Carlos Bocanegra facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Carlos Bocanegra

Bocanegra in 2010
Personal information
Full name	Carlos Manuel Bocanegra
Date of birth	(1979-05-25) May 25, 1979 (age 46)
Place of birth	Alta Loma, California, United States
Height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Position(s)	Defender
College career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1997–1999	UCLA Bruins	43	(7)
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2000–2003	Chicago Fire	87	(5)
2000	→ MLS Pro 40 (loan)	2	(0)
2004–2008	Fulham	116	(8)
2008–2010	Rennes	64	(2)
2010–2011	Saint-Étienne	35	(2)
2011–2013	Rangers	32	(2)
2012–2013	→ Racing Santander (loan)	23	(0)
2013–2014	Chivas USA	30	(0)
Total		389	(19)
International career
1999	United States U20	4	(0)
1999–2000	United States U23	7	(1)
2001–2012	United States	110	(14)
Medal record Representing  United States FIFA Confederations Cup Runner-up 2009 South Africa Team CONCACAF Gold Cup Winner CONCACAF Gold Cup 2002 Winner CONCACAF Gold Cup 2007 Runner-up CONCACAF Gold Cup 2011 Third CONCACAF Gold Cup 2003 Men's Soccer
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Carlos Manuel Bocanegra, born on May 25, 1979, is an American sports leader and a former professional soccer player. He was a fantastic defender who played in many countries like England, Scotland, France, and Spain. Carlos was named the best defender in Major League Soccer (MLS) twice! He also played over 100 games for the U.S. National Team and was their captain for six years. After he stopped playing, he worked as a technical director and vice president for Atlanta United.

Carlos's Early Life and Education

Carlos Bocanegra was born in Upland, California, on May 25, 1979. He grew up in Alta Loma, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Carlos went to Alta Loma High School. His brother, Diego, also played soccer in college. Their father is from Mexico.

While at UCLA, Carlos studied history and geography. He was offered scholarships to play American football, but he chose soccer instead. He wanted to make soccer his career. In 2013, Carlos was honored and added to the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame.

Carlos's Club Soccer Career

Carlos Bocanegra played for several soccer clubs around the world. He started his professional journey in the United States.

Playing for Chicago Fire

After playing college soccer at UCLA, Carlos joined Major League Soccer. The Chicago Fire picked him in the 2000 draft. He quickly became one of the best defenders in the league.

• In 2000, he won the MLS Rookie of the Year Award.
• His team, the Fire, reached the MLS Championship game.
• They also won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
• Carlos was the first player to win the MLS Defender of the Year Award twice. He won it in 2002 and 2003.
• During his four years in MLS, he scored five goals and made eight assists.

Playing for Fulham in England

Bocanegra playing for Fulham in 2007

In January 2004, Carlos joined Fulham, a team in England. Fans loved him and called him "the Jackal" or "the Black Snake." He mostly played as a center back. Sometimes, he played as a left back or even a defensive midfielder.

• During the 2006–07 season, he was Fulham's second-highest scorer with five goals.
• On September 1, 2007, he was the captain for Fulham for the first time.
• On September 15, 2007, he played his 100th game in the Premier League for Fulham.
• He left Fulham in May 2008.

Playing for Rennes in France

Carlos joined Rennes in France in June 2008. He wore the number 3 jersey, which was also his number for the U.S. National Team. He played very well in his first season.

• He played in all 38 league games.
• He scored his first league goal on March 8, 2009.
• He also scored a goal in a UEFA Cup match.
• Carlos played in the 2009 Coupe de France Final and scored a goal in that game too.

Playing for Saint-Étienne

On July 16, 2010, Carlos moved to another French club, Saint-Étienne. He continued to wear the number three shirt. This was the same number he wore as captain for the U.S. during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

• He played his first game for Saint-Étienne on the opening day of the season.
• On December 5, 2010, he scored his first goal for the club.
• He was often in and out of the first team during his first season.

Playing for Rangers in Scotland

On August 17, 2011, Carlos joined Rangers, a team in Scotland. He signed a three-year contract.

• He played his first game for Rangers on August 18, 2011.
• He scored his first goal for Rangers in the second game against NK Maribor.
• Carlos scored his first league goal for the club on September 24.
• Fans quickly loved him and called him "Captain America".
• He was captain for Rangers for the first time on January 8, 2012.
• Rangers faced financial problems during the season. Carlos said it was a "horrible experience."
• He wanted to stay with the club and was happy there.
• In June 2012, many players left Rangers due to financial issues. Carlos was unsure about his future.
• He later decided to stay and was appointed captain for a game on July 29, 2012.

Loan to Racing Santander

On August 31, 2012, Carlos joined Racing de Santander in Spain on a loan for one season. He hoped this would help him stay on the U.S. National Team.

• He played his first game for the club on September 22, 2012.
• His time at Santander was not very successful. He did not start many games.
• The club was moved down to a lower division.
• In April 2013, Carlos announced he would return to Rangers.

Playing for Chivas USA

In the summer of 2013, Carlos left Rangers and signed with Chivas USA in the United States. He retired from playing soccer at the end of the 2014 MLS season.

Carlos's International Career

Bocanegra with the United States national team in 2010

Carlos Bocanegra played for the U.S. National Team for many years.

• He played for the U.S. at the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship.
• His first game for the senior U.S. team was on December 9, 2001.
• He became a key player for the team in 2003.
• Carlos played in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. He started two games as a left back.
• He became the first-choice captain for the U.S. team under coach Bob Bradley.
• Carlos captained the U.S. team that beat the number 1 ranked Spain in 2009. This was during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
• He continued to be a leader during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
• On November 15, 2011, Carlos played his 100th game for the U.S. National Team. This made him part of the "100 cap club."
• He was later not chosen for the national team. Clint Dempsey became the new captain.
• Carlos was not part of the team for the 2013 Gold Cup or the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Carlos's Life After Playing Soccer

After retiring from playing, Carlos Bocanegra continued to work in soccer.

• In March 2015, he became the technical director for Atlanta United.
• In October 2017, he signed a new contract and also became the vice president of the club.
• The club announced he was leaving on September 4, 2024.
• In April 2018, he was chosen to co-chair a committee at U.S. Soccer that helps develop players.
• In September 2020, Carlos Bocanegra was elected into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Carlos's Career Achievements

Carlos Bocanegra won many awards and championships during his soccer career.

With Chicago Fire

• U.S. Open Cup: 2000, 2003

With the United States National Team

• CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2002, 2007

Individual Awards

• MLS Rookie of the Year: 2000
• MLS Defender of the Year: 2002, 2003
• MLS Best XI: 2002, 2003

Images for kids

• 

  Bocanegra in 2010

See also

In Spanish: Carlos Bocanegra para niños