History of Alexi Lalas in Timeline

Alexi Lalas is a retired American soccer player, primarily a center-back, who gained prominence during the 1994 FIFA World Cup as a member of the United States national team. His distinctive appearance made him a memorable figure during the tournament. Following the World Cup, Lalas broke ground by becoming the first American to play in Italy's Serie A, joining Calcio Padova.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

June 1, 1970: Alexi Lalas Born

On June 1, 1970, Panayotis Alexander Lalas, later known as Alexi Lalas, was born. He would later become a prominent American soccer player.

Others born on this day/year

1987: Named Michigan High School Player of the Year

In 1987, during his senior year at Cranbrook Kingswood School, Alexi Lalas was named the Michigan High School Player of the Year for soccer. He was also rated for the Ontario Hockey League Midget draft, but was not selected.

1988: Lalas Joins Rutgers University Soccer Team

In 1988, Alexi Lalas joined the men's soccer team at Rutgers University, after trying out and participating in some spring matches and an indoor tournament.

1989: Reaches NCAA Final Four and Named All-American

In 1989, Alexi Lalas and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights reached the NCAA Final Four. Lalas was also named a third-team All-American and led the hockey team in scoring.

1990: Reaches National Championship Game and Named All-American

In 1990, Alexi Lalas and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights reached the National Championship Game. Lalas was also named a third-team All-American.

March 12, 1991: First Cap with US National Team

On March 12, 1991, Alexi Lalas earned his first cap with the United States national team in a 2–2 tie with Mexico in the 1991 NAFC Championship.

1991: Lalas Leaves Rutgers to Focus on National Team

In 1991, Alexi Lalas left Rutgers University to focus on the U.S. national team despite his interest in finishing his degree.

1991: Named First-Team All-American

In 1991, Alexi Lalas received first-team All-American recognition while playing for Rutgers University. He was also selected for the Hermann Trophy and the Missouri Athletic Club Player of the Year award.

1992: Member of Olympic Soccer Team

In 1992, Alexi Lalas was part of the United States Olympic soccer team for the Summer Olympics in Spain.

1992: Lalas Trains and Trials with Arsenal

In 1992, after the Summer Olympics, Alexi Lalas trained with Bob McNab and had a trial with Arsenal. He did not make the first team and returned to Detroit before joining the United States tryouts.

January 30, 1993: Returns to US National Team

On January 30, 1993, Alexi Lalas returned to the United States national team, coming on as a substitute in a 2-2 tie with Denmark.

March 23, 1993: Lalas Starts for US National Team

On March 23, 1993, Alexi Lalas started a game for the United States national team in a 2-2 tie with El Salvador, becoming a fixture on the team.

1994: The Gypsies Release Woodland Album

During the 1994 World Cup, Alexi Lalas's band, The Gypsies, released their self-produced album "Woodland".

1994: Lalas Participates in the 1994 FIFA World Cup

In 1994, Alexi Lalas participated in the FIFA World Cup as a member of the United States national team. His distinctive appearance made him a standout player. He also became the first American to play in Italy's Serie A, joining Calcio Padova after the World Cup.

1994: Starts in 1994 FIFA World Cup

In 1994, Alexi Lalas started and played all ninety minutes in all four U.S. games of the 1994 FIFA World Cup and was named an honorable mention All-Star.

1994: Lalas Signs with Calcio Padova

In 1994, after the FIFA World Cup, Alexi Lalas signed with Italian Serie A club Padova, becoming the first American to play in the league.

June 10, 1995: Padova Wins Relegation Play-Off

On June 10, 1995, Padova won a relegation play-off, ensuring its survival in the top ranks of Serie A for the next season, with Alexi Lalas as a key part of the defense.

June 11, 1995: Appears in U.S. Cup Victory

On June 11, 1995, Alexi Lalas flew directly from a relegation playoff game with his club team, Padova, to appear in the second half of a 1995 U.S. Cup victory over Nigeria.

June 25, 1995: Lalas Signs with MLS

On June 25, 1995, Major League Soccer (MLS) signed Alexi Lalas to play for one of the new league's teams, with plans to begin playing in 1996.

October 7, 1995: Lalas Placed with New England Revolution

On October 7, 1995, as part of the allocation process for high-profile players, MLS placed Alexi Lalas with the New England Revolution.

February 1996: MLS Draft

In February 1996, the inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) draft was held, allocating high-profile players throughout the league's ten teams.

February 25, 1996: Lalas Last Played for Padova

On February 25, 1996, Alexi Lalas played his last game for Padova in a home game against Lazio before returning to play in the MLS.

April 13, 1996: Revolution Debut

On April 13, 1996, Alexi Lalas made his Revolution debut in the club's first-ever match, against Tampa Bay Mutiny.

1996: Releases Far from Close Album

In 1996, Alexi Lalas released his first solo album, "Far from Close".

1996: Lalas Joins New England Revolution

In 1996, Alexi Lalas returned to the United States to play in the newly formed Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the New England Revolution.

1996: MLS All-Star and Clashes with Stapleton

In 1996, Alexi Lalas was named an MLS All-Star but clashed with Revolution head coach Frank Stapleton. Tensions arose after Giuseppe Galderisi was traded, leading to Lalas being benched in August.

1996: Selected as Overage Player for Olympics

In 1996, Alexi Lalas was selected as an overage player on the United States Olympic soccer team at the Summer Olympics.

November 1997: Loaned to Club Emelec

In November 1997, Alexi Lalas was loaned by the Revolution to Ecuadorian First Division Club Emelec for a month.

1997: Regular on Revs Backline

During the 1997 season, Alexi Lalas was a regular on the Revs backline, starting 29 matches.

1997: MLS All-Star Selection

In 1997, Alexi Lalas was named an MLS All-Star for the second consecutive year, highlighting his continued performance in the league.

February 4, 1998: Traded to the MetroStars

On February 4, 1998, Alexi Lalas was traded to the MetroStars in what became the first three-team trade in MLS history.

May 30, 1998: Last Cap with US National Team

On May 30, 1998, Alexi Lalas earned his last cap with the U.S. national team in a scoreless tie with Scotland, as a second-half substitute.

1998: Plays for MetroStars

In 1998, Alexi Lalas played for the MetroStars before being traded to the Kansas City Wizards.

1998: Releases Ginger Album and Tours with Hootie & The Blowfish

In 1998, Alexi Lalas released his album "Ginger" and his band, The Gypsies, opened for Hootie & The Blowfish during a European tour.

January 28, 1999: Traded to Kansas City Wizards

On January 28, 1999, Alexi Lalas was traded to the Kansas City Wizards along with Tony Meola.

October 10, 1999: Lalas Announces Retirement

On October 10, 1999, Alexi Lalas announced his retirement from professional soccer after playing one season with the Kansas City Wizards. He was also named to the MLS All-Star team in 1999.

2000: Galaxy Wins CONCACAF Champions' Cup

In 2000, Alexi Lalas helped the Galaxy win the CONCACAF Champions' Cup.

January 16, 2001: Signs with Los Angeles Galaxy

On January 16, 2001, Alexi Lalas returned to playing, signing with the Los Angeles Galaxy as a discovery player.

2002: Galaxy Wins Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup

In 2002, Alexi Lalas helped the Galaxy win the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup. He was named to the 2002 MLS Best XI.

2003: Lalas Retires from Playing Career

In 2003, Alexi Lalas retired from his playing career after a successful period with the Los Angeles Galaxy, where he won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and MLS Cup.

January 12, 2004: Retires Permanently

On January 12, 2004, Alexi Lalas retired again, this time permanently, marking the end of his decorated playing career.

2004: President and GM of Earthquakes

In 2004, Alexi Lalas served as president and general manager of the San Jose Earthquakes. He continued this role into 2005.

2005: GM of MetroStars/Red Bulls

In 2005, Alexi Lalas served as general manager of the MetroStars/New York Red Bulls, a position he held until 2006.

2006: President of LA Galaxy

In 2006, Alexi Lalas became the President of the LA Galaxy, during which time the club signed David Beckham. He held this position until 2008.

2006: Lalas Elected to National Soccer Hall of Fame

In 2006, Alexi Lalas was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the sport.

2008: Leaves LA Galaxy

In 2008, Alexi Lalas ended his time as President of the LA Galaxy and would later spend six years as a commentator for ESPN before signing a commentary deal with Fox Sports.

2010: Releases So It Goes Album

In 2010, Alexi Lalas released his album, "So It Goes".

2013: Lalas Resumes Education at Rutgers

In 2013, Alexi Lalas resumed his education at Rutgers University as they began offering enough online classes to allow him to complete his degree.

May 2014: Lalas Graduates from Rutgers

In May 2014, Alexi Lalas earned a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in music from Rutgers University, completing what he called "a 26-year plan".

2014: Releases Infinity Spaces Album

In 2014, Alexi Lalas released his album, "Infinity Spaces".

2016: Releases Shots Album

In 2016, Alexi Lalas released his album "Shots".

2018: Releases Sunshine Album

In 2018, Alexi Lalas released his album "Sunshine".

2019: Releases Look at You Album

In 2019, Alexi Lalas released his album "Look at You".

2022: Releases Melt Away Album

In 2022, Alexi Lalas released his album "Melt Away".

2022: Lalas Reports at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

In 2022, Alexi Lalas worked as a reporter at the World Cup in Qatar.

2024: Endorsed Ron DeSantis in the Presidential Election

In 2024, Alexi Lalas, a Republican, endorsed Ron DeSantis in the United States presidential election. He had previously voted for Donald Trump and expressed support for his policies.