retiring from professional soccer, Wynalda transitioned into broadcasting and analysis. He has worked with major networks including Fox Sports and ESPN, where his candid and insightful commentary made him a recognizable media personality in the world of soccer. His involvement didn't stop with media — he also took on coaching and consulting roles, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the development of the game in the U.S.
Wynalda served as a consultant for the North American Soccer League (NASL) and was closely associated with the Atlanta Silverbacks, where he briefly held managerial responsibilities. Through these roles, he continues to leverage his extensive experience to support and guide the next generation of American soccer talent while also contributing to his growing net worth and public presence.
Eric Wynalda has been married to Amy Wynalda, and while their marriage has faced public speculation, they have remained legally married. Although there have been rumors linking Amy to former U.S. international John Harkes, including unfounded claims about the dynamics leading to Harkes' removal from the 1998 World Cup squad, these narratives remain unverified. Neither Wynalda nor Harkes has confirmed such reports, and there is no credible evidence directly substantiating these rumors.
Wynalda has largely maintained his focus on professional endeavors amidst media attention on his personal life. Despite public interest, he has not made any statements confirming details about his current relationship status or offering comment on speculation involving Amy and Harkes. The personal challenges Wynalda may have faced have not overshadowed his continued influence within American soccer.
While off-field controversies have occasionally drawn attention, Eric Wynalda's primary legacy lies in his on-field accomplishments and post-retirement contributions to soccer in the United States. As both a former player and influential broadcaster, he has played a vital role in elevating the profile of the sport domestically.
Although the U.S. Men's National Team faced challenges at tournaments such as the 1998 World Cup, attributing performance struggles to personal controversies among players remains speculative and unsupported by official reports. Wynalda’s impact on the sport continues to be recognized by fans and professionals alike for its lasting significance.
| Birth Date: | 9 Jun, 1969 |
| Age: | 50 yrs |
| Occupations: | Association football player Sports commentator |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Fullerton |
| Education: | San Diego State University |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American soccer player |
| Net Worth 2021: | 5 million |
