After a career spanning 21 years, across continents, from the Premier League to the World Cup, and nine years with Atlanta United, a pillar of the club is finally hanging up his gloves.
Brad Guzan announced today in a video tribute posted to social media that this season will be his last as a professional goalkeeper.
Atlanta United’s all-time leader in appearances with 261 across all competitions joined the club in the summer of 2017 on a free transfer after spending nine years in the Premier League. Guzan was drafted by Chivas USA in 2005 from the South Carolina Gamecocks, and in 2007 won MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. He then transferred to English side Aston Villa, where he remained for eight years, including a short loan stint with Hull City, before a brief tenure at Middlesbrough.
On the international stage, Guzan made 64 caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team, and was included in the 2010 and 2014 World Cup squads as well as the 2008 Olympic team. Guzan also claimed three Gold Cups with the USMNT in 2007, 2017, and 2021.
Share a note of appreciation to Brad Guzan for an outstanding nine seasons with Atlanta United. Click here.
With Atlanta United, Guzan has been the face of the club for his nine seasons. His impact was felt instantly as he joined the club in the summer window, going on to lead the league in save percentage and helping the Five Stripes post a streak of five consecutive clean sheets. His solid presence in the back was a key factor in guiding the team to an MLS Cup the very next season.
In 2019, Brad Guzan took over the captaincy from Michael Parkhurst, which he held all the way to 2025. His league leading play in 2019 earned a spot on the MLS All-Star team, and brought the team a U.S. Open Cup victory and second consecutive appearance in the Eastern Conference Final. He signed an extension with the club in 2020.
Guzan suffered a ruptured Achilles in April of 2022, forcing him to miss the remained of the season and undergo an intensive recovery process. Despite the setback, the veteran goalkeeper was able to make a full return to the team, and helped them to a playoff appearance in 2023. In 2024, Guzan made global headlines as he turned back the clock against a seemingly unstoppable Inter Miami side in the MLS Cup Playoffs, eliminating the Messi-led side in one of the greatest upsets in MLS history.
As the 41 year old goalkeeper approached his anticipated retirement this season, he continued to use his leadership in guiding the next generation as Jayden Hibbert begins his time between the posts. Off the field, Guzan was involved as an ambassador for Atlanta United’s Unified team, a role he held since joining the club, and was also named the inaugural Media Ambassador of the club in 2024.
No matter what the future holds for Brad Guzan, his legendary tenure with Atlanta United fully deserves the recognition and celebration due his way. With one final match to go on Saturday against D.C. United, it’s where all attention should be as his legacy on the field comes to a close.
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I was originally thinking they should make the tifo of a wooden spoon somehow. I would be ok with it being of Guzan instead. Maybe of him holding the mls cup accomplishes both ideas at once.
Why not have two? Honor Brad at the start, pull out the spoon at the beginning of the 2nd half.
I know this season hasn’t been what he wanted it to be, and it’s not the greatest send off, but i’ll say this…he’s going to be missed and yelling “GGGUUUUZZZZ” with people wondering why we’re booing the GK will always stay with me. Hopefully he starts this Saturday and we can get one last send off for him, though i’ll say his stand against Inter Miami last season will never be forgotten.
(though I do wish he could have gotten revenge on Campana…F that guy).
[…] Brad Guzan announces retirement, bringing a legendary career to a close […]
Congrats to Guzan! This probably means he will get the final start this Saturday.