Plano, Texas – The National Soccer Hall of Fame announced Thursday that four of the sport’s most recognizable American figures will be enshrined at its April 16 ceremony. Former U.S. women’s national team stars Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz, men’s veteran Jozy Altidore and global icon David Beckham were all voted in on the Hall’s player and veteran ballots.
Rapinoe and Ertz: Women’s game legends
Megan Rapinoe entered the Hall in her first year of eligibility after a career that includes two Women’s World Cup titles, an Olympic gold medal and the 2019 Ballon d’Or. She retired from the national team in 2023, finishing with 63 goals, 73 assists and 203 caps. Rapinoe also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022, the nation’s highest civilian honor. She was surprised by family and fans at Seattle‑Tacoma International Airport with the news of her election.
Julie Ertz, a former defensive midfielder, retired in 2023 after three World Cup appearances and two U.S. Soccer Player of the Year awards. Ertz was a cornerstone of the U.S. women’s defense and spent much of her club career with the Chicago Red Stars before a brief stint at Angel City FC.
Altidore and Beckham: Men’s game contributors
Jozy Altidore, a two‑time World Cup participant, scored 42 goals for the United States – the third‑most in U.S. men’s history – over 115 caps. He also netted the winning goal for Toronto FC in the 2017 MLS Cup.
David Beckham, who helped popularize soccer in America after joining the LA Galaxy in 2007, was elected on the veteran ballot. Beckham won back‑to‑back MLS titles with the Galaxy, scoring 18 goals in 98 appearances, and later became an MLS owner with Inter Miami, which entered the league in 2020.
Other inductees and ceremony details
The Hall also honored indoor soccer legend Tatu, a Brazilian forward who scored 857 regular‑season goals in a 21‑year indoor career, and former U.S. men’s coach Lothar Osiander, recognized on the builder ballot for his work with the national team and MLS clubs.
The induction ceremony will take place on April 16 at the Hall’s museum in Plano, offering fans a chance to celebrate the achievements of these players and contributors who have helped grow soccer across the United States.
Original reporting: Capitol City Now (WTAX 1240 Springfield) — read the source article.
