Early Sports Influences

During his time in Australia, Bretos became interested in the country's popular sports, such as rugby and cricket. However, it was soccer—referred to as football in most countries—that captivated him the most. His passion for the sport was sparked by watching Australian television broadcasts of soccer matches. Additionally, he developed a strong appreciation for baseball, a sport he connected with through his Cuban heritage and his father’s influence.

Education and Early Pursuits

While specific details regarding Bretos' early education are not publicly available, it is known that he pursued higher education at Florida State University in Tallahassee. He graduated in 1994 with a degree in International Relations. During this period, while living in Santa Monica, California, he also played for the Santa Monica Rugby Club—a testament to his continued engagement with sports.

Driven by an interest in the performing arts, Bretos moved to Los Angeles and enrolled at the Judith Weston Acting Studio, seeking opportunities in acting alongside his emerging career in sports media.

Fox Soccer Channel and Early Broadcasting Roles

Bretos began his broadcasting career with Fox Soccer Channel (then part of 21st Century Fox's Fox Entertainment Group) in 1998. He remained with the network until 2010, becoming its longest-tenured sports presenter by the end of his tenure. Known for his energetic style and signature call, “Schelotto, yeah!”, he quickly became a recognizable figure in American soccer broadcasting.

During his time with Fox, Bretos also took opportunities abroad, working with UK-based Sky Sports starting in 2003. He spent three years in the United Kingdom to contribute to sports coverage for the network. In 2004, he returned to the United States to work briefly with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), further broadening his experience in sports media.