What happened to the 90s football icon Alexi Lalas?

Alexi Lalas was a key figure in the resurgence of the US national team in the 1990s and the first American to play in Italy’s Serie A. Colloquially known as the known there as the "football rocker" for his long hair and distinctive red beard resembling a modern-day Buffalo Bill, he commanded the national team’s defense for years, becoming one of its most iconic players in history.

His career took off during the 1994 World Cup in the United States, where Lalas gained international recognition with an impressive performance. This led him to Italy, where he signed with Padova, making his professional debut after playing college football with the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights in New Jersey, as documented by the Rutgers University Athletics website.

He spent two years in Serie A before returning to the US in 1996, where he became a pivotal figure in the early development of Major League Soccer (MLS). Lalas would go on to spend the majority of his career in MLS, helping to grow the league and extending his playing days for nearly a decade until his eventual retirement.

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After his stint abroad, Lalas remained in the US, playing for the New York MetroStars (1997-1998) and Sporting Kansas City, then known as the Kansas City Wizards, in 1999. In 2001, after a year of inactivity, he joined the Los Angeles Galaxy, where he played until his retirement in 2003.

At 34, Lalas transitioned into a new phase of his life, stepping away from the pitch but not from the game he loved. This period saw him have an even greater impact on MLS than during his playing career. As a key executive, Lalas played influential roles in shaping the league, notably serving as general manager for teams like the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls, contributing to the growth and development of MLS as a major force in American sports.

Just a few months after hanging up his boots, the Michigan center back swapped the pitch for the executive offices, becoming the manager of the San Jose Earthquakes franchise. He would stay there for a year and a half, leading the Californian team to the Western Conference semifinals after finishing first in the regular season, as recounted by FourFourTwo.

"There comes a day when you realize you can't perform like you used to. For many players, it's a blow, but I saw it as an opportunity to continue working for the development of soccer in the United States. And while I made mistakes, I learned a lot during this time," he said, as told by the Spanish football magazine Panenka.

His great work in San José led him to cross the country to become the general manager of the New York MetroStars, where he stayed for just 307 days, but would leave a lasting legacy. Firstly, with the team he put together jam-packed with world stars such as Youri Djorkaeff, Lothar Matthäus, Roberto Donadoni and Adolfo Valencia.

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Immediately after leaving the New York franchise, Lalas became the president of another historic MLS team, the Los Angeles Galaxy, the team where he finished his career as a footballer and where he remained for almost two years, his longest period as a manager.

Most notable from this time is his negotiations with Real Madrid to bring David Beckham to the MLS as a Galaxy player in 2007, although the results did not go his way initially. It was not until 2009, with Lalas already out the door, when the team reached the championship final. Though he wasn't around to enjoy it, the team's success largely stemmed from Lalas' efforts the previous years.

"Chance has led me to be a protagonist in some of the most important chapters in the future of soccer in the United States, including the arrival of David Beckham. In reality, it was not a very complicated operation, mainly because we offered a lot of money to Real Madrid," he told Panenka.

And he added, "just as important, is that, beyond being able to live in a city like Los Angeles, David Beckham was seduced by the idea of coming to the United States and becoming the greatest ambassador of football in the country. It was the perfect moment."

Alongside his media career, Lalas has actively participated in various FIFA events and has shown a strong commitment to numerous humanitarian causes. He has appeared on several well-known American television programs, using his platform to advocate for social issues and raise awareness.

Lalas is well-remembered for his rock music career, particularly for his album Ginger (1998), which marked a high point in his musical journey after years with various rock bands. His unique blend of rock and sportsmanship has made him a multifaceted icon – and one of the most influential people in football in the United States.

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