The announcement was made today by John Entz, FOX Sports Executive Vice President, Production.
Friedel, an Ohio native, is currently a goalkeeper for Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur, and is a club Ambassador in the US. He is expected to contribute to FOX Sports’ coverage of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and England’s FA Cup, followed by Major League Soccer, USMNT matches and FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015.
No stranger to FOX Sports, Friedel previously contributed to its coverage of the 2012 and 2013 UEFA Champions League Finals. He was also a studio analyst for BBC’s 2014 World Cup coverage in Brazil.
“We’re excited to have someone with Brad’s passion and versatility return to the fold,” Entz said. “He’s a terrific communicator, and is able to offer unique perspectives on both American and European soccer that no doubt improves the quality and depth of our coverage.”
“I’m excited and honored to once again work with the team at FOX Sports,” said Friedel (@friedel_b). “I’m looking forward to this next phase of my career. I enjoy the media work and analysis, and the FOX Sports bouquet of soccer rights is compelling.”
Friedel brings vast playing experience to his television commentary as one of the most successful American players of all time. He played 82 games for the USMNT from 1992 to 2005 and represented his country at three FIFA World Cups.
After playing college soccer at UCLA and a spell with MLS’s Columbus Crew, where he was named 1997 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, Friedel moved to England to begin his stellar Premier League career first with Liverpool, and later, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham. He holds the league record for most consecutive appearances with 310.
In total, Friedel has played 586 first class games in England and has 668 club appearances worldwide. At age 43, he is the oldest active player in the Premier League, having signed a one-year contract extension at the beginning of this season. Friedel has a UEFA A Coaching license and is also working towards earning the select UEFA Pro License, the game’s highest coaching qualification.
