10 ideas and recollections from Carlos Valderrama, MLS’s first MVP No. 10 – The Athletic

As a participant, Carlos Valderrama epitomized the tradition of Colombia’s sizzling and humid Atlantic coast. He was laid again and joyful with a boastful angle and a little bit of a imply streak. Properly earlier than private branding and social media, Valderrama’s golden afro-blond hair and distinctive play model made him one among world soccer’s most recognizable stars. His uncanny imaginative and prescient, low socks and colourful rasta-inspired bracelets have been synonymous with the cumbia-inspired soccer of Colombia’s first golden technology.

In 2021, his hair has greyed however his timeless look stays intact in any other case. In actual fact, the variety of bracelets on each of his wrists has doubled. A black graphic t-shirt and a plethora of multi-colored beaded necklaces nonetheless adorned the determine of MLS’s first-ever MVP, now 60 years outdated, as he caught up with The Athletic not too long ago from his house in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Whereas he was as soon as a person of few phrases publicly, in the present day Valderrama is keen to replicate on his profession and his time in Main League Soccer, retaining a sure appeal as he refers to D.C. United as “Washington” and the New England Revolution as “Boston.” 

As one among MLS’s all-time nice No. 10s, listed below are 10 ideas and recollections from El Pibe, an MLS legend. 

An American journey  

On a typical steamy afternoon in Barranquilla in 1995, Carlos Valderrama’s then agent known as him with a brand new provide. His contract with Junior de Barranquilla was nearing its finish after 82 appearances and two Colombian first division titles, however he was just one yr faraway from captaining Colombia on the 1994 World Cup within the U.S. He had performed in entrance of sellout crowds at USA ‘94. The ardent assist stateside had impressed the unsung hosts to the Spherical of 16 and made the whole occasion an enormous success.