Freddy Adu Through the Years

The legendary Pele met Freddy Adu in 2004 while the pair made a Sierra Mist commercial in Florida. Pele said Adu "[had been given] the gift to play football."

Freddy Adu debuted with D.C. United as a 14 year old but never established a regular spot in the lineup, recording only 11 goals in 87 games.

Portuguese giant Benfica paid MLS $2 million in 2007 for Adu, but he rarely saw time on the field in Portugal, appearing in 11 games with 2 goals.

Under coach Hector Cuper, Freddy Adu has progressed at Aris where he's scored 2 goals in 6 games.

A reunion at RSL under his former U.S. youth coach John Ellinger was supposed to see Adu shine, but he only played in 11 games with just 1 goal.

Adu's career-best performance came during the 2007 U-20 World Cup when he shined for the U.S. in leading it past Brazil.

In November 2006, Freddy Adu trained with Manchester United for a two-week trial period, but Sir Alex Ferguson decided against making a bid for him.

Adu's opportunities for the senior U.S. national team have been far and few.