DaMarcus Beasley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
DaMarcus Beasley

Beasley with Puebla in 2013
Personal information
Full name	DaMarcus Lamont Beasley
Date of birth	(1982-05-24) May 24, 1982 (age 43)
Place of birth	Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States
Height	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Playing position	Winger, left-wing back
Youth career
1998–1999	IMG Academy
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1999	LA Galaxy	2	(6)
1999	→ MLS Pro-40 (loan)	2	(6)
2000–2004	Chicago Fire	98	(14)
2000	→ MLS Pro-40 (loan)	3	(0)
2004–2007	PSV	56	(10)
2006–2007	→ Manchester City (loan)	18	(3)
2007–2010	Rangers	30	(4)
2010–2011	Hannover 96	4	(0)
2011–2014	Puebla	92	(12)
2014–2019	Houston Dynamo	124	(3)
Total		427	(46)
National team
1999	United States U17	6	(1)
2001	United States U20	4	(2)
2001–2017	United States	126	(17)
Honours Representing  United States Men's soccer CONCACAF Gold Cup Winner 2002 United States Winner 2005 United States Winner 2007 United States Winner 2013 United States Winner 2017 United States Runner-up 2011 United States Third 2003 United States–Mexico FIFA Confederations Cup Runner-up 2009 South Africa
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of October 7, 2019. † Appearances (Goals).

DaMarcus Lamont Beasley (born May 24, 1982) is a famous American former soccer player. He was known for playing on the left side of the field. He could play as a left winger (an attacking player) or a left-wing back (a defensive player who also helps attack).

Beasley stopped playing professional soccer after the 2019 MLS Season. In 2022, he was chosen to join the National Soccer Hall of Fame. He was officially inducted on May 6, 2023. He joined his former teammate Landon Donovan in this special honor.

Beasley first became a star at the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Championship. He then played for the Chicago Fire. In 2004, he moved to the Dutch club PSV Eindhoven. He also played for big teams like Manchester City in England, Rangers in Scotland, and Hannover 96 in Germany. He finished his career playing for Puebla in Mexico and Houston Dynamo in the USA.

DaMarcus Beasley is the only American man to play in four FIFA World Cup tournaments. His first World Cup was in 2002 and his last was in 2014. He played 126 games for the U.S. national team over 16 years.

DaMarcus Beasley's Amazing Soccer Journey

Starting His Career

Early Days and Youth Success

DaMarcus Beasley was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He joined the IMG Academy in Florida. This was a special program for young soccer players. Before that, he played soccer for two years at South Side High School.

Beasley was a standout player in the 1999 Under-17 World Cup. This tournament was held in New Zealand. He won the Silver Ball award, meaning he was the second-best player in the whole tournament. His teammate Landon Donovan won the best player award.

Becoming a Star with Chicago Fire

Beasley signed with Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1999. He was first assigned to the LA Galaxy. But in 2000, he was traded to the Chicago Fire. He quickly became a key player for the Fire.

He scored 14 goals and made 20 assists in 4.5 seasons. In 2003, he was named to the MLS Best XI, which means he was one of the best players in the league. His time with the Fire ended in 2004. He moved to the Dutch team PSV Eindhoven.

Playing in Europe

Shining Bright at PSV Eindhoven

In 2004, Beasley joined PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands. The team's manager, Guus Hiddink, saw him as a replacement for star player Arjen Robben. Beasley was given the number 11 jersey. In his first season, he played 29 games and scored 6 goals. He helped PSV win their 18th league title.

Beasley also made history in the UEFA Champions League. He became the first American to play in the semi-finals of this huge European competition. PSV played against Milan. Even though PSV was eliminated, Beasley was a very important player. He scored 4 goals in 12 Champions League matches.

Time in England with Manchester City

On August 31, 2006, Beasley moved to England. He joined Premier League club Manchester City on a loan for one season. He had always wanted to play in England.

He scored his first goal for City in December 2006. It was a winning goal against West Ham United. He scored three more goals before returning to PSV. He played 22 games for Manchester City.

Conquering Scotland with Rangers

In June 2007, Beasley signed with Scottish Premier League club Rangers. He was the second American to play for Rangers' main team. He made his debut on August 4, 2007.

Beasley scored his first goal for Rangers in a Champions League qualifier. This made him the first American to score for two different clubs in the Champions League. He also scored his first Scottish Premier League goal in August 2007.

Beasley played a key role in Rangers' Scottish Cup final victory over Queen of the South

In October 2007, Beasley played a huge part in Rangers' 3–0 win against Lyon in the Champions League. He was involved in all three goals and was named Man of the Match.

He later got injured during a Champions League match. This injury meant he would miss most of the season. But he came back and played in the Scottish Cup final. He scored a goal and made an assist, helping Rangers win 3–2.

Beasley helped Rangers win the Scottish Premier League title in 2009. He played in ten league matches that season. In 2009-2010, he played less often. He scored in games against Dundee United and Motherwell.

Short Stop in Germany with Hannover 96

On August 30, 2010, Beasley signed a two-year contract with German club Hannover 96. He made his first appearance for them on September 18, 2010. He came on as a substitute in a game against VfL Wolfsburg.

Back to North America

Playing in Mexico with Puebla

On June 22, 2011, Beasley joined Mexican Primera División team Puebla. He scored his first goal for Puebla in an unofficial game against Monterrey.

He made his official debut for Puebla on July 23. He scored his first official goal for the team on August 21. It was in a 2–1 win against Pumas UNAM.

Finishing Strong with Houston Dynamo

On July 23, 2014, Beasley joined Major League Soccer club Houston Dynamo. He was a "designated player," meaning he was one of the team's highest-paid players. He played his first game for the Dynamo on August 3, 2014.

In 2015, Beasley was chosen for his fourth MLS All-Star game. He was also named the Dynamo's defender of the year. He scored his first goal for the Dynamo on August 8, 2015.

In 2016, he had knee surgery but came back strong. In 2017, he had a great season. He was named an MLS All-Star again. He helped the Dynamo reach the MLS Playoffs for the first time in three seasons. He also won the MLS Fair Play Individual Award for his good sportsmanship.

Beasley playing for Houston in 2019

In 2018, the Dynamo won the U.S. Open Cup. This meant they qualified for the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League. Beasley signed a new contract to play for the 2019 season.

In February 2019, Beasley scored the only goal in a Champions League match against Guastatoya. He had knee surgery in March and was out for almost two months. On May 20, Beasley announced he would retire after the 2019 season. His last game was on October 6, where the Dynamo won 4–2. He received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Playing for His Country: USA!

DaMarcus Beasley played over 100 games for the U.S. national team. He played in four FIFA World Cup tournaments, which is a huge achievement. He also helped the U.S. team win the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2002, 2005, 2007, 2013, and 2017. In 2013, Beasley was the team's captain.

He played for the U.S. Under-20 team in 2001. He got his first chance to play for the senior national team in 2001 when he was just 18. At age 20, he was part of the U.S. squad for the 2002 World Cup. He played in all three group matches, helping the team reach the quarter-finals.

Beasley earned 125 caps for the U.S. national team and is the only player to represent them at four FIFA World Cups

In 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Beasley played a full game at left back for the first time in his career. He was chosen for the 2010 World Cup squad. He made one appearance as a substitute.

In March 2013, Beasley was called up for 2014 World Cup qualifiers. He played very well at left back. In July 2013, U.S. coach Jürgen Klinsmann made Beasley captain for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The U.S. team won the tournament.

When he was included in the 2014 World Cup squad, Beasley joined only two other American players to be part of four World Cup teams. By playing in the first match, he became the first American to play in four World Cup tournaments. He played in all four matches for the U.S. in that tournament.

Beasley announced his retirement from the national team in December 2014. However, he returned for the 2015 Gold Cup at his coach's request. In June 2017, he became the first American to play in five World Cup qualifying cycles.

Awards and Achievements

DaMarcus Beasley won many awards and titles throughout his career:

• Chicago Fire:
  • U.S. Open Cup: 2000, 2003
  • Supporters' Shield: 2003
• PSV Eindhoven:
  • Eredivisie (Dutch League): 2005, 2006
  • KNVB Cup (Dutch Cup): 2005
• Rangers:
  • Scottish Premier League: 2009, 2010
  • Scottish Cup: 2008, 2009
  • Scottish League Cup: 2008, 2010
• Houston Dynamo:
  • U.S. Open Cup: 2018
• United States National Team:
  • CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2002, 2005, 2007, 2013, 2017

Individual Awards:

• 1999 U-17 World Cup: Silver Ball (second best player)
• CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2005 Golden Boot (top scorer)
• MLS All-Star: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2015, 2017
• MLS Best XI: 2003
• MLS Fair Play Award: 2017
• National Soccer Hall of Fame: 2023

Life Off the Field

DaMarcus Beasley's older brother, Jamar, was also a soccer player. Both brothers started playing soccer because their father wanted them to be active in sports. DaMarcus also played football and basketball when he was a kid.

After retiring from playing, Beasley became a co-owner of Fort Wayne FC. This is a soccer club in his hometown.

Career Stats

Here are some tables showing DaMarcus Beasley's career statistics for his clubs and the national team.

Club

International

Scores and results list the United States' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Beasley goal.

List of international goals scored by DaMarcus Beasley

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	January 19, 2002	Pasadena, California, United States	South Korea	2–1	2–1	2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup
2	May 12, 2002	Washington, D.C., United States	Uruguay	2–0	2–1	Friendly
3	May 16, 2002	East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States	Jamaica	5–0	5–0	Friendly
4	June 19, 2003	St. Étienne, France	Turkey	1–0	1–2	2003 FIFA Confederations Cup
5	March 31, 2004	Płock, Poland	Poland	1–0	1–0	Friendly
6	June 13, 2004	Columbus, Ohio, United States	Grenada	1–0	3–0	2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
7				2–0
8	June 20, 2004	St. George's, Grenada	Grenada	3–1	3–2	2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
9	July 5, 2005	Seattle, Washington, United States	Cuba	3–1	4–1	2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup
10	July 16, 2005	Foxboro, Massachusetts, United States	Jamaica	2–0	3–1	2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup
11				3–0
12	September 3, 2005	Columbus, Ohio, United States	Mexico	2–0	2–0	2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
13	June 2, 2007	San Jose, California, United States	China	1–0	4–1	Friendly
14	June 12, 2007	Foxboro, Massachusetts, United States	El Salvador	1–0	4–0	2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup
15				4–0
16	October 11, 2008	Washington, D.C., United States	Cuba	1–0	6–1	FIFA World Cup 2010 qualifying
17				2–0

Images for kids

• 

  Beasley with Puebla in 2013

• 

  Beasley played a key role in Rangers' Scottish Cup final victory over Queen of the South

• 

  Beasley playing for Houston in 2019

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  Beasley earned 125 caps for the U.S. national team and is the only player to represent them at four FIFA World Cups

See also

In Spanish: DaMarcus Beasley para niños

• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps