RSL pillar Kyle Beckerman retires from professional soccer

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Real Salt Lake midfielder Kyle Beckerman announced today that after 21 seasons in Major League Soccer, 14 with RSL, that he will retire as a player.

"What a ride it's been," he said. "My playing days have come to an end, but I step away with a full heart and a lifetime of memories. I've had a career the younger me never could have imagined."

"There's no need for a long farewell when I've been playing each game as though it could be my last," he wrote on a statement he released on his own Twitter account. "I came to Utah knowing there was a mountain to climb but feeling we could get to the top with a team that valued hard work, belief in ourselves and commitment to one another.

"We succeeded together, and I lifted the trophy for each one of you who believed in us. We created a foundation on which RSL Nation will rest for years to come."

Beckerman was part of the RSL 2009 MLS Cup win in a shootout against the LA Galaxy. During his tenure as captain, in addition to winning the MLS Cup in 2009 RSL reached the finals in the 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League, 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and 2013 MLS Cup. For his efforts, he was voted by his teammates as the club’s MVP four times - 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2016.

Real Salt Lake called him the best defensive midfielder in Major League Soccer history, a view widely shared. The 38-year-old retires as the league’s all-time leader in regular-season matches played, matches started, and minutes played.

"I am proud of how long our club was able to punch far above its weight class," he wrote. "I'm hopeful new leadership will bring passion and steadiness to this organization once again. The players and fans deserve it."

MLS launched an investigation into RSL, after charges of racism surfaced after a cancelled game during COVID-19. The Major League Soccer Players Association called for the immediate suspension of Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen and the league took over the franchise and sale of the team. In early December MLS said it was ready to take over the sale, the new ownership that Beckerman alluded to.

The controversy sparked when RSL players joined with other MLS teams and NBA teams to protest the shooting of a Black man by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The midfielder was a fan favorite and part of the community in Salt Lake City and in Utah. He was named the Jordan Guernsey Humanitarian of the Year in 2018-2020 for his extensive work in the community, highlighted by the “Light the Res” project that brought solar energy to homes on the Navajo Reservation.

Beckerman also had 58 caps for the U.S. National Team, including appearances in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2009, 2013 and 2015 and the Copa America tournament in 2007 and 2016. In winning the Gold Cup title in 2013, he was named MVP of the Gold Cup Final. At the U-17 level, he developed at the Bradenton Academy in Florida alongside teammates who would become the core of the U.S. National Team for years to come. In 1999, the U.S. reached the semifinals of the FIFA U-17 Championships, with Beckerman scoring the winning goal in the quarterfinals against Mexico.

RSL's general manager, Elliot Fall said:

There aren’t words to describe the impact Kyle has had on our club, MLS, and this community. When you think of Real Salt Lake, you think of Kyle Beckerman. He is a legend. There will never be another like him. This is the end of an era, but I’m sure the next chapter from Kyle will be special as well. That’s the kind of person he is

"There are many people to thank over 21 years," Beckerman wrote. "I appreciate all the teammates I've batted with on the field and the coaches who put their trust in me. Thank you to the fans who never wavered through the highs and the lows, under sunny skies and through rain, sleet and snow.

"Most of all, I'm grateful to my family who have been my biggest supporters. My love for the game comes second only to you, and I know there is plenty to look forward to in this next chapter."

RSL head coach Freddy Juarez said:

"Kyle is a great human being who doesn’t need or want the spotlight. He is selfless and always wanted what was best for the group. His work ethic is remarkable. Kyle gave his all every day at every training session. His smile, every time we had a 5v2, showed you the kid in him and the love he has for the game. As a coach, I’ve enjoyed every minute of watching him play, train and the leadership he displayed with the team. I am grateful for the example he set for our young players of hard work and determination. As a fan, I am grateful to Kyle for giving his heart to the sport and for being a remarkable human being off the pitch."

RSL Interim President John Kimball said:

"From Day One, Kyle has redefined Real Salt Lake. On and off the field, we have become champions and whether it is in captaining the team to victory or in serving as an ambassador for the game throughout Utah, he has been front and center. He is a World Class player who has become a part of our community and we can’t thank him enough for his 14 years with Real Salt Lake. We wish him and his family best of luck in the next chapter of his life. He undoubtedly will approach it with the same passion, professionalism and authenticity that he has brought to the club."

"Kyle’s impact has not only been felt on the field but in communities he has touched over his career. Kyle has worked statewide to make a difference in Utah, a state he calls home. It has been a great experience working with him to bring solar and books to the students on the Navajo Reservation. His project has made an incredible difference to so many," Mary VanMinde, executive director of the RSL Foundation said.