Bobby Convey
Bobby Convey (born May 27, 1983) is a retired American professional soccer player who primarily played as a left midfielder, renowned for becoming the youngest player to sign with Major League Soccer (MLS) at the time, at age 16, and for his contributions to both MLS clubs and the United States men's national team (USMNT), including participation in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.[1][2] Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Convey began his youth career with the Philadelphia Soccer Club Coppa and attended William Penn Charter School, where he played on the varsity team as an eighth grader and earned Parade All-American honors in 1999.[1][2] He made his professional debut with D.C. United in 2000 at 17 years and 10 months old, the youngest in MLS history at the time, and helped the team win the MLS Cup that season while appearing in 89 matches over four years with 8 goals and 14 assists.[1] In 2004, he transferred to Reading FC in England's Championship for a record fee for the club, where he played 110 matches, scored 8 goals, and was instrumental in their 2005–06 title win that promoted them to the Premier League, though injuries limited his top-flight appearances to 29 games.[1][2] Returning to MLS in 2009 with the San Jose Earthquakes, Convey recorded 1 goal and 2 assists in 26 appearances that year and earned the 2010 MLS Comeback Player of the Year award after a strong season with 1 goal and 10 assists in 28 matches.[1] He later played for Sporting Kansas City (2012–2013), Toronto FC (2013), and New York Red Bulls (2013–2014), amassing 224 MLS appearances overall with 15 goals, before retiring on December 2, 2014, following an injury-plagued final season.[2] Across his club career, he won the MLS Cup (2000 with D.C. United) and one English Championship title (2006 with Reading).[2] On the international stage, Convey earned 46 caps for the USMNT between 2000 and 2009, scoring 1 goal, and featured in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, starting all three group-stage matches. He also captained the U.S. U-20 team to fifth place at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship, earning a spot on the tournament's All-Star Team.[1]Early life and youth career
Early life
Bobby Convey was born on May 27, 1983, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1][3] He grew up in a family with deep athletic roots that fostered an early interest in sports; his father had played basketball at St. Francis University and was later inducted into the Philadelphia High School Hall of Fame, while his mother competed in field hockey.[4] Convey shared a particularly close relationship with his younger brother Tim, whom he described as his "best friend and playmate," and was influenced by his older sister Kelly, a pioneering soccer talent at Penn State University who became the first women's player there to earn NSCAA All-American honors.[4][3] The family's initial foray into organized youth sports involved tee-ball, but they quickly pivoted to soccer, with Kelly's success serving as a key motivator.[4] Philadelphia's soccer scene in the late 1980s and 1990s was burgeoning among youth programs in working-class and middle-class neighborhoods, providing accessible entry points for talents like Convey through local clubs.[5] At around age eight, he began playing above his age group at Penn Academy and soon joined the Philadelphia Soccer Club Coppa (also known as FC Coppa) in Northeast Philadelphia, a competitive team ranked among the top youth programs nationally at the time.[4][5][6] Convey attended the William Penn Charter School, a private Quaker institution in Philadelphia, where he balanced academics with emerging soccer interests during his high school years. He also earned Parade All-American honors in 1999 while playing on the varsity team as an eighth grader.[7][8][9] As a freshman in 1998, he was recognized as the Philadelphia high school player of the year, highlighting his rapid development in the local scene.[8] This early foundation in Philadelphia's vibrant but grassroots-oriented youth soccer environment laid the groundwork for his transition into more structured academy training.[5]Youth career
Convey developed his soccer skills in Philadelphia during his early years, where he first nurtured a passion for the sport through local youth programs.[5] In 1999, at the age of 15, Convey joined the inaugural class of the U.S. Soccer Federation's Bradenton Residency Program at the IMG Soccer Academy in Bradenton, Florida, marking a pivotal step in his elite-level training.[10] This groundbreaking initiative, modeled after France's Clairefontaine academy, aimed to accelerate the development of top American talents by providing full-time residential training.[10] There, Convey trained intensively alongside future U.S. national team standouts such as Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley, focusing on technical proficiency, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning under coach John Ellinger.[10] His selection for this pioneering group highlighted early scouting recognition of his versatility as a forward and midfielder, with reports noting his speed, vision, and ability to contribute to a high-tempo, possession-based style.[11] Convey's time at IMG directly fed into his involvement with the U.S. under-17 national team, where he became the youngest player selected for the squad heading into the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Championship qualifiers.[3] He made his international debut in February 1998 and, by 1999, had appeared in 45 matches for the under-17s, starting 43 and scoring 19 goals, demonstrating rapid progress in his offensive output and endurance.[12] A key milestone came in the CONCACAF qualifying tournament, where at age 15, he became the youngest player ever to feature for the U.S. under-17s in such competition.[12] The residency program's emphasis on competitive preparation culminated in Convey's participation in the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Championship in New Zealand, where he played in all six matches as the U.S. team advanced to fourth place—the best finish by an American squad at the tournament to that point.[12] During the event, Convey contributed assists and helped implement an attacking strategy that challenged high-pressing defenses, further solidifying his reputation as a promising prospect among scouts.[10] This exposure at IMG not only honed his skills but also positioned him as a standout in U.S. youth soccer development.[13]Club career
D.C. United
Bobby Convey was selected by D.C. United with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2000 MLS SuperDraft at the age of 16, making him the youngest player ever signed in Major League Soccer history at that time.[1] Born on May 27, 1983, Convey had honed his skills at the IMG Soccer Academy, which prepared him for a rapid transition to professional play. His debut came on April 8, 2000, against the Los Angeles Galaxy, and he quickly earned a starting role, appearing in 22 regular-season matches that year while starting 18.[1] During his rookie season, Convey recorded one goal and seven assists, contributing to D.C. United's second-place finish in the Eastern Conference and their advancement to the conference semifinals, where they fell to the Chicago Fire.[1] Over his five seasons with D.C. United from 2000 to 2004, Convey made 89 regular-season appearances, scoring 8 goals and providing 14 assists, while starting 80 matches.[14] His development accelerated under coaches Thomas Rongen (2000–2001) and Ray Hudson (2002–2003), particularly in 2002 when he notched a career-high 5 goals in 26 appearances, including strikes against the Los Angeles Galaxy, Columbus Crew, San Jose Earthquakes, MetroStars, and Dallas Burn.[1] In 2003, Convey helped D.C. United capture the Eastern Conference regular-season title with 19 appearances, 2 goals, and 1 assist, before featuring in both playoff matches during their conference final loss to the Chicago Fire.[1] The team's consistent playoff contention during his tenure—reaching the postseason in 2000, 2003, and 2004—highlighted their Eastern Conference competitiveness, though Convey departed mid-2004 after 10 appearances and 2 assists, prior to their MLS Cup victory.[14]Reading
In July 2004, Bobby Convey transferred from D.C. United to Reading F.C. for a fee of approximately £900,000, marking the highest amount paid by the club at that time and a record for an American player moving to Europe.[15][16] This move represented a significant step in his career, building on his early promise in Major League Soccer.[1] During his tenure with Reading from 2004 to 2009, Convey made 98 league appearances and scored 7 goals, contributing to 110 total matches across all competitions with 8 goals overall.[1] His versatility as a left midfielder and winger became a key asset, particularly in the club's push for promotion. Convey played a pivotal role in Reading's record-breaking 2005–06 EFL Championship campaign, appearing in 45 league matches and scoring 7 goals, including a brace in the season-opening 5–0 victory over Millwall.[12][17] Under manager Steve Coppell, Reading amassed 106 points—the highest total in the history of English football's second tier—securing the title and promotion to the Premier League for the first time in the club's history.[18][19] Convey's dynamic play on the left flank, combining defensive solidity with creative assists, helped form a balanced squad that lost only twice all season.[3] Upon promotion, Convey faced the challenges of adapting to the Premier League's increased pace and physicality in the 2006–07 and 2007–08 seasons, where he made 29 total appearances without scoring. Initially, he featured regularly, starting in Reading's historic 3–2 comeback win over Middlesbrough in their debut top-flight match.[3] However, a knee injury sustained in October 2006 significantly disrupted his progress, limiting his involvement and requiring ongoing recovery.[15] Subsequent setbacks, including a leg injury in 2007 and persistent knee issues leading to microfracture surgery, further hampered his adaptation and led to reduced playing time.[20][21] Despite these obstacles, Convey's experience in the Premier League provided valuable exposure to elite competition before his departure in 2009.[22]San Jose Earthquakes
After being released by Reading in early 2009, Bobby Convey returned to Major League Soccer by signing with the San Jose Earthquakes on February 10, as the club sought to bolster its midfield during a rebuilding phase.[7][23] His European experience at Reading had honed his technical abilities, allowing him to adapt quickly to MLS play.[24] In his debut season, Convey appeared in 26 matches, scoring one goal and providing two assists, contributing to the team's efforts despite a challenging 7-9-14 finish in the Western Conference.[1] Convey's resurgence peaked in 2010, where he started 28 games, netted one goal, and recorded a career-high 10 assists—fifth in the league—while helping the Earthquakes secure a playoff spot for the first time since their expansion days.[1][25] His recovery from prior injuries earned him the MLS Comeback Player of the Year award on November 10, recognizing his pivotal role in the team's defensive solidity, which limited opponents to just 33 goals in 30 regular-season matches.[26][27] In the playoffs, Convey excelled in the Western Conference semifinals, scoring twice and assisting once in a 3-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls on November 4, though the Earthquakes fell in the next round.[3] In 2011, Convey made 21 appearances, adding one goal—including a match-winner against New England on May 21—and two assists, as he shifted to left back to aid the team's second consecutive playoff run to the Western Conference semifinals.[3][12] Over his three seasons with San Jose from 2009 to 2011, he totaled 75 appearances and three goals, embodying a key figure in the club's revival.[1]Sporting Kansas City
In December 2011, Sporting Kansas City acquired midfielder Bobby Convey from the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for an international roster slot for the 2012 season.[28] As a veteran U.S. international with prior MLS experience from San Jose, Convey provided continuity and leadership in the team's midfield, drawing on his extensive professional background to mentor younger players.[28] During the 2012 season, Convey integrated effectively into Sporting Kansas City's lineup, making 16 league appearances with 14 starts and accumulating 979 minutes. He scored his lone goal for the club on May 12 against the Chicago Fire, opening the scoring in a 3-0 victory, and recorded two assists while contributing to an 8-4-2 record in his started matches.[3] Injuries limited his availability later in the year, causing him to miss eight matches from August to October, but he returned to appear as a second-half substitute in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals playoff series.[3] Convey's brief 2013 stint with Sporting Kansas City saw him make three league appearances and two starts for 122 minutes before being traded to Toronto FC on May 16. Over his full tenure from 2012 to 2013, he totaled 19 appearances and one goal across all competitions.[29] His time with the club aligned with a period of rising success, as Sporting Kansas City captured the 2013 Eastern Conference Championship by defeating the Houston Dynamo 2-1 in the conference final on November 23 and advanced to host MLS Cup, where they fell 1-1 (7-6 on penalties) to Real Salt Lake on December 7.[30][31]Toronto FC
In May 2013, Toronto FC acquired Bobby Convey from Sporting Kansas City in exchange for $75,000 in allocation money, aiming to bolster their midfield with the veteran's experience amid a struggling season. Convey debuted for the club shortly after the trade and quickly became a regular, starting in most matches as a left midfielder tasked with providing stability and creativity in a team that had won only three of its first 15 games.[32] Over the remainder of the 2013 MLS regular season, Convey appeared in 21 league matches for Toronto FC, recording one goal and four assists while logging 1,777 minutes on the pitch.[14] His contributions included key assists in rare victories, such as setting up the game-winning goal in a 2-1 win over Columbus Crew on July 27 and providing a precise cross for the equalizer in a 1-1 draw against D.C. United on August 24, highlighting his role in transitional play during a campaign marked by defensive vulnerabilities.[33][34] Toronto FC endured a dismal year, finishing last in the Eastern Conference with a 6-11-17 record and 17 more goals conceded than scored, failing to qualify for playoffs or advance in the Canadian Championship.[35] Convey's tenure was thus a brief effort to inject leadership into a rebuilding squad under coach Ryan Nelsen, though the team's overall woes limited broader impact; his rights were traded to New York Red Bulls in December 2013 for allocation money and a draft pick.[36]New York Red Bulls
In December 2013, Bobby Convey was traded to the New York Red Bulls from Toronto FC in exchange for the Red Bulls' natural first-round and third-round picks in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, with New York also receiving Toronto's natural second-round pick.[37] The move brought a versatile veteran to the squad, capable of playing in midfield or at left back, providing depth drawn from his extensive prior experience across Major League Soccer and European leagues.[38] During the 2014 MLS regular season, Convey appeared in 13 matches for the Red Bulls, accumulating 661 minutes primarily as a substitute without recording a goal or assist.[14] His role emphasized leadership and rotational support in a competitive midfield group, helping maintain squad balance amid a demanding schedule. The Red Bulls finished fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 13–10–11 record and 50 points, advancing to the MLS Cup Playoffs where they defeated Sporting Kansas City 2–1 in the knockout round before falling to the New England Revolution 3–3 on aggregate in the conference semifinals, with advancement decided by away goals.[39][40] Convey's presence contributed to the team's overall resilience during this postseason push, leveraging his tactical awareness from over 200 MLS appearances. Following the conclusion of the 2014 season, the Red Bulls declined Convey's contract option, marking the end of his professional playing career and his retirement at age 31 due to the accumulating physical toll of nearly two decades in professional soccer.[41][2]International career
Youth international career
Bobby Convey began his youth international career with the United States Under-17 Men's National Team, featuring in all six matches at the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Championship in New Zealand.[3] As the youngest player on the squad at age 16, he helped the team advance to the semifinals before securing fourth place overall after a 1-0 loss to Mexico in the third-place match.[10] These appearances came following intensive training camps and regional qualifiers in 1998 and 1999, where Convey debuted internationally on February 14, 1998, against Mexico, helping build the team's cohesion leading into the global tournament.[42] Transitioning to the Under-20 level, Convey accumulated 9 caps and scored 2 goals between 2001 and 2003.[1] He was a starter and the youngest member of the U-20 team at the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship in Argentina, where the United States advanced to the round of 16 after group stage play, with Convey contributing in four matches.[3] In preparation, he participated in CONCACAF qualifying tournaments and domestic training camps, including scoring multiple goals during the 2001 regional qualifiers.[7] For the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates, Convey captained the U.S. side through the November 2002 qualifying tournament in Charleston, South Carolina, securing qualification and advancing to the round of 16 at the finals, where they fell to Argentina.[7] Convey's standout performances with the youth national teams, facilitated by his time at the IMG Soccer Academy as a pipeline to selection, accelerated his path to professional soccer.[43] Recognized under the MLS Project-40 program for top youth talents, he became the youngest player ever signed by Major League Soccer at age 16, debuting for D.C. United in 2000 shortly after his U-17 World Championship experience.[44]Senior international career
Bobby Convey earned his first cap for the United States men's national team on October 25, 2000, at the age of 17 years and 4 months, in a friendly match against Mexico, making him one of the youngest debutants in U.S. soccer history.[45] His early international exposure built on prior success with the youth national teams, where he had already demonstrated versatility and skill.[46] Under head coach Bruce Arena, who led the team from 1998 to 2006, Convey quickly established himself as a reliable squad member, benefiting from Arena's emphasis on disciplined midfield play and tactical flexibility.[28] Convey primarily operated as a left midfielder for the U.S. team, utilizing his left foot to provide width on the flank, deliver precise crosses, and contribute to both defensive pressing and attacking transitions.[2] His progression under Arena included consistent call-ups for World Cup qualifiers and regional competitions, where he helped maintain balance in the midfield during key phases of play.[16] By 2003, Convey had become a regular, participating in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, where the U.S. secured third place after a semifinal loss to Brazil and a 3–2 victory over Costa Rica in the third-place match, in which Convey scored the third goal.[47] In 2006, Convey was selected for the FIFA World Cup in Germany under Arena's final squad, appearing in all three group stage matches as the U.S. team exited in the first round following defeats to the Czech Republic and Ghana, and a 1–1 draw with Italy.[48] Over his senior international career, which spanned from 2000 to 2008, Convey accumulated 46 caps and scored 1 goal, reflecting his enduring role in the team's evolution during a period of competitive growth in CONCACAF and global competitions.[3]Personal life
Health challenges
Bobby Convey was born with optic nerve damage in his left eye, resulting from birth complications including the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, which nearly proved fatal. The condition was discovered in childhood following a concussion sustained when he slipped while hurrying to a soccer game. Although diagnosed as legally blind in that eye—meaning he sees nothing when closing his right eye—the impairment primarily affected peripheral vision, allowing him to maintain nearly perfect overall sight and pursue a professional soccer career without significant hindrance.[49][50] Convey has lived with asthma since childhood, a condition he managed privately throughout his playing career using multiple medications to control symptoms during training and matches. The asthma progressively worsened, leading to severe impacts on his daily life, including substantial weight fluctuations of nearly 40 pounds and reliance on up to 10 different treatments intermittently. He adapted by incorporating medical interventions that enabled continued high-level performance, though the privacy surrounding his health limited public awareness of these challenges during his active years.[51] In a March 2017 Instagram post, Convey publicly disclosed the toll of his asthma for the first time, describing a life-threatening attack that required emergency hospitalization, including breathing treatments and steroid injections, and left him fighting for his life. He wrote, "I have had asthma my whole life but it has gotten progressively worse over the years," emphasizing the emotional and physical strain after years of silence. These escalating health issues influenced his retirement timeline by rendering sustained professional play untenable.[52][51] In July 2024, Convey announced on social media that he had undergone treatment for colon cancer, describing it as a "scary" and "exhausting" battle, but confirmed his recovery after a five-week hospital stay.[53][54]Retirement and post-playing activities
Bobby Convey officially retired from professional soccer at the end of the 2014 MLS season after appearing in 14 matches for the New York Red Bulls, where the cumulative physical wear from a career plagued by injuries ultimately forced his decision.[55] He described the retirement as "forced upon me" and "extremely depressing," reflecting the toll of persistent health setbacks that curtailed his playing time in his final years.[51] In 2017, Convey publicly disclosed that severe asthma attacks had been a major contributing factor to his retirement, revealing he had undergone two surgeries and four hospitalizations since leaving the game in 2014 while managing the condition with 10 different medications.[51] This health challenge, which he called his "new reality," accelerated the end of his career and continued to impact his post-playing life.[51] Following retirement, Convey has led a low-profile life in Charleston, South Carolina, with his wife and son, focusing primarily on family and health management rather than pursuing documented involvement in soccer.[51] As of November 2025, no major post-retirement pursuits in coaching, broadcasting, or executive roles have been reported, maintaining his status as a private figure after a 16-year professional career.Honors
Club honors
D.C. United
- MLS Cup: 2000, 2004[1]
Reading
- Football League Championship: 2005–06[1]
Sporting Kansas City
- Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup: 2012[56]
Individual honors
Bobby Convey earned recognition as the youngest player ever signed by Major League Soccer when he joined D.C. United at age 16 in 2000.[1] This milestone highlighted his prodigious talent emerging from the youth ranks.[12] Convey was selected to the MLS All-Star team three times during his career, first in 2001 as a teenager with D.C. United, where he was voted as one of the starters alongside other young stars like Landon Donovan.[57] His second selection came in 2004 while with D.C. United, earning a reserve spot for the Eastern Conference squad.[58] He rounded out his All-Star honors in 2010 with the San Jose Earthquakes, chosen by head coach Bruce Arena to replace an injured player.[59] In 2010, Convey received the MLS Comeback Player of the Year award for his standout performance with the San Jose Earthquakes, where he recorded a career-high 10 assists after overcoming injuries and a period abroad.[60] Additionally, he was named the 2002 U.S. Soccer Young Male Athlete of the Year, acknowledging his contributions on the field and with the national team youth squads.[3] In 2004, Convey's transfer to Reading FC in England's Football League Championship set a club record fee at the time.[61]Career statistics
Club statistics
Bobby Convey's club career, spanning from 2000 to 2014, encompassed 339 appearances, 23 goals, and 35 assists across all competitions.[29] His performances were distributed across Major League Soccer (MLS), the English Premier League, and the EFL Championship, with additional contributions in domestic cups and continental tournaments.[14] The table below summarizes his domestic league statistics by season, including appearances (matches played), starts, minutes, goals, and assists. These figures highlight his consistent involvement, particularly during his time with D.C. United and Reading, where he achieved seasonal highs of 5 goals in 2002 (MLS) and 7 goals with 10 assists in 2005–06 (EFL Championship).[14]| Season | Club | Competition | Matches Played | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | D.C. United | MLS | 22 | 18 | 1,615 | 0 | 4 |
| 2001 | D.C. United | MLS | 12 | 11 | 992 | 1 | 5 |
| 2002 | D.C. United | MLS | 26 | 25 | 2,248 | 5 | 2 |
| 2003 | D.C. United | MLS | 19 | 16 | 1,576 | 2 | 1 |
| 2004 | D.C. United | MLS | 10 | 10 | 823 | 0 | 2 |
| 2004–05 | Reading | Championship | 18 | 4 | 633 | 0 | 0 |
| 2005–06 | Reading | Championship | 45 | 45 | 3,589 | 7 | 10 |
| 2006–07 | Reading | Premier League | 9 | 8 | 614 | 0 | 3 |
| 2007–08 | Reading | Premier League | 20 | 12 | 1,056 | 0 | 2 |
| 2008–09 | Reading | Championship | 6 | 3 | 295 | 0 | 1 |
| 2009 | San Jose Earthquakes | MLS | 26 | 25 | 2,200 | 1 | 2 |
| 2010 | San Jose Earthquakes | MLS | 28 | 28 | 2,472 | 1 | 7 |
| 2011 | San Jose Earthquakes | MLS | 21 | 19 | 1,768 | 1 | 2 |
| 2012 | Sporting Kansas City | MLS | 16 | 14 | 979 | 1 | 1 |
| 2013 | Sporting Kansas City | MLS | 3 | 2 | 122 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | Toronto FC | MLS | 21 | 20 | 1,777 | 1 | 3 |
| 2014 | New York Red Bulls | MLS | 13 | 9 | 743 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 315 | 269 | 23,502 | 20 | 45 |
International statistics
Bobby Convey earned 46 caps for the senior United States men's national soccer team from 2000 to 2008, during which he scored 1 goal.[62][63] His international debut came on October 25, 2000, against Mexico at age 17 years and 151 days, making him the youngest player to appear for the USMNT at that time.[64] His sole international goal arrived on July 26, 2003, in a 3-2 CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage victory over Costa Rica.[63] At the youth level, Convey represented the United States U-17 team with 6 caps in 1999, including all 6 matches at the FIFA U-17 World Championship in New Zealand, where the team achieved a fourth-place finish.[3] He also earned 9 caps for the U-20 team from 2001 to 2003, scoring 2 goals, and served as captain at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates, where the U.S. reached the quarterfinals.[65][3] The following table summarizes Convey's senior international appearances by year:| Year | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 | 0 |
| 2001 | 2 | 0 |
| 2002 | 6 | 0 |
| 2003 | 10 | 1 |
| 2004 | 9 | 0 |
| 2005 | 8 | 0 |
| 2006 | 8 | 0 |
| 2007 | 1 | 0 |
| 2008 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 46 | 1 |