Starlin Witte

Written by Starlin Witte

Modified & Updated: 05 Mar 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

25-fascinating-facts-about-alecko-eskandarian
Source: Thesun.co.uk

Alecko Eskandarian is a name that holds great significance in the world of sports, particularly in the realm of soccer. With an impressive career as a professional soccer player and a deep passion for the sport, Eskandarian has left an indelible mark on the field. Born on July 9, 1982, in Montvale, New Jersey, Alecko Eskandarian quickly rose to prominence, showcasing his exceptional skills and solidifying his place among the top athletes in the sport. From his early days playing college soccer at the University of Virginia to his professional career in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the international stage, Eskandarian’s journey is one filled with triumphs, challenges, and remarkable achievements. In this article, we will delve into 25 fascinating facts about Alecko Eskandarian, shedding light on his career, personal life, and the impact he has had on the world of soccer.

Key Takeaways:

  • Alecko Eskandarian, a former professional soccer player, overcame injuries to become a coach and advocate for player safety, inspiring young athletes worldwide with his resilience and passion for the beautiful game.
  • With a sports-oriented family, fluency in multiple languages, and a love for photography, Alecko Eskandarian’s diverse background and post-soccer endeavors make him a fascinating and influential figure in the world of sports.
Table of Contents

Alecko Eskandarian is a former professional soccer player.

Alecko Eskandarian enjoyed a successful career in soccer, playing for several clubs including D.C. United, Real Salt Lake, and the New York Red Bulls.

He was born on July 9, 1982, in Montvale, New Jersey.

Alecko Eskandarian’s birthplace is Montvale, a small town in New Jersey known for its close-knit community and picturesque landscapes.

Eskandarian comes from a sports-oriented family.

Alecko Eskandarian’s father, Andranik Eskandarian, was also a professional soccer player who represented Iran internationally. His grandfather, Andranik Eskandarian Sr., was a legendary Armenian-American soccer player as well.

Alecko Eskandarian played college soccer at the University of Virginia.

As a student-athlete at the University of Virginia, Eskandarian showcased his exceptional talent and helped lead the Cavaliers to an NCAA national championship in 2009.

He won the Hermann Trophy while at the University of Virginia.

The Hermann Trophy is awarded annually to the top male and female college soccer players in the United States. Eskandarian received this prestigious honor in 2002.

Alecko Eskandarian was selected as the number one overall pick in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft by D.C. United.

Eskandarian’s exceptional skills and potential led D.C. United to choose him as the top pick in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft, solidifying his place in professional soccer.

He scored the winning goal in the 2004 MLS Cup Final.

In a memorable moment for both Eskandarian and D.C. United, he scored the decisive goal that helped secure the victory in the 2004 MLS Cup Final.

Alecko Eskandarian earned the MLS Comeback Player of the Year award in 2008.

After overcoming a series of injuries, Eskandarian made a remarkable comeback, earning him the MLS Comeback Player of the Year award in 2008.

He played for the United States U-20 national team.

Eskandarian had the honor of representing the United States at the U-20 level, showcasing his skills on the international stage.

Alecko Eskandarian made several appearances for the United States national team.

Throughout his career, Eskandarian represented the United States senior national team, earning caps and showcasing his talent on the international stage.

He retired from professional soccer in 2010 due to a series of concussions.

Concussions sadly cut Eskandarian’s career short, leading to his retirement from professional soccer in 2010.

Alecko Eskandarian later became involved in coaching and player development.

After hanging up his boots, Eskandarian turned to coaching and player development, using his knowledge and experience to help shape the next generation of soccer players.

He served as a color analyst for Fox Sports during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Eskandarian shared his insights and analysis as a color analyst for Fox Sports, providing viewers with expert commentary during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Eskandarian has Armenian and Iranian heritage.

Alecko Eskandarian’s cultural background is a blend of Armenian and Iranian heritage, which adds to the richness of his personal story.

He is fluent in English, Armenian, and Farsi.

Eskandarian’s linguistic abilities include fluency in English, Armenian, and Farsi, allowing him to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

Alecko Eskandarian has a strong presence on social media.

As a public figure, Eskandarian actively engages with his fans and followers through various social media platforms, sharing updates and insights about his life and the beautiful game of soccer.

He has a passion for photography.

Aside from his love for soccer, Eskandarian has a keen eye for photography. He often captures candid moments on and off the field, showcasing his creative side.

Eskandarian is an advocate for concussion awareness and player safety.

Due to his own personal experience with concussions, Alecko Eskandarian has become an outspoken advocate for concussion awareness and the improvement of player safety in sports.

He has made guest appearances on various sports talk shows.

Eskandarian is no stranger to the spotlight, as he has made guest appearances on popular sports talk shows, providing his insights and expertise on soccer-related topics.

Alecko Eskandarian has been inducted into the Washington DC Sports Hall of Fame.

In recognition of his significant contributions to the sport of soccer, Eskandarian was honored with an induction into the Washington DC Sports Hall of Fame.

He co-founded the PlayEasy app.

Eskandarian’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found the PlayEasy app, a platform designed to simplify the process of organizing and managing sports activities.

Alecko Eskandarian is a dedicated philanthropist.

Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Eskandarian is committed to giving back. He actively supports various charitable initiatives and organizations, using his platform to make a positive impact on society.

He comes from a close-knit family.

Alecko Eskandarian values family and cherishes the strong bonds he shares with his loved ones, who have been there supporting him throughout his journey.

Eskandarian’s love for soccer began at a young age.

From an early age, Alecko Eskandarian had a deep passion for soccer, dedicating himself to the sport and honing his skills on the field.

He continues to inspire young athletes around the world.

Alecko Eskandarian’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring soccer players worldwide, showcasing the determination, resilience, and passion required to succeed in the beautiful game.

Conclusion

Alecko Eskandarian is undoubtedly a fascinating celebrity, with a wealth of accomplishments and intriguing facts that contribute to his unique story. From his early career in soccer to his impressive achievements on and off the field, Eskandarian has proven himself to be a true force to be reckoned with.

His experience as a player, coach, and commentator has allowed him to leave a lasting impact on the world of soccer, and his journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes around the globe. With his charisma, determination, and unwavering passion, Alecko Eskandarian continues to captivate audiences and cement his status as a beloved figure in the sports industry.

FAQs

Q: What is Alecko Eskandarian most famous for?

A: Alecko Eskandarian is most famous for his successful soccer career, particularly his time in Major League Soccer (MLS) where he played for several teams and won the MLS Cup with D.C. United in 2004.

Q: Has Alecko Eskandarian ever been a coach?

A: Yes, after retiring as a player, Alecko Eskandarian transitioned into coaching. He has worked as an assistant coach for various teams, including New York Cosmos and the New York Red Bulls.

Q: What other roles has Alecko Eskandarian taken on in the soccer world?

A: In addition to being a player and coach, Alecko Eskandarian has also served as a soccer commentator, providing analysis and insights during live matches and broadcasts.

Q: Has Alecko Eskandarian won any individual awards during his soccer career?

A: Yes, Alecko Eskandarian was named the MLS Cup MVP in 2004 and received the MLS Comeback Player of the Year award in 2008.

Q: What is Alecko Eskandarian doing now?

A: Currently, Alecko Eskandarian works as the Senior Director of Player Relations for Major League Soccer, where he focuses on helping players navigate their careers and providing support and guidance. He continues to be actively involved in the soccer community.

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