Clint Dempsey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Clint Dempsey

Dempsey playing for Seattle Sounders FC in 2016
Personal information
Full name	Clinton Drew Dempsey
Date of birth	(1983-03-09) March 9, 1983 (age 42)
Place of birth	Nacogdoches, Texas, United States
Height	6 ft 1 in
Playing position	Forward, midfielder
Youth career
1998–2001	Dallas Texans
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2004–2006	New England Revolution	71	(25)
2007–2012	Fulham	189	(50)
2012–2013	Tottenham Hotspur	29	(7)
2013–2018	Seattle Sounders FC	115	(47)
2014	→ Fulham (loan)	5	(0)
Total		409	(129)
National team
2002–2003	United States U20	13	(21)
2004–2017	United States	141	(57)
Honours Men's soccer Representing  United States CONCACAF Gold Cup Winner 2005 United States Winner 2007 United States Winner 2013 United States Winner 2017 United States Runner-up 2011 United States FIFA Confederations Cup Runner-up 2009 South Africa
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Clint Dempsey (born March 9, 1983) is an American former professional soccer player. He played as a forward and midfielder. He played for top clubs like Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur in England. He also played in the Major League Soccer for the New England Revolution and Seattle Sounders FC.

Many people consider Dempsey one of the best American soccer players ever. He scored the most Premier League goals for Fulham (50). He also shares the record for most international goals by an American player (57) with Landon Donovan. After retiring from playing, Dempsey became a sports analyst for television.

Dempsey grew up in Nacogdoches, Texas. He played youth soccer with the Dallas Texans. In 2001, he joined Furman University's soccer team. In 2004, the New England Revolution picked him in the draft. He scored 25 goals in 71 games for them.

In 2007, Dempsey moved to England to play for Fulham. He helped Fulham reach the final of the 2009–10 UEFA Europa League. He was named Fulham's Player of the Season twice. He was also the club's top scorer in those seasons. In 2012, he made history as the first American to score a hat-trick in the Premier League.

Later in 2012, Tottenham Hotspur signed Dempsey. He scored 12 goals in one season with them. This made him the American with the most goals (72) in a top European league. The next year, he joined the Seattle Sounders. He played 115 matches and scored 47 goals for them. He helped them win the 2014 Supporters' Shield. In 2016, he had to miss games due to an irregular heartbeat. He returned to play the next season. Dempsey announced his retirement from soccer in 2018.

Dempsey also played for the United States national team. He played in the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship. His first game for the senior team was in 2004. He played over 140 games for his country. He scored 57 international goals. This makes him the fourth most-capped player for the U.S. He is also tied for the most goals ever scored for the U.S. team. Dempsey played in four CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments, winning three. He helped the U.S. reach the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup. He scored in all three World Cups he played in. In 2022, Dempsey was added to the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Soccer Beginnings

Clint Dempsey was born in Nacogdoches, Texas. His family has Irish roots on his father's side. For most of his childhood, his family lived in a trailer park. He and his siblings played soccer with many Hispanic immigrants there.

As a teenager, Dempsey kept playing in a local adult league. His older brother, Ryan, had a tryout for the Dallas Texans. This was an elite youth soccer club. Clint was noticed and asked to join while juggling a ball.

Dempsey quickly became a top player for the Texans. But he had to quit because his family couldn't afford it. His oldest sister, Jennifer, was a ranked youth tennis player. Some parents of his teammates offered to help with costs. This allowed him to rejoin the club.

On November 27, 1995, his 16-year-old sister Jennifer died. She passed away from a brain aneurysm. Dempsey was very sad about this loss. He later said this event made him want to play soccer even more. He wanted to honor his sister.

He became the captain and top scorer for the Texans. He also won the MVP award at the Tampa Bay Sun Bowl tournament. Dempsey studied the play of Argentina's national team. He especially admired Diego Maradona. He was very disappointed when Maradona did not play in the 1994 World Cup game. Dempsey later attended Furman University. He studied health and exercise science. He was also a key player for the Paladins soccer team.

Club Career Highlights

Dempsey with the New England Revolution in 2006

Playing for New England Revolution

The New England Revolution chose Clint Dempsey as their first pick in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft. He was the eighth player chosen overall. He played his first game for the Revolution on April 17, 2004. This was a home game against the San Jose Earthquakes. Dempsey scored his first MLS goal the next week. It was against the MetroStars on April 25.

In his first season, Dempsey started 23 out of 24 games. He even played some games with a broken jaw. He scored seven goals, tying for third on his team. Dempsey helped the Revolution reach the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals. He won the 2004 MLS Rookie of the Year award. He was also named an MLS All-Star.

In 2005, Dempsey scored ten goals and made nine assists. He was second in team scoring. He won MLS Player of the Week once. He also won MLS Goal of the Week for a great goal. He scored the winning goal in the Eastern Conference Final. He played in the MLS Cup Final. He was again named an MLS All-Star. He was also part of the MLS Best XI, a list of the best players.

In 2006, Dempsey scored eight more goals. He missed some games due to injury and the World Cup. He was an MLS All-Star for the third time. He was also named to the MLS Best-XI for a second time. He played in the MLS Cup Final. However, the Revolution lost in a penalty shootout.

Time with Fulham

Joining Fulham in 2007

In December 2006, the English club Fulham offered a lot of money for Dempsey. They offered $4 million, which was the most ever for an MLS player. He joined other American players at Fulham.

On January 11, 2007, Fulham officially signed him. This made Dempsey the most expensive American player to move to the Premier League. The deal was worth about £2 million. He played his first game for Fulham on January 20, 2007. It was a 1–1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

Dempsey scored his first goal for Fulham on May 5. It was the only goal in a 1–0 win against Liverpool. This important goal helped Fulham stay in the top league for the next season.

2007–08 Season at Fulham

Dempsey did not start the first three games of the 2007–08 season. But after a teammate got injured, he started playing as a striker. He scored in a 2–1 loss against Aston Villa. He then scored again in Fulham's next game. It was a 3–3 draw against Tottenham on September 1.

He scored his last goals of the season in December. Fulham finished the season by beating Portsmouth 1–0. This made sure they stayed in the Premier League. Dempsey ended the season as Fulham's top Premier League scorer with six goals.

2008–09 Season at Fulham

Dempsey did not start many games at the beginning of the 2008–09 season. He scored his first goal on October 26 as a substitute. He scored his first home goal of the season on December 20. Eight days later, he scored twice against Chelsea. One of his goals was a last-minute equalizer in a 2–2 draw.

On February 24, 2009, Dempsey scored his first FA Cup goal. It was in a 2–1 win against Swansea City. He scored two goals against Manchester City on April 12. Fulham won that game 3–1.

For the second year in a row, Dempsey was Fulham's top Premier League scorer. He scored seven goals, tied with Andrew Johnson. These goals helped Fulham finish seventh in the Premier League. This was the highest finish in the club's history. It also meant they qualified for the new UEFA Europa League.

2009–10 Season and Europa League Final

On August 13, 2009, Dempsey signed a new contract with Fulham until 2013.

Dempsey training with Fulham in August 2009

On August 20, he scored his first goal in a European competition. It was in the new Europa League. He scored Fulham's second goal in a 3–1 win against Amkar Perm.

On January 17, 2010, Dempsey got a knee injury. He returned on March 11. On March 18, Dempsey came off the bench against Juventus. He scored the winning goal with a long chip shot. Fulham won the game 4–1. This goal was very famous for Fulham.

On May 12, Dempsey played in the 2010 UEFA Europa League Final. He became the first American to play in a major European final. Fulham lost the match 2–1 to Atlético Madrid in extra time. His great play in 2009–10 earned him the Most Valuable Player award among Americans in Europe.

2010–11 Season: Top Scorer

Dempsey became a regular starter for Fulham in 2010–11. On September 18, 2010, he scored an equalizing goal against Blackburn Rovers. On October 2, he scored against West Ham United. He continued his good form by scoring two goals against Wigan Athletic on October 30. Fulham won 2–0.

On January 22, 2011, Dempsey scored two more goals against Stoke City. On March 19, Dempsey became the first American player to score ten goals in a Premier League season. He broke Brian McBride's old record of nine goals.

Dempsey broke Fulham's Premier League goal-scoring record. He scored twice in a 3–0 win over Bolton on April 27, 2011. He scored 33 goals for the team in the Premier League. This was more than Brian McBride and Steed Malbranque. He scored 12 goals for Fulham in the 2010–11 season.

Fulham fans voted Dempsey their Player of the Season for 2010–11. His 12 Premier League goals made him the club's top scorer that season.

2011–12 Season: Premier League Hat-Trick

Dempsey scored two goals in Fulham's Europa League play-off game. This was against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. Fulham won 3–0.

On December 5, 2011, Dempsey scored in the 85th minute. This secured a 1–0 win against Liverpool. This goal made Dempsey the American with the most goals in the Premier League. He passed fellow American and Fulham legend Brian McBride. Dempsey scored his fifth Premier League goal of the season on December 17. It was a header in a 2–0 win against Bolton.

On Boxing Day, Dempsey scored the equalizing goal against Chelsea. The game ended in a 1–1 draw. Dempsey scored the first hat trick of his career on January 7. It was against Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup. Fulham won 4–0. On January 21, 2012, Dempsey scored his first Premier League hat-trick. This was against Newcastle. Fulham won 5–2.

With this hat-trick, he became the first U.S. player to score three goals in one Premier League game. Dempsey scored his 10th Premier League goal of the season on February 1, 2012. This was in a 1–1 draw against West Brom. He scored twice more in a 5–0 win for Fulham against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

On March 8, 2012, Fulham began talks with Dempsey for a new contract. Dempsey scored his fourteenth and fifteenth Premier League goals on April 7. This brought his total to twenty-one goals in all competitions. These goals helped him pass Louis Saha's record of thirteen Premier League goals for the club in one season. Dempsey finished fourth in the FWA Footballer of the Year award. He became the first American player to reach fifty goals in the Premier League. He scored a free kick against Sunderland in the last home game of the season.

On August 31, 2012, Fulham announced Dempsey's transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.

Playing for Tottenham Hotspur

On August 31, 2012, Dempsey joined Tottenham Hotspur. He signed a three-year contract. The transfer fee was about $9 million. This made Dempsey the highest-paid U.S. soccer player ever. He chose the number 2 jersey.

He scored his first goal for Tottenham in a 3–2 win over Manchester United. It was Tottenham's first win at Old Trafford in 23 years. He scored his second goal against Southampton in October. Dempsey scored two goals in the FA Cup against Coventry City.

On January 20, 2013, Dempsey scored a dramatic goal. He tied the game 1–1 against Manchester United in the 93rd minute. This was his fourth goal in four games in 2013. On January 27, 2013, Dempsey scored a header against Leeds United in the FA Cup. Tottenham lost that game 2–1.

On April 21, he scored the first goal in a 3–1 win over Manchester City. On May 12, Dempsey scored a long-range goal against Stoke City. He also made an assist. This helped Tottenham win 2–1. On April 11, 2013, Dempsey scored two goals against Basel. This was in the Europa League quarter-finals. Tottenham lost the match on penalties and was out of the competition.

Time with Seattle Sounders

On August 3, 2013, Dempsey signed with MLS club Seattle Sounders FC. He was a Designated Player on a four-year contract. The transfer fee was $9 million. He wore the number 2 shirt. Dempsey played his first league game for Seattle on August 10, 2013. It was a 2–1 win over Toronto.

Loan to Fulham

On December 24, 2013, Dempsey returned to Fulham for a two-month loan. He played his first game back on January 4, 2014. It was in the FA Cup against Norwich City. He played the whole game, which ended in a 1–1 draw.

Return to Seattle

Dempsey playing for the Seattle Sounders in 2014

Dempsey returned to Seattle for the season opener on March 10, 2014. He scored a hat-trick against Portland Timbers. He also scored two goals in two other games. This gave him 8 goals in 5 games in 2014. He won the MLS Player of the Month award for April. Dempsey scored 15 goals and made 10 assists. These were his highest numbers in MLS. Seattle won the Supporters' Shield that year.

On June 16, 2015, Dempsey was sent off (given a red card). This happened during a game against the Portland Timbers. He was suspended for three MLS matches and fined. He was also banned from the U.S. Open Cup for two years.

On July 13, 2016, Dempsey received another MLS red card. On August 7, he scored a hat-trick against Orlando City SC. On August 21, he scored two goals in a 3–1 win against Portland. This set a new team record for goals against one opponent. Dempsey then had to miss games due to an irregular heartbeat.

He was ruled out for the rest of the season on September 27. There was talk that his career might end. But Dempsey was cleared to play for the 2017 MLS season. He scored 12 goals in 29 games that season. He was named MLS Comeback Player of the Year for 2017.

He announced his retirement from soccer on August 29, 2018.

International Career

Dempsey training with the United States in April 2006

For the national team, Dempsey often played as a striker. This was because of his scoring ability. But his usual role is behind the main striker.

Early Career: Gold Cups and 2006 World Cup

Dempsey first played for the United States national team in 2003. This was at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship. He played his first game for the senior team on November 17, 2004. It was against Jamaica in a World Cup qualifier.

On May 28, 2005, he scored his first international goal. It was against England. Dempsey played in the United States' winning 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament. He scored their first goal in a 4–1 win against Cuba.

Dempsey was chosen for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He was the only American player to score a goal in that tournament. It was an equalizing goal in a 2–1 loss to Ghana. He won the Honda Player of the Year award for 2006.

Dempsey also played when the United States won the 2007 Gold Cup. He scored their first goal in a win against Guatemala.

2009 Confederations Cup and 2010 World Cup

In a 2010 World Cup qualifier, Dempsey scored a goal in 53 seconds. This was the fastest goal in U.S. qualifying history. Dempsey played very well in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. He scored a diving header against Egypt. This helped the U.S. win 3–0 and reach the semi-finals. In the semi-final against Spain, Dempsey scored a goal. This helped the U.S. win 2–0 and go to the final. He was named the Man of the Match for his performance. Dempsey scored in his third straight game in the final against Brazil.

After the final, he won the Bronze Ball award. This meant he was the tournament's third best player. He finished the World Cup qualifying campaign with five goals.

On June 12, 2010, Dempsey became the second American to score in more than one World Cup. He scored the equalizing goal against England in the first game of the 2010 World Cup.

2011 Gold Cup

During the 2011 Gold Cup, Dempsey was very important. He scored a goal in a 2–0 win over Canada. In the quarter-finals, he scored in a 2–0 win over Jamaica. In the semi-finals against Panama, Dempsey scored the only goal. This sent the Americans to the final.

On February 29, 2012, Dempsey scored the only goal in a friendly win against Italy. This was the first time the United States had beaten Italy since 1934.

2014 World Cup and 2015 Gold Cup

Dempsey broke his own record for fastest goal in World Cup qualifying. He scored in just 39 seconds against Jamaica on September 7. On October 16, 2012, Dempsey scored his 29th and 30th international goals. This tied him with Brian McBride for third most goals for the U.S. national team. These goals helped the U.S. reach the final qualifying stage for the 2014 World Cup.

Dempsey playing for the United States in May 2013

In March 2013, Dempsey was made captain for important World Cup qualifying matches. On June 2, 2013, Dempsey scored two goals against Germany in a 4–3 win. These were his 34th and 35th goals for the national team. This meant he passed Eric Wynalda to become the second all-time top-goalscorer for the United States. Dempsey played his 100th game for the U.S. on September 6, 2013.

In 2014, Dempsey was named captain for the FIFA World Cup. On June 16, he scored against Ghana in 29 seconds. This was the fastest goal in American World Cup history. It was also the fifth fastest goal in all World Cup history. With this goal, Dempsey became the first American to score in three World Cups in a row. He broke his nose during the game, but the U.S. won 2–1. In the next game against Portugal, Dempsey scored his fourth World Cup goal.

Before the 2015 Gold Cup, Michael Bradley became captain. During the Gold Cup, Dempsey scored both U.S. goals in a 2–1 win over Honduras. Three days later, he scored the only goal to beat Haiti. This sent his team to the quarter-finals. There, he scored his first international hat-trick in a 6–0 win against Cuba. He finished the tournament as the top scorer.

Copa América Centenario

In June 2016, Dempsey started all three group games of the Copa América Centenario. He scored his 50th international goal against Costa Rica. He scored his 51st international goal against Paraguay. This helped the U.S. finish first in their group. The U.S. reached the semi-finals but lost to Argentina. In the quarter-final win over Ecuador, Dempsey scored the first goal. He also helped set up the second goal.

2018 World Cup Qualification

Dempsey scored his first goal for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification on March 29, 2016. It was in a 4–0 win over Guatemala. He also helped set up another goal.

On March 24, 2017, Dempsey scored a hat trick in a 6–0 win over Honduras. Four days later, on March 28, he scored the U.S.'s only goal in a 1–1 draw with Panama.

2017 Gold Cup

Dempsey was on the list of players for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He was later called into the team on July 16. He helped set up a goal in the U.S.'s 2–0 win over El Salvador. This tied him for fourth on the U.S. all-time assists list. On July 22, Dempsey helped set up a goal and scored a free kick. This led to a 2–0 win over Costa Rica. This sent the U.S. to the final. It also meant Dempsey tied Landon Donovan for the most U.S. goals of all time with 57.

Style of Play

Dempsey playing for the United States in 2011.

Dempsey was known for being able to play in different positions. He could play as a forward, a winger, or an attacking midfielder. He was good at scoring goals with both his head and his feet. He often scored in important matches.

Dempsey sometimes had physical arguments with opponents during his career. These sometimes led to suspensions.

Personal Life

Dempsey is married to Bethany Keegan Dempsey. They have six children. They live in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Dempsey is a Catholic. He grew up going to church every Sunday with his grandmother. He has talked about his faith. He said he plays his best and is thankful for his success. He wants to live a life that pleases God.

Dempsey is a fan of the NFL's Houston Texans. He also sounded the siren for the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team in 2022.

Music

One of Dempsey's hobbies outside of soccer is hip hop music. He used the name "Deuce." He rapped on a song called "Don't Tread." This song was part of a Nike soccer ad campaign for the 2006 World Cup. The song's video is dedicated to his sister Jennifer. The video ends with Dempsey placing a flower at his sister's grave.

Endorsements

Dempsey was featured on the cover of EA Sports' video game FIFA 15. He was on the cover in the U.S. and Canada, along with global cover star Lionel Messi.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Honors

New England Revolution

• MLS Cup: runner-up 2005, 2006

Fulham

• UEFA Europa League: runner-up 2009–10

Seattle Sounders

• MLS Cup: 2016; runner-up 2017
• Supporters' Shield: 2014
• U.S. Open Cup: 2014

United States

• CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2005, 2007, 2017; runner-up: 2011
• FIFA Confederations Cup: runner-up: 2009

Individual

• Fulham Player of the Season: 2010–11, 2011–12
• Fulham top scorer: 2010–11, 2011–12
• FIFA Confederations Cup Bronze Ball: 2009
• FIFA Confederations Cup Team of the Tournament: 2009
• CONCACAF Gold Cup Top Goalscorer: 2015
• U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year: 2007, 2011, 2012
• Honda Player of the Year: 2006, 2011, 2012
• MLS All-Star: 2005, 2014, 2015, 2016
• MLS Rookie of the Year: 2004
• MLS Best XI: 2005, 2006
• MLS Comeback Player of the Year: 2017
• IFFHS CONCACAF team of the decade 2011–2020
• IFFHS CONCACAF Men's Team of All Time: 2021
• National Soccer Hall of Fame 2022

See also

In Spanish: Clint Dempsey para niños

• List of top international men's football goal scorers by country
• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
• List of men's footballers with 50 or more international goals