U.S. honors Michael Bradley before South Korea friendly in New Jersey

The U.S. men’s national team held a pregame ceremony Saturday to honor Michael Bradley before a friendly against South Korea at Sports Illustrated Stadium, a short drive from the former midfielder’s hometown of Princeton, N.J.

Bradley, who retired from professional play in 2023 and quietly moved into coaching, said the tribute was meaningful primarily because he could share it with family and longtime supporters. “New Jersey has always been home. You know, football has taken me a lot of places throughout the world, but whenever people ask where’s home, it’s still, it’s still New Jersey,” he said. “Honestly, for any of you who know me, I’m excited, but I don’t need [the celebration], but for the people who love me and for the people who have supported me every step of my career, then it’s nice to share with them.”

Bradley’s playing résumé remains among the most prominent in U.S. soccer history. He is the third most-capped U.S. player with 151 appearances, started every match for the United States at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, and ranks second all-time for the national team with 23 assists. He started 141 matches for the U.S. and served as captain in 48 of those starts.

Since retiring, Bradley entered the coaching ranks and was hired earlier this year as coach of Red Bulls II. He had spent time around the national team this week while the squad trained in New Jersey at the Red Bulls’ facility, which also hosts two Red Bull squads.

Several current players who shared the field with Bradley praised his professionalism and leadership. Center back Tim Ream, who captained the team Saturday and previously played with Bradley on the national team, said he tried to emulate Bradley’s example. “Just watching him, and knowing how professional he was, and the leadership that he showed from all the time that we were together, is something that I always left camp in awe of, really,” Ream said. “I tried to use that when I would leave, and still trying to use those examples.”

Bradley said he did not see his presence as a source of instruction for the current roster and voiced confidence in how the program is progressing as it prepares for future competitions. “Generally speaking, these guys don’t need me telling them what to do,” he said. “They’re going in a good way. They’ll continue to find the right ways to push themselves, push each other as they get closer to the World Cup. And for me, it’s in little ways when I can help and support and engage them a little bit. Of course, I do.”

The ceremony came as the U.S. continued its international slate with the friendly against South Korea. Organizers noted the significance of staging the event near Bradley’s hometown, allowing family and local supporters to attend. The award and remarks highlighted both Bradley’s on-field achievements and his transition into a coaching role within the Red Bulls organization.

Team officials and former teammates framed the tribute as recognition of a career marked by longevity and leadership rather than a turning point in the current squad’s development. Bradley’s comments emphasized appreciation for his supporters and a continued, albeit informal, involvement with the national team as players prepare for upcoming competitions.