DeAndre Yedlin Bio
DeAndre Roselle Yedlin (born July 9, 1993) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Major League Soccer club Real Salt Lake. Primarily a right-back, Yedlin has also featured as a right wing-back and wide midfielder. Known for his speed and agility, Yedlin has established himself as a key player in both club and international soccer.
Early Life and Background
DeAndre Yedlin was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. He began playing soccer at the age of four, inspired by watching his uncle play. Yedlin attended O’Dea High School in Seattle, where he developed his skills further and participated in Washington Youth Soccer’s State Olympic Development Program from 2006 to 2009. He also played youth soccer for Emerald City FC and Northwest Nationals before joining the U.S. Soccer Development Academy club Crossfire Premier. Yedlin’s talent was recognized early on, and he joined the Seattle Sounders FC youth academy for the 2010–11 season.
Path to Soccer
Yedlin signed a letter of intent to play college soccer at the University of Akron in 2011. During his freshman year, he started in 20 of his 23 games, scoring his first collegiate goal in a victory over Ohio State. He finished his first season with six assists and was named to the College Soccer News Freshman All-American team. In his sophomore year, he continued to impress, making 22 appearances and contributing six assists. During the offseason, he played for Seattle Sounders FC U-23 in the Premier Development League, earning a spot on the 2012 All-PDL First XI.
DeAndre Yedlin Career
Early Career (2012–2014)
Yedlin began his professional career in 2012 with Seattle Sounders FC U-23 before signing with the Seattle Sounders FC as the club’s first homegrown player in January 2013. He made his debut on March 2, 2013, and quickly gained recognition for his performance, being named to the MLS Team of the Week. Yedlin scored his first professional goal on March 12, 2013, during a CONCACAF Champions League match. He was named to the MLS All-Star team in 2014, becoming the first rookie selected since 2005.
Breakthrough (2014–2016)
Yedlin’s breakout moment came during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he was included in the U.S. national team’s final roster. His performances at the tournament garnered international attention, leading to his transfer to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur in August 2014. He remained with Seattle until January 2015, when he officially joined Tottenham. Yedlin made his Premier League debut on April 11, 2015, and was loaned to Sunderland later that year, where he continued to develop his skills.
Notable Works and Milestones
Yedlin’s career milestones include his transfer to Tottenham Hotspur, participation in the FIFA World Cup, and his role in winning the CONCACAF Nations League in 2021. He has consistently been recognized for his contributions on the field, including multiple selections to the MLS All-Star team.
DeAndre Yedlin Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Yedlin has received numerous nominations for various awards, reflecting his impact on the field and contributions to his teams.
DeAndre Yedlin Awards Won
Yedlin has achieved notable success in his career, including winning the CONCACAF Nations League in 2021 and being a runner-up in the CONCACAF Cup in 2015.
DeAndre Yedlin Family
DeAndre Yedlin is very close with his mother, Rebecca Yedlin, who raised him and has been a significant influence in his life. He has a sister named Jenea, who is three years younger than he is.
Personal Life
Yedlin is known for his activism and support for social justice causes, particularly during the racial unrest in the United States from 2020 to 2023. He has spoken out about issues of police brutality and racial inequality, drawing from his family’s history and experiences. In May 2021, he joined the ownership group of USL Championship club San Diego Loyal SC. Yedlin is also recognized for his multicultural heritage, being one-quarter black, one-quarter Native American, and half Latvian Jewish on his mother’s side.
