For many kids, fall weekends mean soccer. Not that long ago, an outstanding young player was lacing up his cleats for Saturday afternoon soccer games and dreaming of playing on a pro team.
Now that teen is a soccer superstar. If you haven’t guessed, we’re talking about Freddy Adu, who is just finishing his first season with the Washington, D.C., team, D.C. United.
Freddy’s home was in Tema, Ghana. Like most kids in his town, he played soccer for fun. At age 8, his family moved to the United States, settling in suburban Maryland. At 13, he became a U.S. citizen.
His soccer skills quickly made him a star. He was invited to a school in Bradenton, Fla., that helps kids develop their sports skills while studying. At the school, Freddy played soccer with the U.S. Under-17 National Team.
It wasn’t long before he was spotted by the pros. Now it’s all a dream come true for the 15-year-old. “It’s everything I thought it would be,” he says.
But what about off the field? Does the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer still have to clean his room?
“I still do household stuff,” he says. At home he’s just Freddy and has to listen to his mom and do chores.
But here’s one way he’s not like other teens: He was able to buy his mom a new house. “We’re getting ready to move in a couple of weeks,” says Freddy, who will share the house with his mom, younger brother and cousin.
Freddy likes to play video games, watch TV, hang out with friends and go to the mall. (Homework? Nope, Freddy finished his high school studies in an accelerated program.)
On the field, Freddy is as serious as any veteran player. He says he doesn’t let the age and experience of the other players intimidate him.
“I can’t think other players are older or stronger,” Freddy says. “I like to say, ‘If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.’ “
To get ready for games, Freddy says he listens to music, mostly rap. And to hit the field in a positive mood, he says he smiles a lot before a game.
Freddy has this advice for would-be soccer stars: “Listen to your coaches,” so you can learn and improve. “Don’t let people tell you you’re not fast enough or big enough. Listen to yourself.”
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Freddy facts
Birthday: June 2, 1989
Height: 5 feet, 8 inches
Weight: 140 pounds
Going pro: Freddy signed a commitment to Major League Soccer in November 2003 and was drafted by the D.C. United in January. He was 14 when he played his first pro soccer game April 3.
