Defender
Oguchi Onyewu
6' 4"
Biography of USMNT soccer player Oguchi Onyewu who played in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
Caps: 69 | Goals: 6
Oguchi Onyewu emerged as a dominant force in the U.S. Men’s National Team defense in 2005, mirroring his success in Belgium’s Pro League with Standard Liège. His physically imposing style and standout performance at the 2006 World Cup drew interest from European giants like Chelsea and Real Madrid, eventually leading to a loan spell with Newcastle United. Returning to Liège, Onyewu became a cornerstone of the squad, anchoring the defense during their back-to-back championship runs in the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons.
In 2009, Onyewu made a high-profile move to AC Milan. Although a serious injury sustained during World Cup qualifying sidelined him for much of his tenure in Italy, he recovered in time for the 2010 World Cup. His European journey continued with a loan to FC Twente and a permanent move to Sporting CP in Portugal, followed by stints in Spain with Málaga and various English clubs, including Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday. He eventually returned to the United States to finish his playing career with the Philadelphia Union in 2017.
Since retiring in 2018, Onyewu has built a significant career in soccer administration and media. After holding front-office roles with Orlando City B and Royal Excelsior Virton, and gaining popularity as a lead pundit for CBS Sports, he transitioned into executive leadership. Having served as an athlete representative on the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors, he was appointed U.S. Soccer’s Vice President of Sporting in May 2023, where he continues to influence the direction of the national program.
Photo by Howard C Smith – ISIPhotos.com
USMNT Experience
2014
Started against Ukraine on Mar 5.
2013
Started against Guatemala on Jul 5 and Cuba on Jul 13.
2012
Subbed on against Scotland on May 26th.
2011
Started against Argentina on March 26th.
2010
Played in both Sendoff Series games and was named to the World Cup roster. Started against England and Slovenia. Scored in the Oct 9th friendly against Poland. Named captain for the Oct 12th game against Colombia.
2009
Once again partnering Carlos Bocanegra as the first choice central defenders in the US system. Huge in defense during the Confederations Cup, with a standout performance in the semifinal win over Spain. Injured his knee in the final game of World Cup Qualifying.
2008
Capped a fine 90 minutes against Mexico by scoring the game's opening goal in 2-2 February exhibition game. Scored against Cuba on Oct 11th.
2007
Member of Gold Cup squad, becoming regular starter with Carlos Bocanegra in central defense. Made 11 starts over the course of the year, scoring in exhibition win over China.
2006
Made six appearances, including three starts at the World Cup.
2005
Scored first US goal by heading home a Landon Donovan free kick in added time to beat Honduras and put the US side through to the Gold Cup final. Voted to Gold Cup Best XI. Started in four of six Gold Cup matches, including the final. Won MVP in 2-0 to win over Mexico in World Cup qualifier. Won nine caps over the course of the year.
2004
Called into camp multiple times. Earned first cap as a reserve in the World Cup Qualifier against Panama in October.
2001
Was a key member in the U-20 World Cup in Argentina
1999
Led the US to a qualifying position in the CONCACAF U-17 World Championship
1998
Debuted with the U-17s against Guatemala. Scored first international goal in December against the Solomon Islands in New Zealand.
Professional Experience
2017
After a year out of the game, signed with the Philadelphia Union in January. Left the club at the end of the season.
2014-15
Signed with Charlton Athletic in the Championship in November on a short-term deal through the end of the season. Finished in 12th-place in the Championship.
2013-14
Signed with Queens Park Rangers on Oct 23. Signed with Sheffield Wednesday on Jan 12, 2014.
2012-13
Finished 6th with Malaga in Spain, returning to Sporting at the end of the season. Parted ways with Sporting at the end of August.
2011-12
Finished 4th with Sporting and was loaned to Malaga in Spain for the 2012-13 season.
2010-11
Returned to Milan from World Cup duty. Loaned to FC Twente in January. Returned to Milan at the end of the season. Announced on June 28th, 2011 that he had signed with Sporting in Portugal for three seasons.
2009-10
Injured in the October World Cup Qualifier with Costa Rica missing the rest of the Serie A season.
2008-09
Another title with Liege, this time decided by a two-game playoff with Anderlecht. Joined AC Milan at the end of the season.
2007-08
As a starter, Onyewu helped Liege to a championship, losing only once this season.
2006-07
After being linked with a number of elite European clubs, Onyewu was loaned to Newcastle United. A change in management at the end of the season saw him return to Standard Liege.
2005-06
Remained a first choice for Liege.
2004-05
Liege exercised an option in October to keep Onyewu. Clinched a starting role, and was considered one of the best defenders in the Belgian league.
2004
Was loaned from FC Metz to Standard Liege (Belgium)
2003
Was loaned from FC Metz to La Louviere (Belgium)
2002
Signed a four-year contract with FC Metz of the French First Division.
